Amidst the intensifying accommodation crisis that casts a shadow over the academic pursuits of many, students of the Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall of Dhaka University (DU) have demanded the relocation of around 300 students and submitted a memorandum to DU Vice-Chancellor Dr Akhtaruzzaman.
Following the memorandum handover, the students voiced their concerns and requests at a gathering hosted by the Dhaka University Journalists' Association Sunday afternoon (August 13).
They collected signatures from 105 fellow students who endorsed the call for action.
They also announced to stage a sit-in demonstration at the Vice-Chancellor's office premises, scheduled for on Monday.
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Their key demands encompass the transfer of at least 300 students from the overcrowded Maitree Hall to an alternative accommodation within a one-month timeframe. Additionally, they are urging the university administration to ensure student allotment aligns with the hall's seating capacity and to maintain a conducive learning environment by limiting the room occupancy to a maximum of six students per room in the main building.
During the press conference, the students conveyed that despite the limited space of Maitri Hall, the annual intake of students has consistently increased.
Consequently, female students from the 2019-20 academic year still find themselves without proper accommodations even as they reach their fourth year. This predicament then cascades onto the subsequent batches, causing an acute shortage of available seats.
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Highlighting further complications, the students pointed out that five guest rooms in the main building of the hall currently house 100 students who each pay an annual fee of TK4000.
Shockingly, this arrangement is supported by only three washrooms which is severely inconveniencing the residents.
Similarly, the Sikdar Manowara building declared as vulnerable, provides lodging for 110 students on its third floor, but with only two washrooms available. A mere single washroom serves a staggering 24 students residing on the second floor.
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Commenting on the matter, Professor Akhtaruzzaman said, "I have personally visited the hall and engaged in discussions with the students. Their demands are entirely justified. Moving forward, we must curtail the student intake to ensure a sustainable housing situation. We are committed to doing everything within our capabilities."
“I have already communicated the issue to the chief engineer for necessary actions,” he said.
The press conference was attended by student representatives including Nusrat Imroz, Hafsa Islam Dipa, Nusrat Jahan, Ria Moni Akhtar, Rawonak Jahan, and Nishita Zaman Niha, all of whom articulated the collective concerns and aspirations of their fellow students.