All forms of student politics have been banned at Dhaka University (DU) halls as per the framework of July 17, 2024, Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed announced early today in the face of student protests.
"The framework of July 17 clearly states that all forms of overt and covert politics at the hall level will be banned," he told students in front of Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan's residence around 2:50am.
DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan was present at the time.
Earlier, students had staged a protest in front of the VC's residence, demanding a ban on student politics in halls following yesterday's announcement of hall committees of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's DU unit.
After nearly half an hour of heated discussion with student leaders at the gate of his residence, the VC, around 2:45am, told the agitating students that hall politics would remain "controlled."
"As per your decision taken on July 17, 2024, regarding the ban on hall-centric issues, the hall administration will be able to take decisions," the VC said.
DUCSU-related activities and DUCSU panels must be allowed to function, he said.
"At the hall level, according to the decisions of the 17th, political activities will be controlled and carried out as the hall administration wishes," he added.
"Now, if a specific party is involved, I will talk to them about this matter and try to understand. We need the advice of our executive committee on how student organisations will participate in the DUCSU process and proceed without forming a committee. They have to work, but at the same time, we do not want them to engage in regular repressive politics. In that case, we have to talk to them," the VC said.
He added, "We do not want any repressive politics at the hall level; that is very clear. On July 17, the decisions made between the hall administration and the students will be considered by them as they see fit; we have no objection to that."
For DUCSU, the hall-based student organisations must work as they wish. How this will take shape—whether they can hold processions in the halls or conduct poster campaigns—must be discussed and agreed upon with the student organisations, the VC said.
"Regarding DUCSU, when the panel forms, they will have to work in the halls. Consensus is needed on this matter. They must be advised by us. You need to be clear about these issues. According to the code of conduct, consensus with you is necessary," the VC said.
"The issue of hall politics has already been settled. The decisions you made on the 17th were previously given by the hall administration. If the hall administration thinks so, they will inform accordingly," he added.
After his speech, the students erupted in anger, chanting slogans such as: "1 2 3 4, Hall politics no more; Proshashoner Tal Bahana Mani Na Manbo Na; Mula Jholano Cholbe Na; 1 2 3 4, Hall politics no more."
A few minutes later, Proctor Saifuddin took the hand mic and announced that all types of open and covert politics would remain banned.
Later, the students returned to their respective dormitories.
