News Summary
Students of Rabindra University organized a protest in Dhaka demanding the construction of a permanent campus and the resignation of the Environmental Advisor. Facing prolonged delays in establishing their dedicated building, students expressed frustration over operating from a rented facility for nearly nine years. Their protests included a road blockade and a human chain, echoing deeper concerns about the higher education system’s funding and infrastructure in Bangladesh.
Students at Rabindra University in Dhaka Protest for Permanent Campus
On July 27, students of Rabindra University staged protests in Dhaka, demanding action towards the construction of a permanent campus. The demonstrations were fueled by a longstanding issue: the university has been operating out of a rented building for nearly nine years, and students are frustrated with the continuous delays in establishing a dedicated campus.
Protests Intensify with Road Blockade
During the protests, students organized a road blockade on the Dhaka-Pabna highway, which caused significant traffic disruptions for commuters. Their frustration reached a peak following a recent visit by the government’s Environmental Advisor, who acknowledged their demands but suggested they exercise patience. This response, perceived as dismissive, only worsened the students’ agitation.
Human Chain and Symbolic Actions
In an additional display of their discontent, students formed a human chain near the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) bus stand, strengthening their message for a permanent campus. They pointed out the disappointment caused by the ongoing delays in the approval of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) needed for construction.
The students expressed concern over why financial resources seem to be allocated to other educational institutions but not to theirs. This feeling of being overlooked has been a significant catalyst for their protests, as they believe they deserve equal treatment and infrastructure to support their academic pursuits.
Previous Day’s Gesture of Protest
The day prior to the protests, on July 26, students took symbolic action by wearing black badges and forming a human chain. They protested against the university’s planned activities for the day, signaling their discontent with the situation. In response to the students’ actions, the university administration announced the postponement of examinations for various departments, including Bangla, Economics, and Management.
Lack of Government Support
The ongoing demonstrations have highlighted the underlying issue of financial support for the university’s construction needs. Reports indicate a lack of funding from the interim government, which is led by Muhammad Yunus. This absence of resources is alarming for students who have long indicated that the establishment of a permanent campus is essential for their education and future.
Persistent Advocacy for a Permanent Campus
The ongoing protests underscore the students’ commitment to securing a permanent educational establishment. They are adamant that their institution should not just survive on the margins but thrive with its own dedicated facilities. The situation is urgent, with students feeling that their educational needs are not being met adequately by the current temporary arrangements.
The Rabindra University community remains hopeful that the issues will be addressed soon. The continuous advocacy from students reflects their desire for a stable and supportive learning environment essential for their academic growth. The outcome of these protests could potentially pave the way for future actions regarding educational infrastructure across the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Reuters: Students Protest in Bangladesh
- CNN: Bangladesh Plane Crash Witnesses
- Union Bulletin: Bangladesh Students Protest
- Taipei Times: Bangladesh Protest Coverage
- Hindustan Times: Bangladesh Air Chief’s Plea
