DU provost body proposes one-hour extension for women’s hall entry

Dhaka University Provost Standing Committee has recommended extending the entry time for female students by only one hour, a move rejected by leaders of all three platforms leading the ongoing movement to lift restrictions on women’s hall access.

DU authorities said the recommendation still requires approval from the university’s Syndicate before it can take effect.

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Under existing rules, female students cannot enter or leave their residential halls between 10:00pm and 6:00am without prior permission from house tutors through a late pass.

Israt Jahan Emu, leader of Oborodhbashini, which is demanding round-the-clock access, said, “This is a mockery of our protest...While we are demanding round-the-clock access, they have only extended it by one hour.”

“This is nothing but the authorities’ reluctance to take responsibility for and manage the hassle of keeping the gates open. Women on this campus are falling behind politically, culturally and socially because of this policy,” she added.

Hema Chakma of Boishommohin Nari Hall Chai said they had expected the university to extend the entry time at least until 1:00am or 2:00am.

She questioned the security argument, “If security is the issue, then how are female students at Buet, DMCH and Jahangirnagar being provided with such facilities?...We also see women being harassed on campus in broad daylight, don’t we?”

“We will again talk to the authorities, and if they do not comply, we will take tougher measures,” said Nusrat Jahan Jerin of Nari Hall Songskar Andolon.

“Considering the ground reality of security in this city, the Provost Standing Committee has reached this decision to extend the entry time by one hour,” confirmed Israfil Ratan, member secretary of the Provost Standing Committee.

Students, protesting from July 27, had a three-point demand: scrapping the restriction barring female students from entering halls between 10:00pm and 6:00am; allowing female relatives of students to enter women’s halls; and permitting non-resident students and students of other halls to enter any hall with valid identity cards and, with permission, stay overnight.