DUCSU leaders' actions inconsistent, DU administration to take strict action
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The Dhaka University administration has issued an official statement regarding recent activities undertaken by DUCSU. In the statement, the administration noted that DUCSU leaders recently installed monuments, launched a teacher evaluation website, and displayed portraits of individuals that conflict with the history of the Liberation War and Bangladesh's independence—all without administrative approval. These actions are inconsistent with the university's existing laws, regulations, policies, and administrative structure. The university authority's stance on this matter is clear and unequivocal.
This was stated in a press release issued by Forrukh Mahmud, Deputy Director of the DU Public Relations Office.
The statement noted that several news reports regarding the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) published in various media outlets had come to the attention of the university authorities. The DU administration upholds and cherishes the spirit of the July Uprising. In line with this, the foundation stone for the July Monument was inaugurated at the campus Mall Area on August 5 to preserve the memory of the uprising. The Vice-Chancellor inaugurated it alongside members of the university family and families of martyrs. According to Article 24(a) of the Dhaka University Order 1973, the responsibility for supervising, maintaining, and controlling university property rests with the Syndicate. Furthermore, according to Chapter 14, Section 4 (Note) of the Dhaka University Ordinance and Regulations, any decision by the student union must be made subject to the direction of the Vice-Chancellor.
However, the monument titled 'Nirbheek July' installed by DUCSU on the west side of the DUCSU building near the Arts Building and in front of the Central Library was erected without any permission from or discussion with the Syndicate or the Vice-Chancellor. Under the university's own laws, this action exceeds their jurisdiction.
The display of portraits of Pakistan's former Governor-General Muhammad Ali Jinnah and former Chhatrasangha leader Abdul Malek inside the DUCSU museum has also caught the attention of the university authorities. Displaying portraits of individuals whose roles conflict with the Language Movement and the history of Bangladesh's independence in the university archive is entirely unacceptable. Strict administrative action will be taken against those involved in accordance with existing university rules and regulations.
Unauthorized teacher evaluation website violates policy, DU administration warns against dual administration
Additionally, DUCSU has launched an unauthorized website to evaluate university teachers, an action that conflicts with the university's policies and institutional frameworks. Teacher evaluation is a crucial academic and institutional matter; therefore, no individual, organization, or student union can independently establish a separate evaluation system. Moreover, the launch of this website has exposed the personal information of faculty members, which constitutes a punishable offense under the law.
Dhaka University has its own approved teacher evaluation policy established at the highest administrative level, which is currently in the process of implementation. Consequently, any initiative to introduce a separate teacher evaluation system outside the sanctioned policy is unacceptable and damages the university's reputation. Under these circumstances, such actions by DUCSU are unintended, unexpected, and unacceptable.
The Dhaka University administration explicitly asserts that there is no scope for establishing a dual administration within the university. While DUCSU is a key student representation body, all its activities must be conducted strictly within the boundaries of the university's laws, rules, policies, and administrative structure. Any attempt to bypass the university's administrative authority to form a parallel framework or process will be strictly resisted.
The statement emphasized that the Dhaka University authorities will make no compromises regarding institutional discipline or the dignity of Bangladesh's Language Movement and Liberation War history. Strict administrative action will be taken under existing regulations against anyone involved in constructing unapproved structures or attempting to establish separate administrative mechanisms without official clearance.
