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Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan has reaffirmed a ban on student politics in residential halls amid protests.
Speaking in front of his residence late on Saturday night, he said the decision taken on July 17, 2024, to bar student politics in the halls would remain in effect, and each hall administration would take necessary measures in line with the policy.
Earlier in the day, the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, the BNP's student wing, announced new convening committees for 18 DU halls. The move immediately sparked criticism and debate.
In protest, processions were brought out from various halls around 11:30 pm to press for a ban on student politics in the halls, bdnews24.com reports.
Around midnight, demonstrators from Mohsin Hall marched through Masterda Surja Sen Hall, Hall Para, and the VC Chattar before gathering in front of Rokeya Hall.
They raised slogans such as “The blood of July will not be in vain”, “One, two, three, four -- hall politics no more”, and “Direct action against guest rooms”.
At one point, students of Rokeya Hall broke the lock on the gate to join the protest. The demonstrators remained at the Raju Memorial Sculpture until 1:00 am before marching to the VC’s residence and staging a sit-in.
When the vice-chancellor came out around 1:30 am, the students presented their demands.
Addressing them, the VC said: “We stand by our position on banning student politics. However, ahead of the DUCSU elections, we will need your cooperation and advice to ensure student organisations in the halls follow the code of conduct.”
A lengthy exchange between the students and university officials followed. Finally, around 2:45 am, the VC declared the ban on student politics in the halls.