Home Economics girls block Nilkhet road

Staff Correspondent: Blocking Nilkhet intersection, students of Home Economics College staged a sit-in programme to press home their demand to recognise the college as an institute of Dhaka University (DU).

The demonstration that ensued from around 11:00am on Monday caused a deadlock on the busy road in New Market and adjacent areas.

Sabrin Sultana Sumi Noor, coordinator of the movement, said, “We have been staging the movement demanding the college to be declared as an institute of Dhaka University for several years. But the government is not complying with our demand. For this, we have been boycotting our classes since March 9. We will not sit for any exams or attend classes until our demand is met. We will again take to the streets at the Nilkhet intersection tomorrow at 10:00am.”

Sabrin said, “Home Economics College has been an affiliate of Dhaka University since the establishment of the college. We have been demanding the college to be declared as an institute of Dhaka University for several years.”

The education minister formed a committee to look into the matter, making an education secretary as the head of the committee. The demonstrating students were also in the committee. But the committee has yet to submit any report except holding two meetings although six months have already passed. The authority is trying to stop the movement by wasting time, Sabrin said.

The coordinator of the movement said that the movement will continue until their demand is met.

Earlier on October 4 last year, Home Economics College students blocked the New Market road placing the demand for declaring it an institution under the Dhaka University.

risingbd/DHAKA/Mar 13, 2017/Yeamin/Amirul