Students Block Mirpur Road as Seven Colleges Demand University Ordinance

Traffic in parts of the capital ground to a halt on Wednesday morning after students from the cluster of seven affiliated colleges staged a large-scale demonstration in front of Dhaka College. Their protest, centred on the demand for the final issuance of the proposed Dhaka Central University Ordinance, resulted in the complete blockade of Mirpur Road, one of Dhaka’s most important arterial routes.

The demonstration began shortly after sunrise. Students gathered in groups outside Dhaka College, discussing their grievances and preparing placards calling for immediate government action. By mid-morning, the crowd had swelled significantly. The demonstrators marched from the college premises, circled Azimpur junction, and then returned to occupy the stretch of road directly outside Dhaka College’s main gate.

Once the blockade was formed, traffic movement along Mirpur Road came to an abrupt stop. Vehicles heading towards Science Lab, New Market and Asad Gate were forced to remain stationary for extended periods. Commuters found themselves stuck for hours in severe congestion, which soon spread into the surrounding neighbourhoods. New Market, Nilkhet, Katabon and Azimpur all experienced heavy tailbacks, leaving office-goers, students and pedestrians deeply frustrated.

The protesting students accused the authorities of continued indifference. They explained that despite holding three rounds of discussions with the Ministry of Education, there had been “no visible progress” in issuing the ordinance for the establishment of Dhaka Central University. According to their statements, the finalisation of this legal framework is essential for safeguarding their academic future.

Currently, the seven colleges—previously affiliated with the University of Dhaka—have long demanded the creation of an independent university structure to ensure smoother administrative management, timely examinations and uniform academic standards. The students argue that the absence of a clear legal framework is leaving nearly 150,000 learners in prolonged uncertainty. Many fear delays in examinations, postponed graduations and prolonged unemployment due to a lack of official recognition for their degrees.

The demonstrators stated that they had been patient for months, placing their trust in government assurances. However, with no concrete outcome emerging from discussions, they felt compelled to escalate their protests. “We have tried every peaceful method,” said one student representative. “But the authorities have not moved an inch. Our futures cannot remain suspended indefinitely.”

By late morning, authorities attempted to engage with the students, but the blockade remained in place. The protesters declared that their movement would continue until the ordinance was officially gazetted. They insisted that only a formal announcement would convince them to vacate the road.

Meanwhile, commuters caught in the gridlock expressed sympathy for the students’ concerns but criticised the disruption. Many office employees reported missing important meetings, while schoolchildren struggled to reach their classrooms on time. Rickshaw pullers, bus drivers and shopkeepers around New Market also voiced concerns about the economic impact of prolonged traffic blockades.

The situation remained tense as the day progressed. Students reiterated that they did not wish to inconvenience the public but felt they had no alternative. Their message was clear: unless the government finalises the Dhaka Central University Ordinance, demonstrations will intensify in the coming days.