Dhaka University (DU) authorities have decided to terminate the affiliation of seven colleges with the university, following violent clashes between DU students and students from the affiliated colleges. 

The decision, announced on Monday, will take effect from the upcoming 2024–25 academic session.

The seven colleges impacted by this decision are Dhaka College, Government Bangla College, Government Titumir College, Eden Mohila College, Kabi Nazrul Government College, Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College, and Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College.

DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan made this announcement at a press conference held in the Abdul Matin Virtual Room after an emergency meeting with the principals of the affiliated colleges. 

“No new students will be admitted under Dhaka University’s affiliation from the next academic year. A government expert committee, formed last year, will now oversee the admission process for these colleges”, he said.

Dr. Khan further explained that the university will continue its academic and administrative support for current students of the affiliated colleges until a new framework is established.

The decision comes after students from the seven colleges issued a four-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the end of their affiliation with DU and the establishment of a dedicated university for their institutions. 

The protests, triggered by alleged derogatory remarks from DU Pro-VC Dr. Mamun Ahmed, escalated into overnight clashes in the Neelkhet area.

The protesting students also demanded the removal of Dr. Mamun Ahmed and called for disciplinary action against police officers who they claim targeted students from the seven colleges during the violence.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Sazzat Ali, however, defended the police actions, stating that intervention was necessary to prevent bloodshed between the two groups of students.

Monday’s decision was the outcome of a three-hour meeting between the DU administration and the principals of the affiliated colleges. 

According to Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, the meeting reached a consensus to shift the admission responsibilities to the government-appointed committee while preparing for the eventual establishment of a new university for these colleges.

The cancellation of the affiliation marks a significant shift in the educational structure involving Dhaka University and the seven colleges, addressing longstanding demands for administrative autonomy from students and faculty alike.

Home Affairs Advisor Calls for Patience Amid Student Clashes

Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the home affairs advisor to the interim government, has urged patience and dialogue to resolve the ongoing clashes between students of Dhaka University and its seven affiliated colleges.

Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat on Monday, Jahangir emphasized that a resolution could be achieved through calm discussions. “I believe we can find a solution through dialogue. Everyone needs to remain patient. Impatience will not solve anything. These problems must be faced with composure,” he stated.

Jahangir also called on law enforcement agencies to manage the situation with restraint. “The police must handle the matter patiently, and I urge our student brothers to resolve everything through constructive and calm discussions,” he added.

The clashes between Dhaka University students and those from the affiliated colleges began around 11 p.m. on Sunday in Dhaka’s Nilkhet area and continued into the early hours of Monday. To regain control, law enforcement deployed sound grenades, tear gas, and rubber bullets as both groups engaged in repeated chases and counter-chases. As tensions escalated, four platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were called in to assist the police.

Addressing the situation, Jahangir clarified that the unrest primarily falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education. “This incident stems from a verbal altercation between students of Dhaka University and the seven colleges, which is an educational matter. However, since it has turned into a law-and-order situation, the Ministry of Home Affairs has intervened,” he explained.

Jahangir described the unrest as stemming from a relatively minor issue and urged protesters to avoid actions that disrupt public life.

“Blocking roads causes immense inconvenience to Dhaka residents. It is better to use designated places like Suhrawardy Udyan for protests. Otherwise, traffic jams affect patients and the general public. The two hospitals in Shahbagh are especially impacted,” Jahangir said, urging demonstrators to consider the broader consequences of their actions.

The advisor stressed the importance of addressing grievances through proper channels. “I urge everyone to resolve their demands through discussions with the relevant authorities. Many of these demands may be valid, but they must be addressed constructively,” he said.

Jahangir reiterated his call for restraint and patience, emphasizing that peaceful dialogue is the best way to achieve a lasting resolution.