Gazipur Digital University students protest at UGC, demanding 'Bangladesh' in name

Students of Gazipur Digital University boycotted classes and staged a sit-in at the University Grants Commission (UGC) premises today, demanding that the institution's name include the word "Bangladesh" to reflect its national identity.

The demonstrators began their indefinite sit-in around 11:30am, urging the authorities to restore a name that "aligns with the country's identity and global positioning".

The protest followed a recent government gazette notification renaming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Digital University as Gazipur Digital University.

Students have rejected the decision, arguing that removing the word "Bangladesh" undermines the university's academic stature and diminishes its national and international recognition.

Speaking to The Daily Star, student leader Fakhrul Hasan Faisal said, "We informed the UGC chairman multiple times about our decision to suspend classes. Despite months of appeals and meetings, no action has been taken. We want answers from the UGC."

On Saturday, the students had announced their "Long March to UGC" for today through a press release.

They argued that specialised universities in Bangladesh typically carry the country's name, citing institutions such as Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Bangladesh Maritime University, and Bangladesh Aviation and Aerospace University.

The students proposed four alternative names for consideration:

• Bangladesh University of Technology
• Bangladesh University of Information and Technology
• Bangladesh University of Advanced Technology
• Bangladesh University of Frontier Technology

They urged the Ministry of Education to adopt one of these titles.

As of 1:30pm, the protest is ongoing, with students vowing to continue until their demand is met.