Students of Dhaka University’s (DU) Department of Japanese Studies have temporarily suspended their ‘Total Shutdown’ protest following assurances from the university administration.
The decision came after a Wednesday afternoon meeting (February 12) between student representatives and key university officials, including Dr. Taiabur Rahman, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Muhammad Mahbub Kaiser, Assistant Proctor, Dr. Dilruba Sharmin, Acting Chairperson of the department, and Shiblee Noman, Assistant Professor. The discussion focused on the students' primary demand: the reinstatement of Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, the department’s former chairman, who was exempted earlier this month.
During the meeting, university officials requested students to hold off their protest until Sunday, citing logistical challenges related to the Science Unit admission test scheduled for Saturday. The exam includes seating arrangements within the Japanese Studies department, making it necessary for departmental activities to resume temporarily.
Following the university’s commitment to address their demands within the given timeframe, students agreed to pause their movement until Sunday.
Earlier that morning, protesting students had locked all departmental rooms, bringing both academic and administrative activities to a standstill.
Now, with the protest on hold, students remain hopeful that the administration will uphold its commitment and provide a satisfactory resolution to their demands by the promised deadline.
