Political leaders and analysts have expressed concerns that Dhaka University (DU) is losing its identity as a "university of the masses" due to recent restrictions imposed on vehicular movement on campus.
Critics argue that this decision pits DU students against the general public, undermining the institution's historical role as a platform for mass movements in Bangladesh.
On December 13, the DU authorities announced the restrictions without prior notice or consultation with stakeholders.
This sudden decision has caused inconvenience as the campus roads are vital thoroughfares connecting Shahbagh, Nilkhet, Chankharpool, and Gulistan, and serve as access points to key locations like Dhaka Medical College, the Secretariat, and Kamalapur Railway Station.
On December 14, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed announced through a press briefing a full-fledged time limit and restriction, triggering a widespread suffering among regular commuters who relied on these roads.
Calling the move autocratic, Dr Rushad Faridi, assistant professor of Economics at DU, said: “Dhaka University is not someone’s personal property, not even the ones residing on this campus, the university runs on public money. The public also must understand how this (with limitation) functions, a timeline of 1-2 months needed to be given to let them know that a limitation is on the way.”
He suggested that city corporations and other stakeholders collaborate to address overcrowding and traffic issues sustainably.
Historical importance
Since its establishment, DU students have played pivotal roles during critical moments in the nation’s history.
For a long time, it has been a tradition for students to gather at the Raju Sculpture, teachers at Aparajeyo Bangla, and general people at the Shahid Minar to make their voices heard, regardless of the political regime.
The latest significant political upheaval, which led to the end of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year rule, began with DU students’ initiatives and was later carried out by the spontaneous involvement of other universities and the public.
Reports have emerged that some of them, including students of other universities, are already harassed and assaulted while trying to enter the campus.
One of them is Mohammad Mishu Ali Suhash, central co-coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and a student of State University of Bangladesh. He was allegedly physically assaulted and harassed while attempting to enter DU through Nilkhet entrance.
He claimed that the restrictions aim to marginalize private university students from the platform.
“The Dhaka University authorities have reverted to its previous state during the Awami regime when it was subservient to the ruling party’s student wing, Chhatra League. The current situation mirrors that era, with the authority now displaying blind obedience to the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,” he said.
He claimed that a particular faction in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is trying to suppress others and the latest decision is a political and populist move.
How the decision was taken?
Khaled Hasan, the central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement platform, initiated a strike on October 14 to demand restrictions on vehicles and crowds within Dhaka University.
Subsequently, numerous leaders and activists from the platform joined his cause.
The protest intensified into a hunger strike, ultimately prompting the Dhaka University authorities to take formal steps toward imposing restrictions on campus entry.
Despite claims by the proctor that discussions were held with students, leaders of prominent student organizations such as Chhatra Dal, Chhatra Union, and Biplabi Chhatra Maitree stated they were not consulted.
Only DU Chhatra Shibir President Sadik Kayem said his party sat with the DU authority regarding the matter twice.
Regarding the discussion with teachers on the matter, Proctor Saifuddin asked: “Is there any way to sit and discuss with the teachers?”
Political impact
The restrictions have also disrupted activities of student political organizations and intellectuals, many of whom used the campus for cultural and political gatherings.
Nasir Uddin Nasir, general secretary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chaatra Dal, said: "Student safety on campus will always be a top priority. However, it's important to remember that when the University of Dhaka was established, it was located on the outskirts of the city. Today, it lies at the heart of the city. Given this, it’s unrealistic to entirely restrict access to outsiders, especially for emergency transportation. We need to work toward a practical and balanced solution."
Ragib Nayeem the president of the central committee of the Bangladesh Chaatra Union proposed solutions to the issue by creating underpasses to manage traffic and using parking lots near Shahid Zia Shishu Park.
In this regard, Biplobi Chhatra Maitree President Dilip Roy said: "The decision has placed the university's students in direct opposition to the general public. This is particularly concerning, as Dhaka University has historically been a university for the people—a sanctuary for the repressed and oppressed, providing a platform for them to speak out and take a stand."
What critics say
The decision has drawn criticism from academics and civil society members.
In this context, poet and writer Tahmid Chowdhury said: “This is a deeply anti-people move by Dhaka University. Personally, I believe DU is disrespecting the citizens of Dhaka by using the term 'outsider' (Bohiragoto), which is inherently derogatory.
“While DU's decisions are entirely their internal matter, they should avoid using such offensive language. For a prestigious institution like DU, the choice of words should be more refined and thoughtful. Using terms like ‘Bohiragoto’ reflects poor judgment in language selection,” he added.
Economist and Jahangirnagar University professor Anu Muhammad also criticized the decision, calling it a "wrong move" while talking to Dhaka Tribune.
He explained: “Many people need to pass through DU to reach different parts of the city. DU is the cultural hub of the country, and restricting access is not a sustainable solution. People outside DU may come for seminars or conferences. Instead of isolating the campus, the city needs more ‘free spaces’ to ease the pressure of overcrowding.”
On December 15, Samina Lutfa, an activist and associate professor at Dhaka University, faced criticism on social media for condemning the move.
In her post, she wrote: "Don’t compare this to other universities in other countries. Dhaka University has unique responsibilities that no other university in Bangladesh may share. When you come here to study, you inherit these responsibilities. Don’t forget!"
In defense, Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said that the restrictions aim to prevent misuse of the campus for non-academic activities, such as TikTok videos and motorbike racing.
“I am doing proactive work, not reactive. I don't think it would be appropriate to take action after an accident, I want to take action before the incident. We are not even barring you from entering, we are simply asking why you want to come,” said the proctor.
He expressed hope that the public would gradually adapt to the new rules, reducing the need for enforcement.
