The students of the college blocked the road and railway tracks in Mohakhali of the capital from noon to afternoon on Monday (November 18) demanding to make the government Titumir College a university. Because of this, rail communication with Dhaka was stopped. Rail communication resumed around 5 pm after the students lifted the blockade.
Around 12 noon on Monday, hundreds of students blocked the railway line under the Mohakhali over bridge. At that time they threw stones at the train. Some were injured.
Around 3:30 pm, the government called the student representatives to the Ministry of Education to discuss the matter. Later, a delegation of 12 members went to the Ministry of Education to hold the meeting. The 12-member team included Mehedi Hasan, Mahamudul Hasan, Jahangir Sani, Aminul, Nur Uddin Jisan, Kausar Ahmed, Mosharraf Hossain, Toha, Nur Mohammad, Habib Ullah Roni, Abdul Hamid and Nirab Hossain.
The students also said that the next program will be announced after the meeting with the Ministry of Education.
The three demands of Titumir College students are-
1. Titumir College should be separated from 7 colleges by canceling the affiliation of Dhaka University.
2. A commission should be constituted for the purpose of converting Titumir College into a university.
3. Titumir should formulate the outline of making it an independent university.
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What are the common reasons students protest for university recognition?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and University Affairs Expert
Editor: Good afternoon and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Amina Rahman, an expert in higher education policy, to discuss the recent student protests in Mohakhali demanding that Titumir College be upgraded to a university. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rahman.
Dr. Rahman: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. On November 18, students from Titumir College blocked the roads and railway tracks in Mohakhali. What do you think motivated them to take such drastic action?
Dr. Rahman: It’s important to understand that students often feel a strong sense of urgency about their future and education. By demanding the recognition of Titumir College as a university, they believe they are fighting for better educational opportunities and resources. Such blockades are usually a last resort when conventional forms of advocacy, such as petitions or discussions, don’t yield results.
Editor: I see. The protest included throwing stones at a train and resulted in some injuries. How does violence impact the message that these students are trying to convey?
Dr. Rahman: Violence can certainly overshadow the primary message. While it is understandable that emotions run high during protests, the use of violence can lead to public condemnation and distract from the actual issues at hand. It’s crucial for student leaders to maintain the focus on their demands and to seek dialog rather than escalation.
Editor: The students were called to the Ministry of Education around 3:30 PM for discussions. How significant is government engagement when students protest?
Dr. Rahman: Government engagement is critical. It signifies that the authorities are listening, and it provides an opportunity for dialog. In this instance, the government took a step to involve student representatives, which can potentially lead to resolutions. However, the effectiveness of these meetings relies heavily on the sincerity of the government’s willingness to support the students’ demands.
Editor: What challenges do you see in the process of upgrading a college to a university?
Dr. Rahman: Upgrading a college to a university is a multifaceted process. It requires not only institutional changes but also significant financial investment and a commitment to maintain educational standards. There must be adequate faculty, resources, and infrastructure to support a broader and more robust curriculum. Furthermore, it often involves navigating bureaucratic processes that can be lengthy.
Editor: In your opinion, what should be the next steps for the students of Titumir College following the discussions with the Ministry?
Dr. Rahman: The students should follow up on the discussions and continue to engage with the government. It’s essential for them to remain organized and persistent. They could consider forming a coalition with other educational institutions facing similar challenges to amplify their voices. Constructive and ongoing dialog is the key.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rahman, for your insights on this pressing issue. Clearly, the situation at Titumir College reflects broader challenges within the education system. We hope the dialog strengthens and leads to a positive outcome for the students.
Dr. Rahman: Thank you for having me. I hope for a peaceful resolution that benefits the students and enhances educational opportunities.
Editor: This has been another episode of Time.news. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.