Recent renaming decisions at Islamic University in Kushtia and Khulna University have sparked nationwide controversy, with critics arguing that these changes reflect political motivations and disregard for historical and intellectual heritage.
Islamic University
Islamic University recently renamed several of its halls and an academic building, including the contentious decision to rename Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall as Shah Azizur Rahman Hall.
Shah Azizur Rahman, an infamous collaborator of the Pakistani Army during the 1971 Liberation War, not only opposed the war but also denied the genocide committed during "Operation Searchlight" before the United Nations.
In addition to this controversial change, the university also renamed:
- Sheikh Hasina Hall to July-36 Hall
- Sheikh Russel Hall to Shaheed Anas Hall
- Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall to Ummul Muminin Ayesha Siddiqa Hall
- Wazed Miah Science Building to Ibn Sina Science Building
According to university officials, these changes were made following a directive from the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education, which instructed that buildings named after Sheikh Hasina and her family members be changed.
Khulna University
Similarly, Khulna University has drawn criticism for removing the names of renowned scientists, poets, and historical figures from its buildings.
The university administration claims the decision was part of a student-driven reform movement following the July mass uprising, where students demanded changes to politically named buildings.
Teachers, students, and the general public of Khulna have strongly opposed the move, calling it politically motivated and unjustified.
The renamed buildings are:
- Satyendra Nath Bose Academic Building to Academic Building-1
- Jagadish Chandra Bose Academic Building to Academic Building-2
- Kabi Jibanananda Das Academic Building to Academic Building-3
- Joy Bangla Bhaban to Academic Building-4
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall to Bir Shrestha Mohammad Ruhul Amin Hall
- Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall to Bijoy-24 Hall
- Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Administrative Building to Administrative Building
- Lalon Sai Auditorium to TSC Bhaban
- Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Administrative Bhaban to Golam Rahman Bhaban (named after KU’s first VC)
- Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray Central Laboratory to Khulna University Central Laboratory
- Sultana Kamal Gymnasium to Khulna University Gymnasium
- Dr Alim Chowdhury Medical Centre to Khulna University Medical Centre
Additionally, residential buildings previously named after martyred intellectuals were also changed:
- Dr Jyotirmoy Guhathakurta Residence to Professors’ Quarters
- Dr Sukharanjan Samaddar Residence to Associate Professors’ Quarters
- Dr Govinda Chandra Deb Residence to Assistant Professors’ Quarters
- SMA Rashidul Hasan Residence to Lecturers’ Quarters
Chittagong University
Additionally, Chittagong University has decided to name a student dormitory after Pakistan's former speaker Fazlul Quader Chowdhury.
This decision was made during an “extraordinary” syndicate meeting of the university.
The meeting approved renaming several residential halls, faculties, and the gymnasium, according to acting registrar Professor Mohammad Saiful Islam.
Fazlul Quader Chowdhury, father of BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury—who was executed for war crimes—opposed Bangladesh’s independence during the Liberation War. However, many recall his contribution to establishing Chittagong University.
As per the new changes:
- Janonetri Sheikh Hasina Hall has been renamed Bijoy 24 Hall.
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall has been renamed Shaheed Farhad Hossain Hall, after Farhad Hossain, a second-year history student at the university who was killed in the anti-discrimination movement in Magura.
- Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall has been renamed Nawab Faizunnesa Hall.
- Sheikh Kamal Gymnasium has been renamed Chittagong University Gymnasium.
- Bangabandhu Udyan has been renamed July Revolution Udyan.
- The Second Faculty of Arts and Humanities building has been renamed Shaheed Hridoy Tarua Building, after Hridoy Chandra Tarua, a third-year history student who was killed in the anti-discrimination student movement.
Dhaka University
At Dhaka University, the newly constructed building of Jatir Janak Bangabandhu Hall has been renamed July Shaheed Smrity Bhaban.
The university administration stated that the change was based on student suggestions and a proposal from the hall provost.
Buet
Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) has been renamed Shadhinata Hall, following a decision made in the 549th syndicate meeting.
Jagannath University
Jagannath University (JnU) has removed the nameplate of its only women’s hall, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall.
Students have proposed alternative names, including Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall and Felani Hall, though a final decision has yet to be made.
Rajshahi University
At Rajshahi University (RU), protesting students vandalized the nameplates of four residential halls and a model school on February 5, arguing that they contained "fascist symbols".
The protesters then replaced them with new names:
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall to Shaheed Raihan Hall
- Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall to Nawab Faizunnesa Chowdhurani Hall
- Sheikh Russell Model School to Riyagop Model School
