Students Protest for Permanent Campus at Rabindra University

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.

Rabindra University Students Protest for Permanent Campus in Dhaka

Students from Rabindra University gathered in Dhaka on July 27 to express their frustration regarding the ongoing delay in the construction of a permanent campus. The protests highlighted the students’ demands for an immediate resolution to the issue, including the resignation of the interim government’s Environmental Advisor due to her handling of the Campus Development Project.

Ongoing Protests and Major Disruptions

In a bold display of discontent, students organized a road blockade on the Dhaka-Pabna highway, significantly disrupting traffic and affecting many commuters. The students have been vocal about their grievances, particularly emphasizing the fact that the university has been operating in a rented building for nearly nine years. The delay in establishing a permanent campus has created increasing unrest among the student population.

Background to the Protests

The protests were ignited after a visit by the Environmental Advisor, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, to the proposed campus site on July 16. Although she acknowledged the students’ demands during her visit, her suggestion for them to exercise patience was met with frustration. The students formed a human chain near the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) bus stand to further demonstrate their dissatisfaction with the pace of development.

Student Demands and Concerns

Students have expressed disappointment over the lack of progress on the University’s Development Project Proposal (DPP). They questioned why their institution has not received funding and resources for campus construction, contrasting their situation with that of other public universities. Their demands focus on clarity and urgency regarding the campus project, as they feel it is critical for their educational environment and future.

Recent Developments in Response to Protests

On July 26, the students took symbolic actions in protest, wearing black badges and forming another human chain as a gesture against the ongoing uncertainty. Additionally, the university administration was compelled to respond to the escalating tensions by postponing examinations for faculties such as Bangla, Economics, and Management. This decision was made in light of the students’ rejection of the current academic programs offered that day.

Government’s Role in Campus Development

Reports have surfaced that the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has not allocated sufficient funds for the campus’s construction, exacerbating the already strained situation. As students continue their protests, they are determined to advocate for the establishment of a permanent campus, which they believe is essential for their academic and personal development.

Looking Forward

The actions taken by the students at Rabindra University reflect a growing agitation among learners in Bangladesh as they demand better infrastructures for their education. The sustained protests indicate a readiness to fight for their rights despite risks to their academic programs and daily university life. With the situation ongoing, the future of Rabindra University’s campus remains uncertain—but the resolve of its students is clear.

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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