A dispute has emerged between a group of students under the banner of “general students” and the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal unit at Dhaka University (DU) regarding the long-delayed Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu) election.
The students accuse Chhatra Dal of deliberately opposing and delaying the election.
On Thursday, two groups of students gathered at the DU Senate building to voice different demands.
Students identifying as "general students" protested against the inclusion of Awami League-affiliated members in the university syndicate and demanded a swift Ducsu election.
Simultaneously, Chhatra Dal members opposed the inclusion of these syndicate members, calling for the "abolition" of the current syndicate and rejecting any Ducsu election conducted under its oversight.
According to GC Shahos Roy, president of DU Chhatra Dal, their protest was not an "organizational decision."
Among the contested syndicate members were former Pro-VC (Academic) and Awami League-affiliated teachers, Professor Sitesh Chandra Bachar and Prof Md Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan, as well as Awami League leader SM Bahalul Majnun Chunnu.
While these individuals were invited to the meeting, backlash from students and Chhatra Dal prevented their participation.
DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan later met with both groups to hear their concerns.
However, some Chhatra Dal leaders got into an argument with the VC, demanding that no discussions about Ducsu should occur within the current syndicate structure.
There were also rumours that the Chhatra Dal leaders insulted the VC during the heated altercation.
Pro-VC (Academic) Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha, who was not present at the scene, said that while there were discussions about Ducsu, there were no reports of insults.
Anti-discrimination movement demands action
On Thursday night, around 11:45pm, another protest march was held under the "Students Against Discrimination" platform.
Protesters accused Chhatra Dal of obstructing the Ducsu election and demanded the announcement of a Ducsu framework within 72 hours.
Starting from Hallpara, the march moved through various halls before concluding at the Vice-Chancellor’s residence.
Tahmid Al Mudassir Chowdhury, convener of the "We Want Ducsu" platform, warned Chhatra Dal that opposing students' demands would render them obsolete on campus, likening their fate to previous political student wings such as NSF and BCL.
Mahin Sarkar, another leader of the "We Want Ducsu" platform, condemned the alleged "insult" to the VC, claiming it was an affront to the entire university.
He demanded the VC announce a Ducsu roadmap within 72 hours to prevent further student harassment.
Chhatra Dal denies allegations
Chhatra Dal leaders present at the scene refuted claims of insulting or harassing the VC.
Abidur Rahman Mishu, literature and publication secretary of Surjasen Hall Chhatra Dal, dismissed the allegations as "vile fabrications" and challenged anyone to provide evidence.
Chhatra Dal issued a statement condemning the allegations as "politically motivated conspiracies" and reiterated their commitment to Ducsu reform and elections.
The organization also called for disciplinary action against members who protested the inclusion of Awami League-affiliated teachers in the syndicate.
Nourin Sultana Toma, a DU student present during the protests, reported no signs of harassment or raised voices.
She urged the university administration to publish statements if such incidents occurred.
In a press release, Chhatra Dal said: “Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Dhaka University considers the democratic right of students to hold the Ducsu election as a core demand. We have consistently called for Ducsu reform and elections in discussions with the administration. The Dhaka University administration has invited proposals from all stakeholders, including student organizations, for reforming the Ducsu constitution. We welcome this initiative and remain committed to supporting the process through dialogue and cooperation.”
