A fresh controversy has erupted at Dhaka University (DU) following the allegations of direct interference by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) in the university’s administrative activities.
Multiple quarters have claimed that several recent actions by Ducsu and hall unions have violated the Ducsu constitution. Critics argue that the university administration is using the student body as a “shield” to justify undemocratic decisions.
However, university authorities maintain that the Ducsu is a legally recognised representative body of students, and their participation is essential for ensuring a safe and inclusive campus environment.
The debate resurfaced after a recent eviction drive on the campus, during which questions were raised about the Ducsu jurisdiction, authority, and operational boundaries.
Allegations of misconduct during eviction drive
An eyewitness, Israt Jahan Emu, has alleged that Ducsu Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair physically assaulted a street vendor for obstructing an eviction drive.
Former Ducsu general secretary Mushtaq Hossain told the TIMES of Bangladesh that the administration appears to be “weaponising” Ducsu for bureaucratic purposes.
“The administration seems to be using Ducsu not as a democratic organisation but as an administrative tool,” said Hossain. “Such bureaucratic behaviour is not expected from the Ducsu – they should stand by the students, not act like officials.”
Students raise questions about ‘authority’
Mussaddikur Rahman Riyadh, a resident student of Shahid Sergeant Zahurul Huq Hall, said, “Assaulting anyone in the name of security is a violation of human rights. Ensuring safety is a good initiative, but no one has the right to use violence. Are they trying to normalise mob behaviour under the banner of campus security?”
Political reactions and expert opinions
Nahiduzzaman Shipon, general secretary of the BNP-backed Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal’s DU unit, told the media, “Administrative work should be handled by the university authorities. The Ducsu may assist, but taking the law into their own hands is unacceptable.”
Political analyst and DU Anthropology Professor Dr Zobaida Nasreen termed Ducsu’s intervention “a sign of authoritarianism.”
“These matters fall under the jurisdiction of the administration and the proctorial body,” she said. “If Ducsu starts taking over such responsibilities, it risks repeating the authoritarian tendencies of past student organisations.”
University administration’s stand
DU Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed told the TIMES of Bangladesh that Ducsu is a legally established student body under the 1973 Ordinance.
“We cannot ignore their legal status,” he said. “A safe campus means student safety. Without their participation, it’s impossible to fully achieve that goal. The administration’s collaboration with students reflects mutual responsibility.”
Ducsu response
When contacted, Ducsu Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubair defended their involvement, saying their actions are aligned with Ducsu’s mandate to protect students’ rights.
“Ensuring a safe campus is a basic right of students. We are working in coordination with the administration for that purpose, and students are supporting us,” he said.
Questions over hall-level actions
On 12 September, Surja Sen Hall Union Vice-President Azizul Haque fined a shopkeeper Tk 3,000 after finding one kilogram of monosodium glutamate (testing salt) in his store.
However, Proctor Saifuddin later told the media, “Student leaders have no authority to impose fines. Any action must be taken through the hall administration. If they work for students’ welfare, it must be done in coordination with the proper authorities.”
The ongoing debate has once again reignited concerns over the role and limits of student politics within university administration, raising the question – where does representation end and overreach begin?
