Dhaka Medical College (DMC) has temporarily halted all MBBS classes and ordered students to vacate residential halls after weeks of protests over hazardous dormitory conditions. The closure follows a serious escalation, as students voiced concerns about torn ceilings and falling plaster in their hostels. A notice issued by Principal Dr. Md Kamrul Alam directed all students except those taking professional MBBS exams and international students to leave dormitories by noon on Sunday. At the same time, academic activities have been suspended for medical students until further notice. Students have been protesting since late May, staging sit-ins at Milon Chattar and submitting petitions demanding safe housing, better infrastructure, and transparency in renovation efforts. They specifically asked for temporary accommodations until repairs were made. One of the main concerns involves the Fazle Rabbi Hall, where plaster and ceiling fragments have regularly fallen from the third floor. One student described how “chunks of plaster weighing several kilograms” fell near students’ belongings, creating a dangerous environment. There have also been reports of broken windows and exposed iron rods across dormitories, raising fears of a serious accident. The protest spread to new students, with the K-82 batch joining in by boycotting orientation programs, a move that demonstrated solidarity and added pressure on the administration. Senior students had already boycotted classes and exams, and the new wave of action increased momentum for immediate change. In response, DMC’s academic council held an emergency meeting and decided to temporarily close the college, stating that these steps were necessary to break the deadlock and ensure student safety. The college also emphasized that hospital services would continue, so patient care remains unaffected. Students’ demands include accelerating renovation work for both boys’ and girls’ hostels, allocating dedicated budgets for repairs, appointing student representatives to monitor the process, and ensuring no repeat of “unsafe living conditions.” They warned that if nothing changes, they may escalate their actions. This disruption affects thousands of MBBS students and may delay coursework and exams. But strong student unity and clear safety risks have made this a turning point. Many are optimistic that visible progress will follow. Cleanup and repair work is expected to begin soon, and students hope the administration will move quickly. Their goal is to return safely to campus as soon as possible and continue their medical studies without fear. Overall, the college’s decisive action and student determination show that urgent improvements in infrastructure are no longer optional; they are essential. Now all eyes are on renovation timelines and ongoing talks between students and principals, as both sides work toward a safer future for DMC students.
