DU forms 3 separate committees to probe DUCSU controversies

Dhaka University authorities have formed three separate committees to investigate three controversial incidents involving the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU). The committees will look into the launch of a website called 'DU Evaluation', the installation of two monuments named 'Nirvik July' without university approval, and the display of photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Abdul Malek at the DUCSU museum.

The university's public relations office announced this in a notice on Monday (September 14). The notice said the committees were formed under Section 12(3) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973, to maintain discipline on campus. Each committee has been asked to submit an investigation report with recommendations within seven working days, after which further administrative action will be taken based on the review.

A six-member committee has been formed to investigate the launch of the 'DU Evaluation' website. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the university is the convener of this committee. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), the dean of the Faculty of Law, the dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, and the director of the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) are members, while the registrar will serve as member secretary.

Meanwhile, a five-member committee will investigate allegations of installing two monuments named 'Nirvik July' without permission from the authorities. The two structures were built on the western side of the DUCSU building, adjacent to the Arts Building, and in front of the Central Library. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) is also the convener of this committee, with the dean of the Faculty of Law, the dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, and the proctor as members, and the estate manager as member secretary.

The display of photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, founder and then governor-general of Pakistan, and Abdul Malek, a then leader of the Chhatra Sangha, at the DUCSU museum has also been brought under investigation. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) is the convener of the five-member committee formed over this incident, with the dean of the Faculty of Law, the dean of the Faculty of Business Studies, and the proctor as members, and the estate manager as member secretary.

The display of Jinnah's and Abdul Malek's photographs came to light after the DUCSU museum reopened following renovation, sparking discussion and criticism both on campus and on social media. A student later tore Jinnah's photograph and damaged the frame, while various student organizations staged protests demanding removal of the photographs.