A controversy has erupted at Dhaka University (DU) over the allocation of a guest room at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) for a Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) citizen service centre, with the TSC director alleging undue pressure and procedural irregularities by Ducsu leaders, claims the university administration and Ducsu officials strongly deny.
The dispute centres on a room inside the TSC that was previously used as a dining space for visiting teachers.
TSC Director Farzana Bashar alleged that Ducsu Career Development Secretary Mazharul Islam and Ducsu Vice President Shadik Kayem pressured her into approving the allocation and later demanded that she vacate the room, despite what she described as the absence of consultation with the university’s higher authorities.
However, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), the Estate Office and Ducsu leaders maintain that the allocation followed established procedures and was approved with written consent from the TSC director herself.
Allegations of coercion
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Farzana Bashar said she was approached by officials from the Estate Office and Ducsu without prior notice.
“Someone from the Estate Office came and said, ‘The manager asked you to sign this, apa.’ Then Mazhar rushed in and said, ‘Apa, sign this,’” she said.
She said she initially asked them to return later due to prayer and lunch breaks but eventually signed the document under pressure.
Farzana further alleged that after the approval, Mazhar demanded that she vacate the room.
“When I refused, he cut the phone and arranged a conference call with the vice president,” she said.
“He said, ‘If you create trouble, we’ll create trouble for you too.’”
Farzana said the room had long been used as a dining facility for visiting teachers, equipped with a dining table, chairs, a refrigerator and an oven.
“Many foreign guests cook their own meals here. Now they want a new dining space, which will disrupt existing arrangements,” she said.
She also claimed she had not discussed the issue with Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Sayma Haque Bidisha and indicated that she would address the matter publicly at a press conference.
“I’ll either stay or I won’t. If the administration doesn’t keep me, I won’t stay. If I stay, it will be on my own terms,” she said.
Administration, Ducsu deny wrongdoing
University officials, however, rejected the allegations of coercion.
Acting Estate Manager Fatema Binte Mustafa told Dhaka Tribune that the room allocation had been processed through proper administrative channels and approved in writing by the TSC director.
“The application went through the Pro-VC via official noting. She wrote clearly that the room could be used for the citizen service centre and that the TSC director had no objection,” she said.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Sayma Haque Bidisha confirmed that Farzana’s opinion was formally sought before the allocation was approved.
“When we receive any written application, we seek opinions from the relevant authorities. In this case, TSC gave a positive opinion, and only then was the application processed,” she said.
DU Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin also said that after Mazharul Islam submitted the application on behalf of Ducsu, it was routed through the Estate Office and relevant authorities in line with university rules.
Mazharul Islam denied exerting pressure and defended the process.
“The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) heads the space allocation committee. Applications go through her, the Estate Office, the Treasurer and other authorities before final approval by the Vice Chancellor,” he said.
“There may be initial differences of opinion, but after discussion, she was convinced.”
Questions over necessity
The controversy has been further fuelled by questions over the necessity of opening another citizen service centre near the campus.
Rajit Khan, founder of an existing citizen service centre in Nilkhet -- adjacent to Gausul Azam Market and Mama Hotel -- confirmed that a centre is already operating in the area.
Google Maps data also shows the presence of an operational citizen service centre near Dhaka University.
Adding to student anger, a wall mural known as “Palestine Corner”, located in front of the disputed guest room, was erased during preparations for setting up the Ducsu centre, prompting criticism from student groups.
Citizen Service Bangladesh, launched in May last year under the ICT Division, aims to provide multiple government services from a single point.
While centres in Gulshan and Uttara are operational, the Nilkhet centre was announced as “coming soon”.