The Dhaka University (DU) administration has raised strong objections to several recent activities conducted by the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu), declaring them inconsistent with the university’s laws, regulations, and policies.
In a press release issued by the university’s Public Relations Office on Monday, the administration cited three main grievances – the installation of a monument titled “Nirbhik July” without prior permission, the display of portraits of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Abdul Malek in Ducsu archives, and the unapproved launch of an independent website for teacher evaluation.
Unauthorised monument, controversial archive portraits
According to the university authorities, the foundation stone for the official “July Smritistombho” (July Memorial) was laid on 5 August at the university’s Mall Chattar to preserve the memory of the July Mass Uprising.
That ceremony included the vice-chancellor, members of the university family, and relatives of martyrs.
However, Ducsu erected another monument, “Nirbhik July,” on the western side of its building and in front of the Central Library without seeking approval from either the vice-chancellor or the Syndicate.
Citing governing statutes, the administration highlighted that under Article 24(A) of the Dhaka University Order 1973, the Syndicate is solely vested with the responsibility to supervise, maintain, and control university property.
The note to Section 4, Chapter XIV of the Dhaka University Ordinances and Regulations stipulates that any decision by the students’ union must be taken strictly under the direction of the Vice-Chancellor.
The administration also took issue with the display of portraits featuring Pakistan’s former governor-general Muhammad Ali Jinnah and former Chhatra Sangha leader Abdul Malek in Ducsu archives.
The university stated that displaying portraits of individuals whose roles conflict with the history of the Language Movement and Bangladesh’s independence is unacceptable, confirming that administrative action will be taken against those responsible in accordance with regulations.
Teacher evaluation platform, warning against parallel structures
The university administration further accused Ducsu of launching a website for evaluating teachers without proper authorization.
Maintaining that teacher evaluation is a crucial academic and institutional matter, the university asserted that no individual, organisation, or students’ union has the authority to introduce a separate evaluation system on its own initiative.
Authorities also pointed out that the website published teachers’ personal information, which constitutes a punishable offence under the law.
The administration noted that Dhaka University already possesses an approved, high-level policy for teacher evaluation whose implementation is currently underway, making any parallel external initiative unacceptable.
The press release stressed that while Ducsu is an important student representation body, all its operations must remain strictly within the university’s legal, regulatory, and administrative framework.
The university warned that any attempt to establish a parallel structure by bypassing administrative authority will be resisted, and strict administrative measures under existing rules will be taken against anyone constructing unauthorised structures or initiating separate administrative processes.
