Hall committees will continue to exist at Dhaka University, says Chhatra Dal chief

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s Central President Rakibul Islam Rakib has said the hall committees announced by his organisation at Dhaka University will remain in place, despite the university’s decision to ban student politics inside the residential halls.

He spoke to the media on Thursday after a courtesy meeting with the vice-chancellor (VC), where a 13-strong Chhatra Dal delegation discussed the framework for student politics in halls, across the university, and within DUCSU, reports bdnews24.com.

On Aug 9, the BNP’s student front announced the dissolution of existing hall units and the formation of new committees in 18 halls.

That night, a section of students marched in protest on campus and gathered outside the VC’s residence.

In response, VC Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan reaffirmed the ban on student politics in halls, which was enacted on Jul 17, 2024.

He said the order remains in effect and each hall administration will act accordingly under this policy.

Speaking to journalists, Rakib said: “The university has assured us it will investigate who is involved in cyberbullying, underground student politics and efforts to destabilise the campus.”

He added, “The administration has shown reluctance toward covert student politics and told us it is taking steps to end such activities. We, as a conscious student organisation, stand with the university administration.”

Following the protests and political ban, attention turned to Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir, which faced allegations of carrying out underground activities in the halls.

Rakib said the delegation also discussed with the vice-chancellor the need to bring identified leaders and activists of Chhatra League, who remain on campus despite the ban, under legal process.

He expressed hope that by Saturday the administration would provide an update on banning “covert” student politics, defining the nature of politics in the halls, and taking legal action against Chhatra League members accused of violence.

Criticising Chhatra Shibir’s alleged activities, Rakib said: “Just as Chhatra League occupied the halls, Chhatra Shibir is now doing the same through covert politics. In the Dhaka University Students’ Union group, negative comments are being made about Chhatra Dal. We have sought the administration’s intervention in this matter.”

“We, Chhatra Dal, are being targeted by ‘mobs’ and subjected to trial by social media,” he said.