Student politics to remain ban in DU halls: VC

Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, has reaffirmed a ban on student politics within the university’s residential halls.

The policy, initially announced on July 17, 2024, will remain in effect, the VC confirmed during an interaction with protesting students in front of his residence in the early hours of Friday, (August 8).

In his statement, Dr. Khan emphasized that the ban will be enforced by hall administrations and extended to both secret and open political activities. The VC also mentioned plans to engage with leaders of Chhatra Dal regarding a committee the student organization recently formed.

The announcement was met with strong resistance from the protesting students, who had gathered earlier that evening to voice their opposition to the formation of the Chhatra Dal committee. Despite the university’s existing ban on student politics, students from Rokeya Hall initiated protests, which later spread across multiple halls. By midnight, demonstrators had gathered at the Raju Sculpture of TSC, before marching to the VC's residence.

The students presented a six-point set of demands: The VC must clarify why the committee was permitted to form; All secret student organizations, including Chhatra Dal, Shibir, Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chattra Sangsad, and Leftist, must be dissolved within 24 hours; A comprehensive ban on all political activities in the university’s academic and residential areas; A detailed framework for student politics at the university; The dissolution of all hall committees within 24 hours; Hall provosts must take responsibility for their failures and issue an apology.

Despite the VC’s attempt to address the situation, tensions remain high, with students pledging to continue their protests until their demands are met.