DU Surja Sen Hall VP criticised for fining, reprimanding vendor

Just a week after the Dhaka University hall council elections, Surja Sen Hall Vice President (VP) Azizul Haque has drawn criticism for controversial actions. He has faced backlash on social media after fining a shopkeeper and reprimanding canteen workers.

Last Friday, Azizul fined a hall shopkeeper Tk 3,000 for allegedly using “tasting salt.” On Sunday, he gave the canteen owner 15 days to improve food quality and issued a stern warning to workers against wearing half-pants while on duty. In a video, he is heard saying: “You have been running the cafeteria for 42 years, yet students have seen no improvement. Why should you be kept then? When staff ignore hygiene rules, cook in half-pants, and smoke inside the kitchen, the manager is responsible. Bring visible change within 15 days, or be ready to step aside.”

His actions sparked mixed reactions among students. Residential student Abul Mishkat said, “We all know the food quality here has long been very poor. So what Aziz bhai did is fine. But he has no authority to impose fines.” He added, “As for workers wearing trousers above the ankles, I do not see how that relates to food quality.”

In support, another student, Ridwan Mansur, said, “Not just taste, the environment also matters. If someone sits to eat and sees workers moving around in half-pants, it is naturally uncomfortable. Considering that, Aziz bhai did the right thing.”

Responding to criticism, Azizul Haque said, “Students voted for us to fight for their rights, not to sit idle. I will be more restrained in my conduct and continue working for students’ interests until the very last day of my tenure.”

In this year’s DU hall council elections, only Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing) fielded candidates for 18 posts, while other candidates contested as independents. However, students widely discussed that many independent winners had support from Chhatrashibir. Reports also suggest Azizul had backing from Shibir.

Islami Chhatrashibir General Secretary Md. Mohiuddin Khan said most of the elected candidates were their activists or supporters.

Meanwhile, former Shibir president Mirza Galib criticised Azizul in a Facebook post, writing: “This is no way to solve problems. These over-the-top ‘hero’ acts only happen in films. Real problems require proper homework on systemic change and professional implementation. Otherwise, there is no sustainable solution. Actions taken just for cheap popularity or to show off power are wrong.”

On whether a hall VP has the authority to impose fines, DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed clarified, “They cannot impose fines. They must of course oversee issues, but any action should be taken through the hall administration.”