The Dhaka University unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal has sparked controversy by announcing convening committees for 18 residential halls, despite widespread student opposition to the revival of hall-based politics following the July uprising.
The committee formation on Friday, approved by DU Chhatra Dal leadership, has drawn criticism over allegations that 25-30 committee members have past ties to the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), prompting immediate protests from a group of students and condemnation from the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council (BDSC).
DU Chhatra Dal hall committee
The Dhaka University unit of Chhatra Dal formally announced its new convening committees for 18 residential halls of the university, which were approved by DU Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahos and General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon on Friday.
According to DU Chhatra Dal sources, the formation of these hall committees is part of an effort to "strengthen grassroots organizational structure" and "prepare for future political activities," including the Ducsu elections.
The committee sizes vary across halls. Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall has the largest at 61 members, led by Abu Zar Gifari Ifat as convener, Md Tanvir Ahmed Ziam as senior joint convener, and Monsur Ahmed Rafi as member secretary. Other notable committees include Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall (51 members), Kabi Jasimuddin Hall (43 members), Masterda Surya Sen Hall (47 members), Bijoy Ekattor Hall (54 members), Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall (54 members), Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall (56 members), Salimullah Muslim Hall (18 members), Sir AF Rahman Hall (39 members), Jagannath Hall (34 members), Dr Muhammad Shahidullah Hall (48 members), Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall (36 members), and Amar Ekushey Hall (25 members).
For female dormitories, Rokeya Hall has an eight-member committee, Shamsun Nahar Hall a five-member committee, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall a four-member committee, Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall a three-member committee, and Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall a seven-member unit. Specific conveners and key positions were named for each hall.
Chhatra League involvement allegations
Significant accusations have emerged against 25-30 members of the newly announced Chhatra Dal hall committees, alleging their past involvement with the Bangladesh Chhatra League. For instance:
- Ahmed Jabir Maham of Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall's Development Studies department, who directly opposed the "one-point demand" and was boycotted by his department, has now received a student council membership in Mohsin Hall.
- Nitu Rani Saha, who received a senior joint convener position in Shamsun Nahar Hall JCD, was previously the Shamsun Nahar Hall's Chhatra League deputy public relations secretary.
- Allegations also target Jannatul Ferdous Putul, member secretary of the Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall unit of Chhatra Dal.
- Abdullah Al Noman, joint convener of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall Chhatra Dal, was a hall Chhatra League worker.
- Anika Binte Ashraf, member secretary of Rokeya Hall Chhatra Dal, faces similar accusations.
- Md Abid Hasnat, convener of Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall Chhatra Dal, also faces these allegations.
Chhatra Dal defends committee formation
In response to allegations of Chhatra League involvement among new committee members, Shipon stated that they included individuals who have "worked with them for a long time" and attempted to verify their information by completing their "primary memberships".
Ganesh Chandra Roy Shahosh, president of DU Chhatra Dal, added that if any member of the newly formed committees is found to be engaged in "immoral" activities or to have "hidden" any information, "post-investigative organizational measures" will be taken against them.
Shipon further commented that decisions regarding complaints about "one or two individuals" in the new committee are expected "today or tomorrow". Shahosh also explained that due to "multiple" candidates for the same post, they had to make "hard" decisions while forming the committees.
Dhaka University Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon explained to Dhaka Tribune that Dhaka University is not an "isolated entity" but rather the "birthplace of all movements and struggles in Bangladesh," possessing its "own unique characteristics and political awareness".
He further alleged attempts to "depoliticize Dhaka University" after August, noting that "those who said these things were the first to start working in the halls in small teams".
Shipon referred to their recent "nine-point declaration," claiming it aims for the "complete cessation of all evil politics" that has previously marred student politics, including coercive activities against students and those that disrupt the educational environment.
He also stressed upholding the constitutional rights of every Bangladeshi citizen to express their opinion.
Student protests and BDSC press briefing
On Friday, Dhaka University students protested at the vice-chancellor's residence, condemning the revival of hall politics after July's uprising. Protesters demanded the immediate withdrawal of the committees, arguing that DU students should only elect representatives through DUCSU elections, not serve political parties.
Similar protests occurred at Rokeya and Sufia Kamal halls. Umama Fatema, an anticipated DUCSU VP candidate, called the committees a "betrayal" of the July uprising, warning of "strong measures" if the committees are not halted.
The Bangladesh Democratic Student Council (BDSC) condemned the return of "authoritarian student politics," with Convener Abdul Qader noting that economically vulnerable students become "hostages" to hall politics. Despite post-uprising agreements banning political activities in halls, BDSC alleged that multiple organizations have formed secret committees, "completely disregarding student sentiment."
BDSC warned of strong resistance if oppressive practices resume and called for dialogue to establish a proper campus politics framework.
