Photo: Projonmo Kotha

Female students at Maulana Bhasani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) have renewed their call for the establishment of a separate, safe, and curtain-enclosed dining space at the university’s central cafeteria, citing religious beliefs and cultural values.

On Monday, June 30, the students submitted a memorandum to the Director of the Student Welfare and Counseling Center and the Director of the Estate Office, demanding the creation of an “Al Aslamia Porda Corner” to ensure privacy for those who observe purdah.

In their memorandum, the students argued that many female students, guided by the cultural and religious heritage of the region, maintain the practice of purdah. Due to tight academic schedules, they often have no choice but to eat at the cafeteria instead of returning to their dormitories or messes. However, the lack of a designated private space leaves them feeling deprived of a comfortable and respectful dining environment, which they consider a basic right.

Their key demands include:

Establishing a separate, secure, and curtain-enclosed dining area for female students in the central cafeteria.

Ensuring a respectful and dignified environment for students to dine in line with their religious beliefs.

Fostering a humane and non-discriminatory campus atmosphere that upholds students’ fundamental rights and dignity.

Following all formal procedures, we submitted an application to the Director of the Estate Office six months ago. Despite two or three follow-ups, we received no official response,” said Amina Sultana Muna, a student from the Mathematics Department (Session 2020–21).

“When we tried to submit a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor, he declined to accept it and redirected us again to the Estate Office and the Student Welfare and Counseling Center. He told us the matter was rejected in a syndicate meeting but did not accept the memorandum either,” she added.

The students said they later managed to submit the memorandum to the Director of the Student Welfare and Counseling Center, who forwarded it to the Estate Office. The Estate Office assured them that the issue would be discussed further and asked them to check back for updates in early July.

Many other universities have already set up similar Porda Corners without any hassle. We don’t understand the delay here, Muna said.

Abida Sultana Nupur, a student from the 2018–19 session, echoed this sentiment, saying, We are not asking for a separate cafeteria just a small area enclosed with a curtain. It is neither costly nor complex. Secularism should not come at the cost of neglecting religious needs. This is not a privilege; it is a basic right.

When contacted, Dr. Md. Asharaf Ali, Director of the Estate Office, confirmed receipt of the memorandum. I have received the memorandum and will place it for discussion in the upcoming meeting. I cannot comment further at this moment, he said.

Professor Dr. Md. Fazlul Karim, Director of the Student Welfare and Counseling Center, added, The students submitted the memorandum to me, and I have forwarded it to the Estate Office. Any further steps will be decided from there.

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