FROM PAGE 12

protesters marched towards Gulshan-1 and blocked the intersection around 6:40pm, which caused a traffic jam that lasted until 7:50pm.

The students then announced the withdrawal of the blockade from the intersection, considering public suffering. However, they soon marched back to the college gate and resumed blocking the road at Mohakhali.

The students ended their demonstration for the day around 8:10pm, vowing to resume the protests and continue until their demands are met.

Mahmudul Hasan Muktar, a political science student and spokesperson for the protesters, said, “We will engage in talks only if someone comes forward with a proposal on a full-fledged university.”

He added they would strongly resist any attempts to politicise their demand.

On Friday, the protesters issued an ultimatum, demanding that Titumir College be declared a university by 4:00pm the next day, or they would block roads or railways in north Dhaka under the programme “Barasat Barricade to North City”.

Some students had been on a hunger strike in front of the college’s main gate since Thursday. As of yesterday, 12 students were on hunger strike. Six of them were hospitalised after falling ill.

Meanwhile, the education ministry urged the protesters to have patience, saying that the issue was under consideration.

It said in a statement that a committee, led by the University Grants Commission chairman, is working on plans to establish a separate university for the seven colleges affiliated with Dhaka University, including Titumir College.

The ministry said the concerns of the students were being addressed with empathy, and the committee already held discussions with student representatives from Titumir College and the other six colleges.

The statement said the government was committed to enhancing educational opportunities and improving the quality of these institutions. It added that all possible solutions are being explored.

The ministry also advised the protesters to refrain from setting deadlines and actions that could disrupt public life or interfere with regular academic activities at the college.