Dhaka, Sept 29 (V7N) – A group of female students of Dhaka University gathered at the TSC (Teacher-Student Centre) courtyard after 10 p.m. on Sunday to protest restrictions on nighttime campus access. The demonstration followed an incident in which a female student was prevented from entering the TSC by the proctorial body, prompting criticism from students.
 
The students arrived near the TSC fountain around 10:15 p.m., cut a cake, and held a brief gathering before leaving. Chemon Faria Islam Meghla, Women’s Affairs Secretary of the Chhatra Dal, highlighted that security measures should apply equally to all students, noting that confining anyone is unreasonable. She emphasized that many female students travel long distances to reach the university, and limiting their access after 10 p.m. is impractical.
 
Ashrefa Khatun, central spokesperson for the Democratic Student Council, stated that the gathering was a normal exercise of student activity and expression.
 
Proctorial Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed expressed regret over the misunderstanding during the Saturday night incident. A subsequent official notice clarified that there is no university-imposed restriction on female students entering the campus after 10 p.m., and no such directive was issued by the proctor’s office. The administration is working to ensure overall student safety and to monitor unauthorized access by outsiders or trespassers.
 
The issue came to light after a student posted on social media that guards had prevented her and a friend from entering the TSC, citing a purported rule limiting female access after 10 p.m. Following a phone call to the proctor, entry was permitted with verification of ID cards and parental contact numbers.
 
Student leaders, including Megmallar Basu, president of the Dhaka University Chhatra Union, and SM Farhad, General Secretary of the DUCSU, have urged the university administration to review and resolve the rule, ensuring that hall representatives are consulted and all students’ rights are protected.
 
The incident has sparked debate on social media, prompting calls for transparent and fair application of campus regulations.
 
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