Dhaka: Dhaka University’s female students, who now comprise a majority of the student body, have once again demanded the complete abolition of the ‘evening curfew’ imposed in their residential halls, rejecting a proposal to relax the restriction by an hour.
According to United News of Bangladesh, students under the banner of ‘Oborodhbasini’ held a press conference in front of Rokeya Hall on Thursday afternoon, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of female students is the responsibility of the university administration. However, they argued that restricting their movement in the name of security is not a viable solution.
The female students have been actively protesting under the ‘Oborodhbasini’ banner, calling for the removal of the ‘evening curfew’ and advocating for unrestricted access to their residential halls around the clock. Since July 30, they have engaged in various activities, including distributing leaflets, putting up posters, holding processions, and organizing signature campaigns to support their cause.
Their demands are clear: abolish the existing ‘discriminatory evening curfew’ from 10 pm to 6 am, allow female students to move freely 24 hours a day, permit entry into any female residential hall with a valid identity card and overnight stays with proper permission, and grant female students the right to allow their female relatives to enter the halls.
Ishrat Jahan Imu, a student from Shamsun Nahar Hall, stated that over 1,200 female students submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor on August 9, accompanied by their signatures. The following day, they issued an ultimatum to the administration through a solidarity rally, demanding the abolition of the evening curfew.
Despite their efforts, the administration has ignored their demands and proposed merely extending the curfew by one hour. The students argue that this proposal undermines their civil and fundamental rights, leaving no room for compromise with the administration.
Previously, the Provost Standing Committee suggested extending the entry time for female students by one hour, with this proposal still pending presentation at the university’s Syndicate meeting.
The students further highlighted the discriminatory nature of the current rules, which require female students to submit a written undertaking for safety when going out at night, a condition not imposed on male students at the same university. They vowed to continue their movement until the evening curfew is entirely abolished and female students are guaranteed unrestricted movement and security at all times.
Under the current regulations, female students at the University of Dhaka are prohibited from entering or leaving their residential halls between 10 pm and 6 am without prior permission via a late pass from house tutors. In emergencies, hall authorities must contact the students’ local guardians before granting permission to leave.