The authorities of Dhaka City College have announced its reopening after being closed indefinitely amid student protests. Academic activities will resume on Tuesday, according to a notice issued on Saturday and signed by the acting principal, Professor Kazi Neyamul Haque.
The notice confirmed that classes for the 11th grade will begin on the first day, though the first semester exams for this grade will not take place. Classes for the 12th grade will start the following day, November 20, but their first semester exams will also be postponed. Undergraduate (Honours) and postgraduate (Masters) classes are set to begin on November 21.
The college had been closed since November 4 in response to student protests that began on October 28. The protests were initiated by students demanding the resignation of acting principal Kazi Neyamul Haque and acting vice-principal Mohammad Mokhlesur Rahman, along with six other demands.
Students have accused the acting principal of forcibly removing the legitimate principal and illegally assuming the position. On the same day, they alleged, the acting principal unlawfully appointed Mohammad Mokhlesur Rahman as the acting vice-principal.
The protesters have also raised concerns over alleged irregularities, including extortion of extra fees from students and other misconduct. These issues fueled widespread dissatisfaction, leading to a halt in academic activities.
The reopening decision comes amid continued tensions. The authorities have not clarified how they plan to address the allegations against the acting principal and vice-principal, nor have they provided details about fulfilling the students’ demands.
While academic activities are set to resume, the postponed exams and unresolved grievances suggest the situation may remain tense.
