DMC suspends all academic activities

Dhaka Medical College authorities yesterday announced the suspension of all academic activities for MBBS students for an indefinite period starting today, amid ongoing student protests demanding renovation of academic and residential buildings.

In a notice issued following an emergency meeting of the Academic Council, the DMC authorities also directed all students, except foreign students and those appearing for the university professional MBBS examinations, to vacate their hostels by 12:00pm today.

Later, a press release was also issued regarding the decision.

"Students have been asked to vacate the halls for a short period to avoid any potential risks. It is not possible to implement renovation demands so quickly. Therefore, until an alternative arrangement is made, the directive to vacate the halls remains in effect," Prof Md Kamrul Alam, principal of DMC, told UNB earlier.

This correspondent could not reach Prof Kamrul Alam for comment despite repeated attempts over the phone.

Abdullah Al Noman, a protesting fourth-year MBBS student, said they would continue their demonstrations instead of complying with the directive to vacate the halls.

"The old academic building, Dr Fazle Rabbi Hostel for male students, and Dr Alim Chowdhury Women's Hostel are in a dire state and no longer suitable for academic or residential use. However, despite repeated demands for renovation, no step has yet been taken," he said.

On May 27, a portion of the ceiling of the anatomy museum collapsed, prompting students to boycott classes from May 28, he mentioned.

"We are also demanding students' involvement in the renovation process to ensure transparency," he added.

According to the DMC press release, the Academic Council agreed with the students' demands and said the college has been working regularly with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with some effective steps already taken.

However, it stated that despite repeated notices and arrangements for alternative accommodation, students from various batches have refused to cooperate, making it impossible to vacate the fourth floor of Dr Fazle Rabbi Hostel.

The floor has been declared abandoned by the Public Works Department, as it poses a serious threat to students' safety, it added.

The authorities also said that newly admitted students of the K-82 batch, either on their own or under influence, boycotted their orientation programme -- an event of critical academic importance. The college described this as a dark chapter in its history.

Noman, however, rejected the allegation of non-cooperation and claimed that students were not provided with viable alternatives for relocation.

Established in 1946, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital stands as one of the leading institutions in the country for medical education and tertiary healthcare.