DU bans student politics in halls of residence amid midnight protest

In a dramatic turn of events, the Dhaka University administration has reaffirmed its ban on student politics within halls of residence, following a late-night protest by “general students” opposing political activities there.

The announcement was made shortly after 2:45am on Saturday, August 9 by the university proctor, Dr Saifuddin Ahmed, in the presence of vice-chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan.

The announcement followed hundreds of students’ demonstration in response to the recent formation of hall committees by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the BNP, which featured a number of former leaders of banned student organisation Bangladesh Chhatra League, student wing of Awami League.

The protest began just after midnight, as students from multiple residential halls including Zahurul Haq Hall, Kabi Jashimuddin Hall, Ziaur Rahman Hall, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Mohsin Hall, Bijoy '71 Hall, and AF Rahman Hall marched toward the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). Chanting slogans such as "One, two, three, four, hall politics no more!", demonstrators converged at the Raju Memorial Monument before proceeding to the residence of the Vice-Chancellor.

Female students from Rokeya Hall broke open the gate lock to join the rally. Protesters demanded the immediate dissolution of all politically affiliated hall committees within 24 hours and called for an end to practices such as "gana room" and "guest rooms," which they claim foster favouritism and misconduct.

Earlier in the day, students from Rokeya Hall and AF Rahman Hall had submitted memoranda to their respective provosts, demanding the removal of political influence from hall affairs and the enforcement of the university’s ban on student politics.

Faced with growing unrest, the VC and Proctor emerged to address the crowd. 

Dr Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed that the university administration stands by its previous directive issued on July 17, 2023, which suspended all forms of student political activity on campus. 

The current crisis was triggered on August 8, when JCD announced the formation of committees in 18 residential halls, appointing a total of 593 students to various positions, according to a press release issued by the organization.

The DU administration has not yet commented on the legality or recognition of these committees, but Saturday’s reaffirmation of the ban suggests that such appointments are not sanctioned by the university.

As tensions remain high, the university administration has called for calm and urged all parties to respect institutional rules.