DU VC and DUCSU GS Engage in ‘Heated’ Exchange Over Seat Crisis

SM Farhad, the General Secretary (GS) of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), engaged in a heated verbal exchange with DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam today. The confrontation occurred as a protest against the commencement of classes for the 2025-2026 session without resolving the acute housing crisis facing the newly admitted students. Following a pre-announced siege of the Registrar's Building today, Monday (April 20), DUCSU leaders, including the GS, AGS, and several secretaries, marched to the VC's office.

DUCSU had announced the siege on Sunday night (April 19) to ensure housing for freshmen. Around 2:00 PM today, student leaders led a mass gathering of students to surround the Registrar's Building before moving to the VC's office to demand a formal statement on the resolution of the seat crisis.

During the meeting, the DUCSU GS questioned the VC on why classes were started before providing seats. Addressing the VC, he said, “As the guardian of the students, what are you thinking? Our demand is simple: either arrange housing for them or provide a housing allowance. If you cannot do either, then suspend classes.”

SM Farhad further noted, “We are seeing the return of the 'Adu Bhai' culture [perpetual students] in the halls. Many are intentionally dropping years to stay in the halls indefinitely, a practice we saw during the Chhatra League era. After July, we saw freshmen getting seats quickly because there were no 'Adu Bhais.' The seat allocation policy that existed then has now been suspended through various meetings.”

Regarding the suspended policy, DUCSU AGS Mohiuddin Khan told the VC, “The policy during the interim period was transparent. Students could see who was staying in the halls and how. If that remained in effect, we would know where the discrepancies are. We don’t know what 'ethereal' reason caused its suspension, sir.”

Mosaddek Ibne Ali Mohammad, the Literary and Cultural Secretary of DUCSU, added, “Many are now intentionally taking re-admissions to stay in halls forever. This was previously done by Chhatra League's Saddam and Inan. We want a specific session binding—students should enter and exit according to their sessions.”

Recently, there has been resentment among residential students regarding special considerations given to several Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) members who failed to complete their academic lives on time. Regarding this, Mosaddek stated, “Seats were given to some from my birth-year session. Provosts claim they were persecuted, but we found one was expelled in 2008 for a canteen brawl over free meals. He is the 9th Vice-President of JCD.”

In response, the DU VC stated, “I agree with your demands. We will discuss their implementation in the next Provost Meeting.” Regarding the housing allowance, the VC added, “I applaud the previous administration's work for student welfare, but we must look at our capacity. Dhaka University is not a 100% residential university. It is not possible for us to wait until every seat is filled to start classes; otherwise, academic activities would come to a halt.”

When the GS asked if it was his responsibility as a guardian to provide seats before classes, the VC replied, “I am sympathetic to you, but I cannot agree to make the announcement the way you are asking.” He further noted that a housing stipend is time-consuming and that "there is no money in hand right now," suggesting students ask the government to declare DU a fully residential university.

DUCSU Warns of Class and Exam Boycott

DUCSU has warned of rigorous programs, including the boycott of classes and examinations, if the housing crisis for first-year students is not resolved swiftly. General Secretary SM Farhad alleged, “Despite repeated objections, roughly 36 students associated with Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal were given residential seats under 'special consideration,' violating the seat allocation policy.”

Speaking at a press conference following the VC meeting, Farhad said, “We previously demanded housing stipends for those who cannot be accommodated. The administration gave assurances but started classes without ensuring seats. We have been communicating formally and informally for five months with no visible progress.”

Regarding the irregularities, Farhad labeled 'special allocations' as completely unacceptable. DUCSU demanded strict implementation of the allocation policy and immediate stipends for non-resident students. Farhad mentioned that the administration has assured that a detailed list of vacant seats in all halls will be published by April 30.

Also present at the meeting were AGS Mohiuddin Khan, Student Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah, Literary and Cultural Secretary Mosaddek Ali Ibne Mohammad, and Social Welfare Secretary AB Jobayer, among others.