Most student bodies support hall-based politics at DU

Dhaka University (DU) administration held a meeting with student organisations on Sunday to discuss the framework of campus politics ahead of the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections.

A majority of student bodies lent their support for continuing hall-based politics. Only the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS) and the Bangladesh Students' Rights Council opposed the idea. Sixteen political student organisations attended the meeting, though 23 were invited.

According to the DU administration, the discussions aimed to draft a roadmap for student politics both in the halls and across the campus while ensuring participation of all groups in the DUCSU polls.

After the meeting, Central Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib said they had proposed ending the "guest room," "ganoroom," and other harmful political practices. He expressed the hope that the university would prepare a historic framework based on the opinions of general students.

Talking to reporters, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said, "Past practices like ganoroom and forced attendance at political events have left students with negative perceptions and even trauma. That's why this meeting focused on what shape student politics should take. We want to continue discussions and ensure that no confrontational situation arises under any circumstances." He called for collective efforts to hold the DUCSU election peacefully and pledged not to revert to any repressive measures.

Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said the first meeting was intended to hear opinions and that the dialogue would continue. "We will also collect feedback from general students online," he added.

Chhatra Shibir told reporters that politics in the halls should continue only if students want it.

The session saw early walkouts by three leftist organisations in protest at the presence of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir. They were the Bangladesh Chhatra League (JASAD), a faction of Bangladesh Chhatra Union led by Mahir Shahriar Reza, and the Socialist Students' Front. Later, after delivering their remarks, another faction of Bangladesh Chhatra Union led by Meghmallar Basu also exited the meeting.

In a statement, the leftist groups that walked out said, "At the start of the meeting, we objected to Shibir's presence and asked for a clear explanation. In response, the Vice-Chancellor legitimised Shibir's political activities in the presence of all student organisations and said they must be accommodated in the changed situation."

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