Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan has announced a ban on student politics in the university’s residential halls.

He said that, according to the “framework” of 17 July, student politics in the halls is prohibited.

To make a formal decision on the matter, the university administration has called a meeting of the Provost Standing Committee tomorrow. The administration will also hold discussions with Chhatra Dal on the issue.

The announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor in front of his residence at around 2:45am today (9 August).

The Vice-Chancellor said, “We do not want any form of coercive politics. We do not want politics that gives rise to gana room (shared, overcrowded rooms). The decision you made on 17 July will remain in effect.”

He added, “We are moving towards holding the DUCSU elections. I am reassured to see your positive attitude regarding DUCSU.”

After the Vice-Chancellor’s decision, students returned to their halls. Later, University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told the media that the decision to ban student politics in the halls was already in place, and the Vice-Chancellor confirmed that the 17 July agreement would remain in effect.

He said, “We cannot force any political party, but regarding violations of rules, we have a Provost Standing Committee meeting at 11 am today. We will make a decision there. We will also sit with the student organisations mentioned in this matter.”

Earlier, at around 11:30 pm, students from various halls began chanting slogans. Around midnight, a procession started from Mohsin Hall, passing Masterda Surja Sen Hall, the hall area, and the VC Chattar, before stopping in front of Rokeya Hall. Female students from Rokeya Hall broke a lock and joined, remaining at Raju Memorial Sculpture until around 1 am.

From there, they marched to the Vice-Chancellor’s residence and began a sit-in protest. Around 1:30 am, when the Vice-Chancellor arrived, students surrounded him and presented their demands. Alongside general students, a notable number of leaders from the Democratic Student Union were also seen demanding a ban on hall politics.

Protesters chanted slogans such as “One Two Three Four, Hall Politics No More,” “Direct Action Against Guest Rooms,” “Direct Action Against Gan Rooms,” and “Politics in the Halls—We Won’t Allow It.”

Samia Akter, Joint Convener of the Dhaka University branch of the Democratic Student Union, told The Business Standard, “We demand a ban on all forms of student politics—covert or overt—in the halls. The names of members of the ‘small teams’ in each hall must be disclosed, and their activities must be stopped.”

Representing the university administration, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Mamun Ahmed, Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, President of the Provost Standing Committee Professor Abdullah Al Mamun, and Provost of Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haq Hall Professor Faruq Shah were present.