Dhaka University Protests Target Administration Probe Committees

A recent press conference held at Dhaka University has brought intense scrutiny to the administration's investigative committees and their handling of campus violence. The event featured sharp criticism from student leaders who addressed ongoing security concerns and administrative inaction regarding multiple violent incidents affecting the university community, which serves a student population of approximately forty thousand.

During the briefing, specific attention was drawn to an incident involving student Ibrahim from Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall, who has faced serious allegations of physical and mental torture by the hall provost. Addressing the aftermath of this event, it was highlighted that nearly forty-eight hours have passed since the incident occurred, yet authorities have reportedly failed to provide access to critical CCTV footage related to the case, leaving the victim and his peers awaiting transparency.

The press conference also addressed clashes involving Chhatradol, which resulted in injuries to Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall Vice President Abu Naঈm and General Secretary Imamul Hasan. While both leaders were harmed in the attack, General Secretary Imamul Hasan’s condition required him to be admitted to a hospital for medical treatment following the violent confrontation.

Critics further condemned the university administration for its sluggish response to past violence, pointing out the prolonged delay surrounding a probe committee formed for an earlier attack at the Shahbagh police station. Although that investigative body was originally allotted just three working days to complete its work, four months have already elapsed without the final investigation report being published.

Sadik Kayer strongly criticized the administration's investigative approach during the briefing, stating that Dhaka University administration investigation committees merely function like a dangling carrot, and the public has already witnessed the reality of those committees. He directly addressed political actors on campus, emphasizing that they should practice civilized politics rather than relying on muscle power.

Emphasizing the changing political climate of the country, Kayer warned against repeating past authoritarian practices on campus. He stated that after the July revolution, anyone attempting to replicate the reign of terrorists, tender manipulation, and the oppression of students through mass-room and guest-room cultures—similar to the pre-nineties campus eras—is severely mistaken. He further cautioned that if such behavior continues, a fate far more disastrous than that of the Bangladesh Chhatra League awaits them.