Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal is stepping up efforts to expand its influence over dormitories at Dhaka University and other campuses nationwide, as tensions and clashes with the Jamaat-e-Islami student wing, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, continue to intensify.
Historically, control of residential halls at Dhaka University has shifted alongside changes in political power in Bangladesh, with student wings of the ruling parties often exercising influence over hall administration and student placement.
This time, however, the shift has been more gradual. Nearly a year and a half after the July 2024 uprising, tensions on the campus have resurfaced, with residential halls emerging once again as a focal point of student politics. Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir are now engaged in renewed confrontations and rival political activity over influence in the halls. The campus atmosphere has become increasingly tense, with Shibir seeking to consolidate its position.
Shibir, which operated largely underground for years, came into the open following the political transition in 2024. It later performed strongly in the Ducsu elections in 2025, winning 23 of 28 central posts and securing major victories in hall council elections. However, maintaining that foothold has proved more difficult than achieving it.
Pattern of hall control
Successive governments in Bangladesh have historically been reflected in the control of university dormitories. Student leaders aligned with the ruling party have typically influenced room allocation and hall activity.
In the 1990s, during BNP rule, Chhatra Dal maintained strong control over halls. During the caretaker administration in 2007–08, university authorities temporarily regained control.
This was followed by 15 years of dominance by Chhatra League, during which hall-based political mobilization became entrenched. Freshers were often allocated into overcrowded rooms and mobilized for political activities, a system that also led to internal conflicts. Following the political upheaval of 2024–25, interim authorities briefly reasserted control over residential halls.
After the BNP formed a government following the most recent election, expectations grew that previous patterns of hall control would return. However, Chhatra Dal has so far not moved to assert direct control over the dormitories.
Political science professor Mohammad Ainul Islam of Dhaka University said on February 21 that changes in national power are typically mirrored in university halls.
“Every time there is a change in political power in Bangladesh, the university halls also change,” he said. “Sometimes it happens gradually, but clashes often precede consolidation of control.”
Recent tensions
The latest tensions were triggered by a confrontation between Chhatra Dal and Shibir at Government City College in Chittagong, with repercussions reaching Dhaka University.
On April 21, Chhatra Dal activists altered graffiti on a college wall that had called for a campus free from student politics and Chhatra League presence, changing the wording in a way that Shibir supporters said effectively labelled them as covert operatives. The incident led to the suspension of classes and examinations at the college.
Later that night, Chhatra Dal activists marched from the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) at Dhaka University. Chhatra Dal general secretary Nasir Uddin issued a warning, saying those responsible for similar actions on any campus would face resistance.
He also referred to Shibir as “covert”, adding that the label would continue to be used across campuses.
Following this, Chhatra Dal activists wrote slogans including “Covert Shibir” and “Razakar” on walls in several residential halls.
At Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall, Chhatra Dal activists wrote “Down with underground politics”, prompting a counter-slogan from Shibir supporters. The hall administration later removed the graffiti after intervention from tutors.
At Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall, Chhatra Dal activists wrote “Covert Shibir” on the guest room wall late at night, which hall officials described as “political vandalism”. Hall representatives later criticized the use of dormitory walls for political messaging.
At Bijoy Ekattor Hall, a confrontation broke out after Chhatra Dal activists attempted to write similar slogans. Shibir-aligned hall officials intervened, leading to accusations of assault and counter-accusations of provocation. Chhatra Dal later staged a protest outside the hall. Shibir denied the allegations.
Tensions escalated further at Shahbagh Police Station after Chhatra Dal activists went to file a complaint over a social media post they deemed offensive. The situation deteriorated into a confrontation involving members of both groups, with Shibir-linked Ducsu office bearers also present. Several journalists covering the incident were reportedly assaulted.
Positions from both sides
Ahsan Habib Imroz, vice-president of the Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall council and Shibir’s student rights secretary, said complaints had been filed with the hall administration over recent incidents.
“Chhatra Dal is trying to exert control over the halls by force,” he said.
Hasan Al Banna, vice-president of Bijoy Ekattor Hall council and Shibir’s IT secretary, said tensions were spreading across multiple dormitories.
“Attempts are being made to create unrest in the halls,” he said.
Chhatra Dal, meanwhile, said it would not allow what it called “covert politics” on campus and accused Shibir of maintaining underground networks.
Mehedi, Chhatra Dal’s international affairs secretary at Dhaka University, said Shibir had long operated through hidden structures.
“They have been building networks for years,” he said. “If they act against student interests, they will be resisted.”
Shibir, however, described recent developments as an attempt by Chhatra Dal to assert control over dormitories through force.
Mohiuddin Khan, Shibir’s Dhaka University president and Ducsu assistant general secretary, said the group believed a broader plan was under way to take control of halls.
Analysts’ view
Professor Sabbir Ahmed of Dhaka University’s Political Science department said competition for campus dominance has historically mirrored national political rivalry.
“Both Chhatra Dal and Shibir seek influence over the campus, as has been seen repeatedly in Bangladesh’s university politics,” he said. “When such competition turns into a struggle for dominance, conflict becomes difficult to avoid.”
He warned that without firm administrative action, tensions on campus could escalate further in the coming days.