A number of students alleged that the authorities are delaying beginning their academic activities in the name of changes in curriculum. Actually, they are victims of teachers' dispute over the new curriculum.

The students of 2003-04 session completed their LLB examinations in June 2006, but they still do not know when their master's classes will begin.

A group of students yesterday demanded immediate start of their academic activities. They also threatened to launch a movement next week if the department does not announce the schedule of master's classes.

A teacher said the main reason of the delay is that the department's academic council meeting, where decision regarding the new courses will be discussed, is not being held for a long time.

Dean of the law faculty Prof Borhan Uddin Khan said the department has initiated a move to update the curriculum. So, some time is needed to prepare the new curriculum.

"We are going to introduce specialised master's in law from this year," he said.

The new master's courses are -- international law, human rights, comparative law, commercial law, international and comparative law and gender law.

The dean also said that he hopes the classes will start this month.

Prof Nazrul Islam of the department said, "This kind of delay is unexpected and a waste of time for the students. The department should be more active to formulate the new curriculum."