White Panel Supports DU Students on Beef Issue, Writes to Provosts

The White Panel, the pro-BNP teachers’ platform at Dhaka University (DU), has sided with students over the decision to replace beef with chicken in iftar and dinner menus at the halls. The group has urged hall administrations to reconsider and include beef in the meals scheduled for 4 March.

In a letter signed on Monday (2 March) by White Panel Convener Professor Dr. Md. Morshed Hasan Khan, Joint Convener Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, and Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar, the teachers’ group addressed hall provosts and administrations.

The letter states: “We are pleased to learn that iftar mahfils are being organised on 4 March at various halls of Dhaka University under the administration’s initiative. However, we have come to know through general students that beef has been removed from the menu for the subsequent dinner, with only chicken retained.”

Highlighting DU’s tradition, the letter notes: “According to the long-standing tradition of Dhaka University, beef is a highly popular and expected dish for a large portion of students during iftar and such special meals. Already, general students, DUCSU, and hall parliaments have made reasonable demands to include beef. Ignoring this demand and changing the menu may create dissatisfaction and frustration among students. Moreover, including beef does not involve excessive cost.”

The White Panel made a special request: “On behalf of Dhaka University White Panel, we earnestly urge you to give utmost importance to the students’ emotions and demands and reconsider including beef in the dinner menu. As an alternative, chicken can be arranged for those who do not consume beef, but removing beef from the main menu is not desirable. Above all, care should be taken to ensure no discrimination or resentment arises in this festive atmosphere arranged for the students.”

The letter expressed hope: “As guardians of the halls, you will appreciate the legitimacy of the students’ demand and make necessary arrangements to serve beef in the dinner at the iftar mahfil.”