Titumir students observing Gulshan Blockade 

Students of Government Titumir College have blocked the Gulshan area in the capital, demanding their institution into a university.

They blocked the roads at around 6:45 pm on Saturday (February 1) and were shouting various slogans.

For the third consecutive day, the road blockade has caused severe traffic jams on various roads in Gulshan, Badda, Mohakhali and Tejgaon areas.

Vehicles heading towards different destinations were seen stranded around the intersection.

The protesting students said their demand to transform Titumir College into a university had been longstanding, but the authorities had continued to delay the matter. They mentioned that several students had been on a hunger strike for two days without receiving any attention, and two had fallen seriously ill shortly before. 

They further warned that the protest would continue until their demand was met.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Education issued a statement on Saturday (February 1).

According to the statement, a special expert committee of the University Grants Commission is actively working to turn seven colleges including Titumir College into a separate university.   The Education Ministry is aware of the situation and has urged all to be patient. 

The issue of the government Titumir College is being given special consideration. Along with this, all those involved in the movement have been requested to be patient, it added.

“Improving educational facilities and quality at these institutions remains a top priority for the government, and all possible alternatives are being explored,” said the statement.

The ministry has reaffirmed that the government is always attentive and sympathetic to the legitimate demands of teachers and students at all levels.