The Dhaka University authorities on Sunday opened its residential halls for all students ahead of resuming in-person classes on October 17 after long Covid-induced closure.

Students of first, second and third years started arriving in the dormitories on Sunday.

Earlier on October 5, the authorities reopened the halls only for bachelor final year and master’s students.

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The academic council of the university has decided to resume in-person classes on October 17.

Also on Sunday A.F. Rahman Hall and Bijay Ekattor hall authorities didn’t allow entry to new students who used to reside in ‘Gono Rooms’.

The students expressed anger as they came from different regions of the country with their belongings. They said that authorities did not inform them that they would not be allowed in the halls.

“We came after announcement that halls have been opened for all students. Now they are not allowing me in saying that ‘Gono rooms are no more’,” said a student attached to Bijay Ekattor Hall.

“Where shall I go now? My semester final exams will start from 17 October,” he added.

Sir A.F Rahman hall provost Prof Saiful Islam said, “We will not allow Gono rooms anymore. So we need some time to allocate seats for new students.”

According to the authorities, only regular students will be able to reside in the halls after getting at least one dose of Covid vaccine.

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Most of the halls have installed at entrances hand washing basins and completed restoration and renovation works for welcoming the students.

According to the authorities, dining rooms, canteens, reading rooms and restrooms have already been cleaned in all halls.

Students have to enter their halls after showing their vaccination cards and valid university identity cards.