Titumir college students announce road-rail blockade canceling classes and exams

Students of Government Titumir College in Dhaka have declared an intensified movement, demanding the institution be upgraded to a university. 

As part of their protest, they plan to block railway tracks and key roads in the Mohakhali area starting at 6:00 AM on Sunday. 

Additionally, all academic activities, including classes and exams, will remain suspended until their demands are met.

The blockade program will be relaxed between 6:00 AM and 11:00 AM on Sunday to accommodate the Akheri Munajat (final prayer) of the ongoing Bishwa Ijtema. However, the students have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are fulfilled. 

The announcement was confirmed by Titumir Oikya, a student organization representing the college, on Saturday night.

The students expressed frustration over the lack of progress in their demands, stating that they no longer seek assurances but concrete action. "We have been peaceful in our protests, but the state has mocked us. We have faced media trials repeatedly. Now, we have no option but to fight for our rights. It's either a university or death," said Mehedi Hasan, a student involved in the movement.

The students have also received support from various departments, cultural organizations, and regional groups within the college. In a statement issued by the Marketing Department's 2019-2020 session, students highlighted the negative impact of the college's disaffiliation from the University of Dhaka on their education and future prospects. They emphasized that the current situation is unacceptable and pledged to continue their movement until Titumir College is granted university status.

The students have been protesting for several months, organizing rallies, road-rail blockades, and submitting memorandums to authorities. In response, the Ministry of Education formed a special committee to assess the feasibility of upgrading the college to a university. However, with no positive response from the government, the students began a hunger strike on Wednesday, January 29, and presented a seven-point demand, including:

1. State recognition of Titumir University and publication of its academic calendar.  
2. Formation of the Titumir University administration and initiation of the 2024-2025 admission process.  
3. Ensuring 100% residential facilities for students or covering their accommodation costs.  
4. Introduction of international-standard programs in Law and Journalism by the 2024-2025 academic year.  
5. Appointment of qualified PhD-holding faculty members.  
6. Limiting student intake to improve educational quality.  
7. Allocation of land and funds to establish international-standard research laboratories.  

The students have called on all stakeholders to support their movement and ensure their demands are met for the betterment of education and future generations.