Students of seven government colleges affiliated with Dhaka University (DU) are staging demonstration for the second day by blocking roads in the capital’s Nilkhet intersection on Wednesday to protest postponement of examinations.
They started gathering in the area after 9 in the morning.
The blockade created heavy traffic congestion in the area causing immense suffering to commuters, including office-goers.
Hundreds of students joined the protests and were chanting various slogans demanding that their examinations be allowed to continue, and asked the authorities concerned to take immediate steps in this regard.
They threatened to continue their protests until the authorities change their decision.
Jubayer Rony, a Dhaka College student and one of the protesters, said they will not accept the decision of exam postponement as it will cost them extra time to complete courses.
“Our protest will continue,” said Mahmuda Sultana, a protester from Eden College.
On Tuesday, principals of the seven colleges in a meeting chaired by DU Pro-VC (education) Prof ASM Maksud Kamal, chief coordinator of the seven colleges, postponed all of their examinations until May 17, citing the Covid-19 pandemic.
Right after the decision being made, students of the colleges on Tuesday blocked the Nilkhet intersection demanding cancellation of the decision.
Earlier, the government decided to reopen the residential halls of all universities on May 17 and resume classes on May 24. The Ministry of Education issued a directive to keep all the examinations postponed till then.
Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni said, "Before reopening, the teachers, students and employees will be vaccinated."
