Students of Islami University (IU) have announced a series of protests and a signature collection campaign demanding the formation of the Islami University Central Students’ Union (IUCSU) and the declaration of a roadmap for elections.
The announcement was made on Thursday night at around 9pm, at a press conference held at the university’s Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium, Central Cafeteria. They also introduced a new platform named “IUCSU Formation Movement’ at that time.
As part of their announced action plan, the students will hold a human chain in front of the administration building at 11am on Saturday. They have warned that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their protests to more severe actions.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Burhan Uddin read a written statement, stating that despite the university being established nearly 50 years ago, a students’ union has yet to be formed. He highlighted that the formation of such a union is essential for students to voice their legitimate demands and build leadership.
The student union, he stressed, has historically played a crucial role in advancing Bangladesh’s democratic movements, from the 1952 Language Movement to the 1969 Mass Uprising and the 1971 Liberation War.
The statement also pointed out that while the university administration has been reluctant to form IUCSU, citing legal constraints, the authorities at Begum Rokeya University had successfully declared a roadmap for students’ union elections. The students argue that this proves that the formation of IUCSU is possible if the administration demonstrates the political will.
Burhan further expressed concerns over the persistent dominance of the ruling party on campus since the 1990s, as well as the prevalence of hall occupation and “guest room culture.” He emphasized that student union elections would protect the rights of general students, reduce harassment, and ensure accountability for faculty members due to the university’s autonomy.
He argued that with the formation of a students’ union, no single political party would dominate the campus. Besides, to prevent any misuse of power and to ensure the best interests of the students, the union will work.
Several student leaders, including Mohammad Burhan Uddin, former co-coordinator Sajatullah Sheikh, Hasib Al Sajib, Rakibul Islam, Saem Ahmed, and Zulkar Nain Dolon.