Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan announced a ban on student politics within residential halls during a late-night confrontation with protesting students, reinforcing a framework agreement made on July 17.
The declaration came after students marched to his official residence and demanded action on hall-level political activities.
In the small hours of Saturday, the Vice-Chancellor emerged through a side gate of his residence to speak directly with the demonstrators, who had gathered after breaking locks at Rokeya Hall and Shamsunnahar Hall and marching from the Raju Memorial Sculpture.
After a tense exchange, the VC confirmed that student politics would no longer be permitted in university halls.
DU Proctor later elaborated on the decision, saying, “Our decision is that no student political activities will be allowed inside the halls. However, students may continue political engagement at central locations such as Madhur Canteen, as was agreed earlier. We cannot force any organization to dissolve, but we have made it clear that the July 17 ban remains in effect.”
Addressing the issue of rule violations, the Proctor said, “We couldn’t issue immediate disciplinary action. The Provost Standing Committee will meet today to discuss the matter, and we will speak with the student organizations involved. It will take time to reach a final decision.”
The university’s move marks a critical shift in its approach to student politics, potentially altering long-standing traditions of political engagement within the institution.