Dhaka University has instructed all residential students to vacate their halls by 5 p.m. on Sunday, creating a wave of confusion and distress among students. Following the directive, some students began leaving their halls immediately, while others expressed uncertainty about where to go. As part of the decision, hall administration has also ordered all shops and canteens within the residential halls to remain closed.
The decision was taken at an emergency virtual meeting of the Provost Committee held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan.
The meeting approved three directives: students must take all personal and valuable belongings with them when leaving the halls; room keys must be submitted to hall authorities; and all dining halls and canteens will remain closed until further notice.
The meeting was attended by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Convener of the Provost Committee Professor Dr. Md. Abdullah-Al-Mamun, Member Secretary and Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, along with all hall provosts.
The sudden instruction to vacate halls has put many students in a difficult situation. Swarno Das, a resident of Sufia Kamal Hall, said she had no choice but to return home. “I have tutoring commitments. This sudden decision has left me in trouble. Since I have nowhere else to stay, I am forced to go home,” she said while leaving the hall.
Jannatul Ferdous, a resident of Shamsunnahar Hall, said she is currently working as part of an internship assignment. “With less than 24 hours’ notice, we were told to leave the hall. I have no place to stay in Dhaka, and I cannot take leave from my office. I am now staying temporarily at a friend’s house,” she explained.
Abbas Uddin, a student of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, expressed frustration, saying the timing of the eviction is unreasonable. “The BCS written exam is on the 27th. Forcing everyone out now is an absurd decision. Our hall is new and structurally sound. If buildings needed inspection, keeping the halls closed for so long makes little sense. Many students depend on tutoring or part-time work to support their studies. Where are they supposed to go?” he said.
