Dhaka: A group of Dhaka University students held a solidarity rally today demanding the abolition of the evening curfew law, which restricts female students from entering and leaving the halls between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The event took place in front of the Raju sculpture at Dhaka University under the banner of the Oborodhbashini platform. The rally saw support from the University Teachers’ Network and several left-leaning and feminist organizations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the students have been actively protesting for the last few days, seeking the removal of the curfew imposed on female dormitories. They have collected signatures and submitted memorandums twice to the Vice-Chancellor, outlining three key demands. Recently, they issued a 48-hour ultimatum to address these issues, warning of stricter measures if their demands are not met.
The students’ demands include the immediate abolition of the discriminatory evening curfew in female halls, ensuring 24-hour unrestricted movement with overall security for all female students, allowing female students entry into any female hall upon showing a valid ID card and staying overnight with proper permission, and permitting all female relatives to enter the halls.
During the rally, Shirin Haque from Naripakkha, an organization focusing on women’s rights, highlighted that the evening curfew law was initially enforced from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. about 25 to 30 years ago. Protests at that time resulted in the adjustment of curfew hours to the current 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., but the underlying discrimination persists.
Expressing solidarity, Dr. Rushad Faridi, an associate professor from the DU Economics department, emphasized that this long-standing demand has been raised for years and described the rule as highly discriminatory. He questioned why women can return home late at night but are restricted from returning to campus, calling for the immediate repeal of the rule.
Under the existing regulations, DU female students cannot enter or leave the halls between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. without prior permission. In emergencies, authorities contact local guardians to allow the students to leave.