Students of seven colleges affiliated to the University of Dhaka yesterday announced a boycott of today’s and tomorrow’s classes and exams in protest against the government’s refusal to form a commission to establish a separate university for them.

In a press conference held at Dhaka College, they also declared demonstrations and rallies on their campuses.

“The students of the seven universities strongly reject the statement made by the press secretary (of the chief advisor),” Zakaria Bari, a student of Kabi Nazrul Government School, said at the press conference.

“We will not back down from our core demand for an autonomous university for all seven colleges. Our demand for a unified and independent university will remain unchanged,” Zakaria said.

The protesting students announced the new programs two days after Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief advisor, said the seven DU-affiliated government colleges would have a dedicated unit to look after them while their affiliations with the university would remain intact.

At yesterday’s briefing, Zakaria said the students rejected the committee formed by the Ministry of Education to examine their demands, adding that a commission including student representatives should be formed immediately.

“Our movement will continue to resist any conspiracy around universities,” he said, demanding that the press secretary’s “irresponsible” statement be withdrawn.

“If our demands are not met, we will announce stricter programs,” Zakaria added.

After emerging from Thursday’s meeting, Shafiqul said that a dedicated unit would be formed within the ambit of Dhaka University and would have a separate registrar and other officials to supervise the seven colleges.

“There will be a designated place in DU to carry out administrative works (for all the seven faculties).”

He said the decision was taken in a meeting between representatives of the protesting students, education advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud and youth and sports advisor Asif Mahmud.

Zakaria, however, said the meeting between students and advisors ended without a resolution.

“The advisors suggested creating a separate administrative office outside the Dhaka University administration for the seven colleges. However, as the students wanted a completely independent university, no decision was reached,” he said.