A Jamaat-e-Islami leader has triggered widespread controversy after claiming that the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) was previously a “drug den and a brothel”.
The remarks were made by Md Shamim Ahsan, assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami’s Barguna district unit, during an election rally in the Katakhali area of Kakchira Union in Patharghata upazila on Saturday night.
He was campaigning for Jamaat’s Barguna-2 candidate, Dr Sultan Ahmed.
Addressing supporters, Ahsan alleged that Islami Chhatra Shibir had “changed the situation” at DUCSU following the student union elections.
“After the DUCSU elections, what was a drug den and a brothel has been transformed. Jamaat-e-Islami is capable of uprooting injustice, extortion and corruption from Bangladesh,” he said.
He also urged supporters to remain disciplined during elections, framing political participation as a religious duty. “We do politics for the pleasure of Allah and for salvation in the hereafter. Stay united like a wall of lead, InshaAllah,” he added.
The comments have drawn sharp criticism from Dhaka University authorities, who condemned the statement as offensive and damaging to the institution’s reputation. In an official statement, the university described the remarks as “vulgar and indecent,” saying they had “severely harmed the image, tradition and honour of Dhaka University.”
“The university authorities strongly condemn and protest against this ugly and irresponsible speech,” the statement read, calling for an immediate withdrawal of the comments and urging public figures to refrain from making such remarks in the future.
Following the backlash, Shamim Ahsan expressed regret, saying his intention was to criticise alleged past misconduct by the banned Chhatra League rather than insult Dhaka University or its students. “If any students, brothers or sisters have been hurt by my speech, I sincerely apologise,” he told reporters.
Barguna district Jamaat Amir Professor Muhibbullah Harun said he was looking into the matter, noting that the remarks may have been expressed “in a different way than intended.”
The incident has intensified political and academic tensions, with critics accusing political leaders of dragging universities into partisan battles, while Dhaka University officials continue to demand accountability and respect for the institution’s legacy.