Seven Colleges Students Disrupt Dhaka Traffic

Students from the Seven Colleges staged a series of road blockades across Dhaka on Thursday, 15 January, causing significant disruption to daily commuters. The protests were organised to demand the issuance of a proposed ordinance establishing Dhaka Central University, a long-standing request from the student body.

The demonstrations were concentrated at three major intersections—Science Lab, Technical, and Tantibazar—where traffic was severely impeded. According to reports, the blockade at Science Lab began at 12:45 PM, effectively bringing vehicular movement to a near halt. Under the banner “Seven Colleges University Transformation Movement,” students occupied all three intersections simultaneously, drawing attention to their demands.

The students stated that during previous protests on 7 and 8 December in front of the Ministry of Education, officials had assured them that the ordinance would be issued in early January. However, with no concrete action taken, the students felt compelled to resume their disruptive campaign.

An official from the Ministry of Education clarified that the ordinance drafting process had made significant progress. A press release issued on 13 January stated that the proposed ordinance had been prepared to ensure administrative efficiency and to meet the legitimate demands of the students. The next steps involve submission to the Cabinet and the Legislative Department, followed by final approval from the Advisory Council.

A student participant explained, “In 2017, the previous government removed Seven Colleges from the National University and affiliated it with Dhaka University. Since then, students have faced multiple complications. We must visit Dhaka University to obtain results, yet conflicting instructions are frequently issued.”

The student added, “Although the admission tests have been completed, the absence of the ordinance continues to obstruct university operations. The government keeps postponing the decision. We demand that the ordinance be issued immediately as a final decision.”

The following table summarises the protest locations, timings, student participation, and their core demands:

This blockade is part of a broader, ongoing campaign by the Seven Colleges students. They emphasise that prompt issuance of the ordinance is essential for uninterrupted academic activities and for safeguarding the rights and administrative clarity of their institution. The students have urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further disruption to both their education and city traffic.