Five Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) representatives walked out of the Senate session Monday night after the body failed to finalise renaming five facilities bearing Sheikh family names.
The walkout, around 9:30pm, came despite DU Vice‑Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam’s request. The Ducsu members include VP Sadik Kayem, GS SM Farhad, AGS Muhammad Mohiuddin, Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah, and member Sabikun Nahar Tamanna.
On 8 January, the syndicate had resolved to place the issue before the Senate following student demands. The facilities include Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, Sheikh Russel Tower, Bangabandhu Tower, and the Sultana Kamal Hostel of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology.
During the session, Prof Md Lutfor Rahman urged sending the matter back to the syndicate for due process, while Prof Samina Luthfa opposed renaming.
Ducsu leaders argued the names cause problems for students, citing harassment during commemorations and lack of sponsorship for hall clubs. Farhad demanded specific feedback if the issue was returned to the syndicate.
After the July Revolution, the government renamed more than 800 institutions previously bearing the names of the Sheikh family, VP Sadik said.
Ducsu representatives argued that alternative names including those of the Liberation War heroes and other national heroes could be considered instead.
In addition, Senate member Fazlul Haque Milon demanded that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall be renamed after the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Later, the university’s VC eventually directed the matter back to the syndicate for further review.
