Protests Erupt at Daffodil International University

Widespread student protests and discontent have erupted at Daffodil Smart City in Savar, the campus of Daffodil International University, one of the country's prominent private universities. Students initiated the demonstration to protect the identity and administrative integrity of their campus, which is widely known for offering specialized programs in aviation, software, and advanced technological education.

According to university sources, the students began their protest in front of Academic Building 4 on Thursday, July 23, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. Agitating students were seen chanting slogans well past 10:00 PM.

Details reveal that the administrative dispute started after another educational entity, 'Asian Institute of Business Technology'—a National University-affiliated institution under Daffodil Group—began admission activities inside Academic Building 3. The entity was also allocated space inside the central admission office, and banner-festoons were placed across the campus. Students approached the campus security office, branding office, proctor, external affairs team, registrar, and pro-vice chancellor for official clarification, but failed to receive a satisfactory response, prompting the movement.

The students raised a 4-point demand:

• Immediate termination and disciplinary action against individuals responsible for allowing another institution to operate on campus and undermining the university's prestige.
• Appointment of responsible, accountable administrative staff who prioritize the university's and students' interests in every decision.
• An official public apology via email and the university's official Facebook page detailing the incident, along with expulsion orders for those involved in granting the 3-month temporary operation.
• Immediate cessation and removal of the external institute's operations from the campus, accompanied by an official administrative notice addressing the students.

When contacted via telephone, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir, who is currently abroad, stated to the media that there might be a misunderstanding with the administration. He emphasized that no other institution can operate within the university without approval from the government and the University Grants Commission or UGC. He added that an inquiry committee has been formed regarding the students' protests and appropriate measures will be taken based on the report.

Meanwhile, Habiba Zaman, a counselor for the incoming institute, claimed that only admission activities were currently taking place at the Savar campus, with academic operations set to shift to Sanarpar, Narayanganj. However, students maintain that operating another institution on campus directly threatens the identity of their university.
//DBTech/DCN/EDP//