Shahidullah Hall cancels AGS's room allocation after viral video sparks probe

Authorities at Dhaka University's Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall have temporarily cancelled the room allocation of the hall's Assistant General Secretary (AGS), Ibrahim Khalil, pending an investigation after videos circulating on social media sparked controversy over the conduct of two visitors who had stayed in his room.

The decision was announced after the videos, shared online on Saturday (August 1), prompted protests by a group of students inside the residential hall.

The videos were posted on Facebook by Khalil's roommate, Anay Chowdhury, who alleged that two non-resident visitors staying in the room on July 27 were seen in what he described as an inappropriate intimate situation. The allegations have not been independently verified.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Khalil expressed regret over the incident but denied prior knowledge or involvement.

He said the two visitors had been allowed to stay in his room because they had come to Dhaka for medical treatment. According to Khalil, he was not present in the room when the alleged incident occurred and was not informed about it until later. He said he condemned the incident upon learning of it and would cooperate with any legal or administrative investigation.

Khalil was elected Assistant General Secretary of Shahidullah Hall in the 2025 Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) and hall union elections with support from Islami Chhatra Shibir.

The president of the Dhaka University unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Muha. Mohiuddin Khan, confirmed that Khalil is affiliated with the organization and said the matter would be investigated internally.

He said the organization would determine whether Khalil had any involvement or whether the visitors acted without his knowledge. If any wrongdoing is established, appropriate action should be taken by the university and hall authorities, he added.

Shahidullah Hall General Secretary Toukir Hasan said the hall union had sought explanations from both Khalil and his roommate.

"Their statements will be reviewed before any further decision is made," he said.

Hall authorities said Khalil's room allocation would remain suspended while the investigation is underway.