Students of the seven government colleges affiliated with the University of Dhaka have announced a new phase of their ongoing movement, declaring a “Long March to the Education Ministry” to be held on Monday, October 13. Their primary demand is the immediate issuance of the long-awaited ordinance governing the colleges, warning that the movement will intensify if their demand remains unmet.
In a statement, the students said they now stand at a crucial crossroads, where taking even a single step back would mean burying years of hope, effort, and sacrifice.
“This movement that began in 2024–25 is not merely about our demands; it is a struggle for our very existence,” the students said. “In the history of Dhaka’s seven government colleges, such an organized, planned, and mature movement has never been witnessed before. We are ready to take our final step.”
They further noted that despite their long and patient movement, no effective progress has been made. “We have been protesting for a long time. If the ordinance is issued soon, we can peacefully return to our studies. But as no such action has been taken yet, our academic lives remain at risk, leaving us no choice but to launch new programs,” the statement read.
The students expressed hope that the government and the University of Dhaka authorities will take prompt action to issue the ordinance so that they can return to their classrooms and focus on their studies without further uncertainty.
