A group of students at Dhaka University (DU) staged a protest demanding a ban on all forms of political activities by student-teacher and staff associations on campus, as well as immediate elections for the central student union (DUCSU). They warned that anyone attempting to do politics on campus would have to flee the country like Sheikh Hasina.
The students marched through various parts of the campus this Friday afternoon and later held a rally at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture near the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).
During the rally, Nafiur Rahman, a student from Bijoy Ekattor Hall, said, “If anyone tries to engage in political activities on campus or attempts to take control of the halls, they will have to flee like Hasina. Students will resist any conspiracy to dominate the campus, and they will no longer accept party domination or servitude.”
Outlining a plan for a safe campus, Nafiur stated, “Political activities by party-affiliated teachers, students, officers, and staff must be banned to ensure no one can occupy the campus or the halls. Rallies and gatherings under party banners or in support of any political faction must be prohibited on campus. However, students will have the right to unite and hold demonstrations for their own demands or in support of international human rights issues. Additionally, DUCSU elections must be held immediately.”
Sanjida Chowdhury, a student from Shamsunnahar Hall, added, “We will no longer tolerate servitude on campus. If the university does not foster opportunities for free thought and research, we will continue our movement on the streets. Those who are eager to implement political agendas should be warned—stop pushing party politics. We will not allow any political agendas to be carried out within the university. If necessary, we will die for it.”
She also mentioned that on August 29, the students had submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor, demanding a ban on all forms of political activities on campus.
Hridoy Ahmed, a student from Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall, said, “Before the fall of the autocratic regime, one of our nine demands was to ban all party politics on the campuses of public universities across Bangladesh. But now, we see that party loyalty and efforts to occupy spaces through politics continue. Students will no longer be used as pawns.”
The rally concluded with an announcement that the next step in the students’ protest would be revealed at a press conference in front of the Central Library tomorrow at 3 p.m.
