Students Block Key Dhaka Roads Demanding New University Ordinance

Thousands of students from seven government colleges blocked several major intersections in the capital on Wednesday, demanding the immediate issuance of an ordinance to establish the proposed Dhaka Central University.

The blockades, which began around midday, paralyzed traffic at the Science Laboratory, Technical (Mirpur), Tantibazar, and Mohakhali Amtoli intersections. The disruption left commuters stranded for hours during the busy afternoon period.

Participating institutions included Dhaka College, Eden Mohila College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Mirpur Government Bangla College, Government Titumir College, and Begum Badrunnesa Government Women’s College.

The protesters are demanding that the "Dhaka Central University Act, 2025" be approved during the government’s Advisory Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, January 15. They want the final executive order to be issued by the President the same day.

"The Education Ministry promised us in December that all formalities would be finished by early January," said SH Rabiullah, a student representative. "We are now out on the streets to ensure this deadline is met at tomorrow's meeting."

The proposed university aims to integrate the seven colleges into a unified academic structure. A draft ordinance released on September 24 suggests dividing the colleges into four specialized "schools."

While the government views this as a move to modernize higher education, some teachers and students remain concerned over how the transition will affect the unique identities of the historic institutions.