The Dhaka University (DU) administration has formed an investigation committee following allegations of extortion, vandalism, and eviction centring on floating shops on campus.
DU unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) submitted a written complaint on Sunday, which Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed to Times of Bangladesh.
He said that a four-member “fact-finding investigation committee” was formed to verify the allegations.
In the complaint, Chhatra Dal stated that since the “controversial” Ducsu (Dhaka University Central Students’ Union) election last September, a syndicate has emerged around the small shops set up with the help of students in different parts of the campus.
The complaint, signed by DU Chhatra Dal President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, alleged that some “controversial” Ducsu representatives, in collusion with certain university officials and employees, are running this syndicate, while shops outside the syndicate are being vandalised and evicted.
JCD leaders further claimed that an old video from one month ago was edited and circulated on social media to create false allegations against Chhatra Dal and incite violence.
They demanded that clear rules for running small businesses and floating shops on campus be publicised, and that appropriate action be taken against the Ducsu representatives and university officials. They warned that they would take legal steps unless their demands were met within 24 hours, with a clear explanation by 8pm on Sunday.
Following the complaint, Proctor Saifuddin formed the committee headed by Assistant Proctor Md Miraz Kobad Chowdhury. The other members are Assistant Proctor AKM Nur Alam Siddiqui, Assistant Proctor Shantu Barua, and Acting Estate Manager Fatema Binte Mustafa, who will serve as member secretary.
The committee has been instructed to uncover the truth and submit its report immediately.
Meanwhile, after filing the complaint, JCD Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon held a press conference. He said, “A previous incident is being used to deliberately raise allegations of extortion and spread propaganda in the name of the DU unit of Chhatra Dal.”
He added, “The festive atmosphere and mass enthusiasm surrounding the exercise of voting rights on 12 February is being undermined by presenting old incidents in a new way.”
Shipon further said, “We approached the administration to learn how floating shops are being run, who is involved, and what the administration’s stance is. Some students are creating issues late at night that tarnish the glory and tradition of the campus, which is shameful for the institution.”
He pledged that if any JCD leader or activist is found involved after investigation, legal action will be taken against them. He also warned that false allegations using the name of JCD will not be tolerated in the future and strict measures will be taken.
During the conference, the leaders presented various forms of evidence, including WhatsApp messages and videos, in support of their claims.
Earlier, late Saturday night, counter-protests were staged on the campus over the video circulated on social media. A group of students led by the Ducsu general secretary, along with activists of Jatiya Chhatra Shakti and JCD, staged demonstrations.
Ducsu leaders alleged that Saeed Hasan Sad, a JCD member from Bijoy Ekattor Hall, and his friend Abid Abdullah vandalised shops on campus with the intent of extortion. However, leaders and activists of Chhatra Shakti and JCD rejected these allegations.
