Students from Dhaka University’s (DU) Department of Communication Disorders have boycotted classes, demanding recognition of their Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) degree for professional practice as speech and language therapists. Their protest stems from the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council Act of 2018, which only recognizes Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees for speech and language therapy, excluding the BSS degree offered by DU.
The students have submitted a four-point demand to the Ministry of Social Welfare, seeking changes to the Act to include the BSS degree for speech and language therapy practitioners. They argue that globally, BSc, BSS, and BA degrees are accepted for this profession, making the current law discriminatory.
Assistant Professor Sharmin Ahmed, chairperson of the Department of Communication Disorders, acknowledged the issue, stating that it must be resolved legally. She mentioned that the university administration would be approached for legal action. However, classes and exams have been suspended until a solution is reached.
The students are also upset about their exclusion from the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Council, which consists of 32 members, none of whom represent their department. Fourth-year student Saidur Rahman Shahin expressed frustration, stating that this exclusion prevents them from entering the profession.
In addition to the demand for BSS degree recognition, the students are calling for the inclusion of the Master of Social Science (MSS) degree as an additional qualification and reforms to the council. They also seek the withdrawal of writs against the department and a halt to new policies until their demands are met.
