Sarba Mitra Chakma, the controversial executive member of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu), has reversed his decision after announcing his resignation.
On Saturday afternoon, he told Dhaka Tribune: "Students don't want me to resign. They're saying this would be labeled as anti-people. Resigning like this would be betraying them. Students have told me not to listen to opponents and to keep working. So I've withdrawn my resignation decision."
He added: "The constitution doesn't support this resignation."
However, when asked which article of the constitution states this, Sarba Mitra Chakma said: "I don't know which specific articles address resignation."
Interestingly, Article 12(B) of the constitution clearly states: "If any member of the Executive Committee or any office bearer resigns, passes away, or is removed from their position, the vacant post shall be filled through the established election process for the remaining term."
Sarba Mitra had informed the media of his resignation last Thursday afternoon. That same day, he told: "I'm firm in my decision. I have some pending work. After finishing this work, I'll resign in two days."
Sarba Mitra Chakma was elected as executive member last year on a Chhatra Shibir-backed panel in the Ducsu election. Following a series of controversial incidents, he announced his resignation decision in a Facebook post on Monday. However, the post didn't clarify whether he had actually submitted a resignation letter.
Controversies
Last November, Sarba Mitra was accused of threatening an elderly man with a stick late at night during an eviction drive against outsiders and footpath shops on the Dhaka University campus. He got into disputes with Chhatra Dal and BDSC (Bangladesh Democratic Student Council) now Jatiya Chhatra Shakti over allegations of extortion on campus.
Most recently, a video from the university's central playing field showed him making several children do sit-ups while holding their ears, with a cricket stump in one hand. The video showed him threatening children with the stump if they didn't hold their ears. When this video went viral on social media, the Ducsu leader faced widespread criticism.
His justification
In his Monday afternoon Facebook post, he wrote: "I've decided to resign. I haven't made this decision out of resentment toward anyone or because I was provoked. When doing the work becomes difficult, impossible, there's no point in holding onto the position."
He continued: "It was last month when theft and snatching incidents increased tremendously. Even though my approach might have been wrong, due to the administration's inaction and various reasons, I felt that without this strictness, it wouldn't be possible to control outsiders and ensure students' safety at the central field."
"My only concern is Dhaka University's security. I've intervened in various places, alone. I've tried to find solutions, even going beyond my responsibilities. But law is law. In fulfilling this responsibility, I had to go above the law to deal with situations—to ensure security. This has poisoned my personal life and mental state. I no longer have the capacity to continue."
Administration’s stance
Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed said the university administration issued a show-cause notice regarding the incident of making children do sit-ups. He told Dhaka Tribune on Monday: "We've asked him for an explanation. Let him explain first."
When Chhatra Dal demanded action against Sarba Mitra within 24 hours, the proctor indicated action would be taken within that timeframe. However, even two days later, no action from the university administration has been observed.
On Wednesday morning, Saifuddin Ahmed told the media: "Sarba Mitra Chakma was away. We couldn't deliver the show-cause notice to him. Yesterday we sent it to him online. Now let's see what response he gives."
When asked about the show-cause notice, Sarba Mitra said: "I've received the show-cause letter. But I won't respond to it. First, they need to inform me about the incidents of students' phones being stolen, bicycles being stolen, and female students being harassed. I don't know if I'll still be in this position then. But I'll demand answers about these things. I might not even be in the Ducsu position at that time."
