Titumir College students on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to form a committee to evaluate feasibility for transformation of the college into a university.
Holding a press conference on the college campus, 2019-20 session student Mosharraf Hossain Rabbi said, "The authorities must issue an circular within 48 hours about forming a committee to assess the feasibility of establishing Titumir University. The committee must begin its work by conducting an on-site inspection within three working days of its formation. A detailed feasibility report should also be submitted within 15 days."
"If our demands are not met within 48 hours, we will be compelled to take further action," he said.
Abdul Hamid noted that on November 18, the Education Ministry acknowledged the validity of the students' demands and agreed to form a committee to evaluate the establishment of Titumir University.
"However, despite assuring us that they would issue a circular announcing the decision, the authorities have yet to make a public statement," he said.
On November 18, hundreds of Titumir College students gathered in Mohakhali's Amtoli and rail crossing areas, demanding the formation of a commission to upgrade the Dhaka University-affiliated college to a university. Their protest caused severe traffic congestion across Dhaka.
The protests ended at 4:00pm after the Education Ministry assured students of a discussion. However, dissatisfied with the outcomes, students resumed their protests at 6:00pm.
They boycotted classes and exams the next day, prompting the ministry to promise the formation of a feasibility committee the following week.
However, the Ministry is yet to form a panel to assess feasibility for transformation of the college into a university.
