A viral video showing a Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) executive member publicly punishing underage children has brought renewed scrutiny to what critics describe as a growing culture of vigilante behaviour on campus.
The footage, recorded at 4:44pm on January 6 at Dhaka University’s central playground, shows Sarba Mitra Chakma ordering several children to squat repeatedly while holding their ears, a form of punishment banned under Bangladeshi law.
In multiple clips circulated on social media, he is also seen approaching the children while holding a stick.
Two additional videos from the same incident later surfaced, showing the punishment being repeated, while another clip shows a separate group of children receiving similar treatment.
The incident sparked widespread outrage online, with many accusing Sarba Mitra of abusing authority, humiliating children and taking the law into his own hands.
Amid mounting criticism, Sarba Mitra announced his resignation in a Facebook post on Monday, expressing regret and claiming his actions were motivated by concern for campus safety.
However, Ducsu officials and university authority said no formal resignation letter has been received.
While the video involving children has drawn the strongest reaction, it is not an isolated case.
A record of force, intimidation
Sarba Mitra Chakma, from Rangamati Sadar Upazila, is a third-year Sociology student.
He was elected Ducsu executive member from the Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed Oikyoboddho Chhatro Jote panel, the only indigenous representative there.
The alliance campaigned on him as a “leading face of the anti-fascist movement,” promising dignity and justice on campus.
Critics now highlight contradictions between those pledges and his actions.
Over the past several months, Sarba Mitra has faced repeated allegations of physical assault, intimidation and unauthorized “moral policing” during operations involving street vendors, visitors and alleged vagrants.
Sifat Rezwan, a residential student of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, told Dhaka Tribune that on January 16, following a dispute at the Doel Chattar entrance involving an external tour bus, Sarba Mitra arrived with a group of people and assaulted the bus driver and helper inside a proctorial vehicle.
“He was punching and kicking them in front of families and children on the bus,” Sifat said, adding that when an alumnus tried to intervene, Sarba Mitra dismissed him.
Another student, Rashidul Ibrahim of Zia Hall, said that in November last year Sarba Mitra detained and interrogated a biker at Shaheed Minar on suspicion of carrying drugs.
“When nothing was found, he threw a stick at the moving bike,” Ibrahim said.
Later that night, he said Sarba Mitra and his associates interrogated a couple at the same location and forced him to delete photos he had taken.
That same month, a video circulated showing Sarba Mitra threatening an elderly man with a stick during an operation to evict homeless people and alleged drug users from campus.
After criticism, he had publicly said he would no longer take part in such activities.
A Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) employee, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, said Sarba Mitra assaulted several street vendors near the Centre for Advanced Research in Arts and Social Science about a month ago.
Shopkeepers near the Ramna Kali Temple gate confirmed similar incidents.
University response
Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said the actions seen in the viral video were “completely beyond his authority.”
“A Ducsu member has no right to impose punishment,” he said, confirming that a show-cause notice has been issued with the vice chancellor’s approval.
He added that resignation would not halt the investigation.
Ducsu Vice President Abu Shadik Kayem described the incident as a human rights violation, saying elected representatives are expected to act responsibly.
Ducsu General Secretary SM Farhad said no resignation would be considered without a written submission.
What the law says
Legal experts say the punishment of children shown in the video constitutes a criminal offence.
“Anyone under 18 is legally a child. Forcing them to do ear-holding squats is illegal and police can arrest without a warrant,” said Advocate Saidur Rahman.
Article 35(5) of the Constitution prohibits torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.
A 2011 High Court directive banned all forms of physical and mental punishment of children, both inside and outside educational institutions.
Bangladesh is also bound by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Abdulla Al Mamun, director, Child Protection and Child Rights Governance at Save the Children in Bangladesh, told Dhaka Tribune: “Child protection and the way children are treated whether within the family or by the state often do not remain protective; instead, they frequently turn into abuse. In the name of discipline or governance, we end up inflicting harm.”
“This is embedded in family and societal practices. The incident involving Samitra Chakma happened in much the same way.”
This is precisely where awareness and strong state policies are urgently needed, he added.
Criminologist Dr Touhidul Haque of Dhaka University said the issue goes beyond one individual.
“This reflects how unchecked authority and tolerance of violence can normalize vigilantism on campus,” he said.
As investigations continue, many students say the case has exposed a deeper concern: how long unlawful force was allowed to operate in the name of discipline, order and security at one of the country’s premier institutions.
