JAMALPUR — A decision by Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), to put male members in charge of the women’s residence hall at Jamalpur Science and Technology University has triggered sharp criticism, with students saying the move violates a campus ban on political activity.
On Wednesday night, Shakil Ahmed, convener of the university unit of Chhatra Dal, posted an organizational notice on his personal Facebook page naming leaders to oversee activities at the men’s and women’s halls.
The notice put joint convener Amir Hamza and members Mohammad Amanullah and Rabiul Islam Rimon in charge of the men’s hall. The women’s hall committee drew the most attention: joint convener Mohammad Ikram Hossain, member Saad Ibne Wahid and joint convener Adiba Haque Mila were assigned to it. Students said the inclusion of two male members on a committee overseeing the women’s hall was unacceptable. Many questioned, “How is it reasonable for men to be involved in the internal affairs of a women’s hall?”
A female student who declined to be named said, “We do not want political activity in the hall. Putting male students in charge of a women’s hall is completely unacceptable. The matter has sparked widespread discussion among students.”
Several students at the university said such an organizational announcement violates the university’s rules and contradicts an earlier administration order, despite a ban on political activity.
On Feb. 26 this year, an office order signed by university Registrar Md. Nur Hossain Chowdhury clearly stated that any political meeting, gathering, campaign or organizational activity on campus is completely banned. Using the university’s name, logo or symbols for political purposes would be a legally punishable offense, the order said.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report