DU students demand extended campus break ahead of nat’l polls

Dhaka University (DU) students staged a protest on Saturday evening, urging the administration to grant an eight-day campus closure ahead of the 13th National Parliament elections, rejecting the initial two-day break announced by the university.

The demonstration took place at the foot of Raju Sculpture at the Teachers-Student Centre (TSC), with participation from students and various hall union leaders. The national elections are scheduled for February 12, followed by the weekly holidays on February 13-14.

Earlier, university administration had announced that classes and offices would remain closed only on February 11-12, providing students with a total of four consecutive days off when combined with the weekly holidays. Students argued that this period was insufficient for those travelling to distant districts to cast their votes.

Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall Union executive member Riyadus Salehin said that voting is a democratic right and the university is depriving students of this opportunity.

He added that his home is in Panchagarh and if the break starts on February 10, he may not reach home in time due to limited transport, so the campus should be closed from February 8.

Another Shahidullah Hall executive member, Abu Naeem, echoed these concerns, highlighting the travel difficulties faced by students from northern districts and the expected pre-election traffic congestion.

He said that after 17 years, students have the chance to vote, and to ensure everyone can participate, the break should start from February 8.

Responding to the protests, DU administration revised the schedule on Sunday (8 February). Acting Registrar Munsi Shams Uddin Ahmad announced that all classes on February 10-11 would be conducted online to facilitate students’ travel and participation in the elections.

The move aims to ensure that students can exercise their voting rights without academic disruption.

NRE/AM