DU women’s halls entry time may be extended by one hour

The Provost Standing Committee of Dhaka University has recommended extending the entry time for female students at residential halls by one hour. However, three platforms leading the students’ ongoing movement rejected the recommendation, calling it a “mockery” of their demands.

Under the current rules, female students cannot leave or enter their residential halls without prior permission between 10pm and 6am. Those seeking to enter during this period must obtain a late pass from the relevant house tutor.

Professor Dr Israfil Ratan, member secretary of the Provost Standing Committee and proctor of the university, said the committee recommended extending the entry time by one hour considering the security situation in the city.

The university authorities said the recommendation requires approval from the Syndicate before it can be implemented.

Protesting students, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal.

Israt Jahan Imu, leader of the platform Oborodhbasini, said they were demanding round-the-clock access, while the university had proposed extending the entry time by only one hour.

“We are asking for 24-hour access, but they have extended the time by only one hour. This is tantamount to mocking our movement,” she said.

She alleged that the decision stemmed from the authorities’ reluctance to keep hall gates open and take responsibility for their management. Such restrictions, she said, were causing women to fall behind politically, culturally and socially on campus.

Hema Chakma of the platform “Baisamyaheen Nari Hall Chai” said they had expected entry to be allowed until at least 1am or 2am.

Questioning the security argument, she said female students at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka Medical College and Jahangirnagar University were already enjoying similar facilities.

Nusrat Jahan Zerin of the “Nari Hall Reform Movement” said they would hold further discussions with the authorities. If their demands were not met, they would announce tougher programmes, she added.

Students have been protesting since July 27, demanding reforms to restrictions on entry to women’s residential halls.

Their three-point demands include scrapping the restriction on entry between 10pm and 6am and ensuring safe access to the halls round the clock; allowing female relatives, including mothers and sisters, to enter the halls; and allowing non-residential students and students from other halls to enter any women’s hall upon showing valid identification, with permission to stay overnight where applicable.

SKS