Is Dhaka University closed for an indefinite period of time? - Written by Ishita Pal (Managing News Partner) Bisjhintus News

Dhaka University, one of Bangladesh's premier educational institutions, has announced an indefinite closure due to escalating tensions and security concerns on campus. The decision, made by the university’s administration late yesterday, aims to safeguard students, faculty, and staff amidst a backdrop of heightened unrest in the capital.

 

The university’s closure comes in response to recent clashes between student groups and law enforcement, as well as ongoing political demonstrations that have increasingly spilled into the university grounds. Over the past week, protests over various issues, including academic grievances and political tensions, have led to significant disruptions, prompting the administration to take this precautionary measure.

In a statement released by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, it was announced that all academic activities, including examinations, would be suspended until further notice. "In light of the current situation, we have decided to close the university indefinitely to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as we can," Dr. Akhtaruzzaman stated.

 

The closure has sparked mixed reactions among students and faculty. Some students expressed relief at the decision, citing concerns over their safety amid the ongoing unrest. “It’s a difficult time for everyone, and the closure seems like a necessary step to avoid further escalation,” said Rahim Khan, a final-year student of Social Sciences. “I hope that this break will allow things to calm down, and we can return to our studies without fear.”

 

On the other hand, many students are concerned about the impact of the closure on their academic progress. “We are worried about how this will affect our exams and graduation timelines,” said Anika Sultana, a third-year engineering student. “There has been no clear communication about how or when our classes and exams will be rescheduled.”

 

The university administration has promised to address these concerns once the situation stabilizes. The university’s student affairs office is working on a plan to communicate with students about how to handle academic responsibilities during the closure.

The closure of Dhaka University is also affecting the broader community, with local businesses and residents around the university noting a decrease in activity. The area around the university, usually bustling with students and academic-related activities, has seen a noticeable reduction in foot traffic.

 

Authorities have ramped up security measures in and around the campus to prevent any further incidents and to ensure public safety. The police and local administration have been actively engaging with student leaders and other stakeholders in an attempt to de-escalate tensions.

As the indefinite closure continues, the university community is awaiting further updates and hoping for a resolution to the current unrest. The administration has pledged to keep everyone informed and has called for calm and cooperation from all parties involved.

For now, students are advised to stay informed through official university channels and to contact the student affairs office for any urgent academic or administrative concerns.