The newly elected representatives of Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) are planning to revoke the lifetime membership previously granted to deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. They said the proposal will be raised in the union’s second general meeting.
Back on 23 March 2019, DUCSU’s first executive meeting approved a proposal by International Affairs Secretary Shahrima Tanzina Orni to award Hasina lifetime membership.
The decision was endorsed by 23 representatives, though then Vice President Nurul Haque Nur and Social Welfare Secretary Akhtar Hossain opposed it.
Following the fall of the Awami regime in July 2024 following a mass uprising, DUCSU elections were held after six years. The Shibir-backed “Oikkyaboddho Shikkarthi Jote” won 23 out of 28 positions.
On Sunday, the newly elected representatives formally assumed office through DUCSU’s first executive council meeting.
The representatives told the Times of Bangladesh that while no formal discussion on Hasina’s membership has yet taken place inside the council, they have been deliberating among themselves. They expect a final decision at the next executive council meeting.
DUCSU Literary and Cultural Affairs Secretary Mosaddek Ali Ibn Muhammad said, “Sheikh Hasina, who was a patron of mass killings during the July uprising, does not deserve lifetime membership of DUCSU.
“We will discuss this with the elected representatives and take a decision in the next meeting. DUCSU will also consider separate measures in light of her role.”
DUCSU Social Welfare Secretary AB Jubayer said, “We will deliberate on the matter in the next meeting and then present the decision publicly.”
A representative, requesting anonymity, said the central body’s activities are partly disrupted as the DUCSU building is under renovation, which has delayed the confirmation of the next meeting date.
However, DUCSU Common Room, Reading Room and Cafeteria Secretary Umme Salma, Executive Member Raisul Islam, and Executive Member Md Miftahul Hosein Al Maruf confirmed that the decision on the cancelling Hasina’s lifetime membership will be made in the upcoming meeting.
