Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) Executive Member Sarba Mitra Chakma has stepped back from his decision to resign, reversing a decision announced several days ago via social media after a controversial video went viral.
On Saturday afternoon, he confirmed the matter to TIMES of Bangladesh, claiming that a section of students still “does not want” his resignation. In their view, resigning in this manner would be considered “anti-public” and tantamount to “betraying” the students.
He said, “Students have told me to carry on with the work without listening to the opposition. Therefore, I have stepped back from the decision to resign.”
He further claimed that the DUCSU constitution does not support resignation. However, when asked which clause of the constitution mentions this, he said, “I do not have clear knowledge about the matter.”
On the other hand, Article 12(b) of the DUCSU constitution states that if any member or office bearer of the Executive Committee resigns, dies, or is removed, the vacant post will be filled for the remainder of the term through the prevailing election method.
Meanwhile, the university’s Proctor, Saifuddin Ahmed, told TIMES of Bangladesh that if anyone wishes to resign, there is nothing stopping them from doing so.
Earlier, on Thursday, the Ducsu leader had informed TIMES that he would resign within two days, once he had completed some unfinished tasks.
In last year’s Ducsu election, Sarba Mitra Chakma was elected as an executive member from the Chhatra Shibir-backed “United Students Alliance” panel. He has faced criticism over multiple incidents since assuming responsibility.
In November last year, an allegation was raised against him for disciplining an elderly man with a stick late at night during the eviction of outsiders and hawkers on the Dhaka University campus. Additionally, a conflict between him and Chhatra Dal and Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad (BGCS) (currently Jatiyo Chhatra Shakti) came to light, centering on allegations of “extortion”.
Most recently, widespread criticism arose when a video of him went viral, where Sarba Mitra could be seen making children hold their ears and do sit-ups on the university’s central playground spread on social media. The Ducsu leader can be seen holding a cricket stump in one hand during the video.
Facing intense backlash, Sarba Mitra subsequently announced his decision to resign in a Facebook post, adding that he took this decision not due to “personal resentment” or “provocation”, but because of stress related to work.
In the post, he further claimed that he was compelled to take a strict stance in the context of theft, robbery, and insecurity of female students on campus, although he admitted his method was wrong.
However, when discussion began regarding Sarba Mitra’s resignation post, Ducsu Literature and Culture Secretary, Mosaddek Ali Ibn Mohammad, told TIMES of Bangladesh that Sarba Mitra has not done anything for which he needs to resign. Additionally, he described Sarbamitra’s resignation announcement as entirely ‘borne out of resentment’.
Regarding this incident, the university administration has issued a show-cause notice to Sarba Mitra Chakma, with Assistant Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed confirming the matter.
In response, the Ducsu leader said that, while he has received the notice, but he will not respond for now. First, he wants explanations from the administration regarding theft and security issues on campus.
Meanwhile, although two days have passed since the incident, no visible punitive measures have been observed from the university administration’s side.
