National University’s on-campus students have begun an indefinite hunger strike, demanding the announcement of third-batch admissions and the continuation of academic activities in a structured manner.
The hunger strike began around 10am today (25 May) in front of the university’s academic building in Gazipur’s Board Bazar area.
According to the demonstrators, several students reportedly fell ill during the protest and were admitted to local clinics.
However, Md Mostafizur Rahman, acting director of the university’s public relations office, claimed that while some students were protesting, none had become seriously ill.
Earlier, yesterday (24 May) morning, the students held a sit-in at the campus gate over the same demands.
Solaiman Hossain, a student participating in the hunger strike, said the National University’s on-campus Honors programme started in the 2022-23 academic year, but the admission notice for the third batch has not yet been published.
Despite ongoing protests by current students demanding this for a long time, only assurances have been given with no real progress, he said.
“This uncertainty is putting students’ futures at risk. Without the launch of the new batch, current students worry about the devaluation of their certificates,” he added.
Sources at the National University said there are around 300 students enrolled in the on-campus Honors programme, which faces some legal and administrative complications. To resolve these, the current administration met with the University Grants Commission (UGC) last week to discuss how the programme can be implemented within legal frameworks. The UGC has referred the matter for legal interpretation, and activities will resume once guidance is received.
National University Vice-Chancellor ASM Amanullah Ferdous said, “There is a legal process involved, and once it is completed, the issue should be resolved. I have heard about the students’ hunger strike. I am going to the university and hope that after talking with them, they will understand the situation.”