Students of Mymensingh Engineering College have issued a 24-hour ultimatum demanding the cancellation of their affiliation under the University of Dhaka (DU) and calling for the establishment of an independent academic structure modeled after the former Bangladesh Institutes of Technology (BIT). The protest, organized in support of these demands, took place on Thursday, July 24, at the July Square near Town Hall intersection in Mymensingh city.

The demonstrators warned that if their demands are not met within the given timeframe, they, along with students from three other public engineering colleges in Barisal, Faridpur, and Sylhet, will initiate a mass “March to Dhaka” protest. Their objective is to press the Ministry of Education and relevant authorities to ensure institutional autonomy and academic standardization across all government engineering colleges.

Gathering in large numbers, the students marched through the streets while chanting slogans in support of their demands. At around 1 PM, they assembled in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office and formally delivered their ultimatum. They stated that without a written solution from the authorities within 24 hours, the students from all four engineering colleges would unite for a nationwide demonstration centered in the capital.

According to the protesting students, they have long been advocating for independence and reform through peaceful and constructive actions. These include submitting memoranda to the Ministry of Education, the Directorate of Technical Education, and Dhaka University; organizing street dramas, debates, and poster campaigns on campus; and raising awareness about the disparity they face under the current system. Despite these efforts, they claim that the authorities have failed to offer any written assurance or take tangible steps toward resolving the crisis.

They further alleged that when students intensify their movement, they are often met with threats—such as being deliberately failed in exams—and their institution’s credibility is questioned. The students expressed frustration that instead of addressing the core issues, officials remain indifferent and fail to engage in meaningful dialogue.

During the protest, one student, Salman, voiced concerns about the negligence of the authorities. He stated that while the students have opted for peaceful measures, the indifference shown by officials is jeopardizing their academic and professional futures. He warned that the student body would have no choice but to escalate the movement if their demands were not met within the deadline.

On July 9, the students had staged a road blockade protest, which prompted the Deputy Commissioner to assure them that a meeting with the Chief Adviser on Education would be arranged. However, the students claim that this promise has not been fulfilled. At the July 24 rally, students again criticized the local administration for failing to facilitate meaningful discussions or offer resolutions.

Several students spoke during the demonstration, including Shivaji Roy Mridul and Salman from the Civil Engineering department, as well as Ashraf, Mubin, Kamrul Islam, and Roni from the Electronics and Electrical Engineering department. They reiterated their collective demand for an autonomous academic framework and equitable treatment compared to other established engineering institutions in the country.

In response to the protest, Mymensingh Engineering College Principal Mizanur Rahman told local media outlet Kalbela that discussions regarding a possible meeting with the Education Adviser are ongoing. He stated that the Deputy Commissioner had directed the college administration to consult the relevant Secretary first. Communication with the Secretary has been initiated, and arrangements for a high-level meeting may be finalized in the coming week. He assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

The students, however, remain firm in their position, stating that they will not back down until there is official and written confirmation of their core demand—the revocation of the Dhaka University affiliation system and the establishment of an independent governance model similar to BIT.