The education adviser dismissed the demand for converting Govt Titumir College to an independent university within a set timeframe, stating that such a decision should be made carefully to avoid burdening both the present and the future.
Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud made the statement at a press briefing following an ECNEC meeting in Dhaka city on Sunday.
Titumir students have been protesting by blocking roads at Mohakhali, demanding a university for several days, disrupting traffic on the road from Mohakhali to Gulshan, causing public sufferings.
Dr Wahiduddin said a movement could be waged for any demand, but it must be ensured that the study of general students and the public did not suffer anyway.
However, the agitators continued their hunger strike, rejecting his statement.
On Sunday morning, their protest entered the fifth consecutive day. In the evening, they blocked either side of the road outside the college with "Barasat" barricade bamboos.
The blockade between Mohakhali and Gulshan severely disrupted traffic.
Responding to a query regarding the demand, Dr Wahiduddin said, "Dhaka University doesn't want seven colleges nor do the colleges want Dhaka University, which is reasonable. The UGC is working on a separate university model for them, including Titumir College, addressing student concerns."
He further said that there are many traditional university colleges in the country such as Rajshahi College, BM College, Anand Mohan College and MC College. Not all of them have been made universities.
Dr Wahiduddin said, "It's good to demand a university and to hold a student movement. But sooner or later, you will have to take the exam. If you don't study, you won't be able to do anything in future."
"Many Titumir students want to take classes-they have written to me. If there is no public suffering, such a programme should be given."
The adviser further said that setting a time-bound demand for a university was illogical; such a decision would be a lasting burden and unreasonable.
Quoting a task force under planning ministry, he said it recommended reducing the number of public-sector universities. There are 55 public universities in Bangladesh. Half of them have been made in the last seven years.
"Bangladesh has set a record for building universities so quickly. But it took seven to eight years to plan and commission several projects to establish Dhaka University."
Commenting that the interim government did not come to accept these demands, Dr Wahiduddin said, "We have come to transition to a well-governed democratic system. When time is available, some small reforms can be made."
About the ministry's statement issued on Friday that special consideration was being given to Titumir College, he said, "I didn't give any special consideration. It was not in my writing. The secretary edited what I wrote..."
According to the adviser, new universities strain resources and some remain non-functional, while others lack teachers despite large infrastructure.
Polytechnic institutes also suffer, with 80 per cent of teaching positions vacant. Quality improvement of such institutes should be prioritised, he said.
STUDENT MOVEMENT CONTINUES
Titumir students have remained on the streets, chanting slogans in support of their demands. Despite requests from commuters to clear roads, they vowed not to back down until their demands were met.
On Sunday, they put forward a seven-point demand that follows. 1. Official recognition of Titumir University and publication of an academic calendar 2. Formation of an administration and commencement of admissions for 2024-2025 session
3. Full residential facilities for pupils or full coverage of accommodation costs 4. Introduction of at least two new international-standard programmes like law and journalism from 2024-2025 academic year 5. Recruitment of PhD-qualified faculty to ensure academic excellence 6. Limiting student intake to maintain quality education 7. Allocation of land and funding for an international-standard research facility The hunger strike began on January 29, with several students camping outside main gate of the college. Seven students have so far been hospitalised due to health complications.
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