Students of the Institute of Fine Arts at Chittagong University protested for a second consecutive day, demanding resolutions to ongoing issues and injustices within the institution.

At noon yesterday, students locked the administrative building of the institute, reiterating their long-standing demand for its relocation to the university's main campus. The institute was moved to Mehedibag in 2010, 22 kilometres away from the main campus, a decision students have opposed ever since.

This is not the first time the issue has been raised. In November 2022, students staged a 100-day protest demanding relocation, which ended after assurances from the then education minister. However, progress on those promises has not been forthcoming.

"Our movement will continue until we receive written assurances, not just verbal ones," said student Khondokar Masrur Al Fahim.

"We have seen no progress on the reforms promised during the 2022 protests. Instead, students have been subjected to harassment, including the closure of the canteen, delaying results for over a year, and mistreatment in classes."

Fahim claimed that while the canteen reopened in August, other injustices persisted, prompting the resumption of protests.

The relocation demand stems from frustrations over the institute's detachment from the main campus. The Fine Arts Department was established in 1970 and merged with the government Fine Arts College to form the Institute of Fine Arts in 2010. It is now located on Badsha Mia Road in Mehedibag.

The 2022 protests peaked on their 100th day, when students were attacked by Chhatra League activists. The institute was subsequently closed on February 2, 2023, and reopened nearly three months later to mitigate session delays.

Accusations of administrative suppression of past protests were raised yesterday, with students locking the administrative building as part of their peaceful demonstration.

Attempts to reach Professor Uttam Kumar Barua, director of the Institute of Fine Arts, for comment were unsuccessful.

However, Professor Kamal Uddin, Chattogram University's pro-vice chancellor (administration), said, "We have not received any formal communication from the Institute of Fine Arts. However, one of our assistant proctors has visited the site and will engage in discussions with the students."

Students say their protests will continue until substantive actions are taken to address their concerns.