Why are students in Bangladesh demanding the Environmental Advisor's resignation?
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Synopsis
In a significant protest, students from Rabindra University in Dhaka are demanding the resignation of Environmental Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan due to delays in establishing a permanent campus. Their ongoing struggle highlights the challenges faced by public universities in Bangladesh regarding infrastructure development and funding.
Key Takeaways
- Students demand accountability from the government regarding delays in campus construction.
- Protests highlight issues of infrastructure in public universities.
- Human chains and roadblocks are effective forms of protest in raising awareness.
- Ongoing support is needed for educational institutions in Bangladesh.
- Government funding for university projects remains a critical issue.
Dhaka, July 27 (NationPress) Students from Rabindra University in Bangladesh took to the streets in Dhaka on Sunday, calling for the resignation of the interim government's Environmental Advisor, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, due to the persistent delays in establishing a permanent university campus, despite being founded years ago.
The students organized a road blockade on the Dhaka-Pabna highway, demanding the approval of the DPP (Development Project Proposal) for the long-awaited campus.
It is noteworthy that the university has been operating out of a rented facility for nearly nine years, yet construction for a permanent campus remains uninitiated.
During a visit to the proposed site for the campus on July 16, Syeda Rizwana Hasan acknowledged the legitimacy of the students' demands, remarking, 'This demand is logical, but in Bangladesh, one must persist for a long time to achieve anything.'
This statement fueled further outrage among the students, prompting more protests and roadblocks.
Despite ongoing demands for a permanent campus, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has yet to allocate any funds for construction, as reported by the prominent Bangladeshi newspaper, The Dhaka Tribune.
On Sunday morning at 10 a.m., students gathered near the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) bus stand in Siraganj, Dhaka, staging a sit-in protest.
They formed a human chain and expressed their disappointment over the delays in the DPP approval, questioning why they are being denied a permanent campus compared to other universities.
The protests caused significant traffic disruptions, leading to severe congestion on the highway, with long lines of vehicles and distressed drivers and passengers.
On Saturday, students donned black badges and formed a human chain, rejecting the day's program from Rabindra University as a protest against the administration's inaction.
In response, the university administration decided to postpone examinations scheduled for ongoing recruitment, including the written and oral assessments for the Bangla, Economics, and Management departments.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the students' demands as they represent a broader issue of educational infrastructure in Bangladesh. Their protests reflect a growing discontent with the government's failure to prioritize essential projects that affect the future of the youth. The nation must address these concerns with urgency, ensuring that educational institutions receive the support they need to thrive.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the students' protests at Rabindra University?
The students protested due to the prolonged delays in the construction of a permanent campus, which has left them in a rented building for almost nine years.
Who is Syeda Rizwana Hasan?
Syeda Rizwana Hasan is the Environmental Advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, and students are demanding her resignation due to the delays in campus construction.
What actions did the students take during the protests?
The students organized a road blockade, formed human chains, and wore black badges in solidarity to express their dissatisfaction with the university administration.
How has the university administration responded to the protests?
In response to the protests, the university administration postponed examinations scheduled for the ongoing recruitment process.
What is the current status of the permanent campus?
As of now, the Development Project Proposal for the permanent campus has not been approved, and no funds have been allocated for construction.
