In a hasty move, Dhaka University has decided to maintain a prohibition on student politics within the residential halls, following an announcement by the proctor early Saturday. This decision underscores the university’s tendency to react impulsively to crises rather than seeking solutions through dialogue. Students initiated protests after the DU Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal (JCD) convening body announced hall committees. Despite the vice-chancellor’s suggestion to engage in discussions with student organizations to resolve issues related to hall politics, the students persisted with their protests. Consequently, the proctor declared a ban on all forms of hall politics.
The protests stem from the troubling history of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and other ruling party affiliates, which have been associated with various abuses under the guise of politics within the halls. The ban on all politics in the halls was imposed by the administration on July 17, 2024, following the violent attack by BCL on quota reform protesters on July 15, 2024, and subsequent protests within the halls. The demands of the student protesters to dismantle the dominance in the halls were justified. The fear of a resurgence of past practices, where students were coerced into joining BCL and faced repercussions for non-compliance, is prevalent.
However, succumbing to late-night protests without engaging stakeholders is unlikely to lead to sustainable solutions. Enforcing a ban on “covert” political activities raises concerns about its practicality. Some student leaders argue that prohibiting visible, registered student groups could allow certain factions masquerading as neutral to gain an unfair advantage, compromising the fairness of the upcoming DUCSU elections. Moreover, it might pave the way for the re-establishment of the old tradition of hall dominance by a specific group.
The focus should not be on eliminating campus politics but on nurturing democratic principles and values among students. Student politics has been an integral part of campus life, with student movements historically driving social and political transformations, such as the student-led July uprising of 2024. It is essential to ensure that student political factions prioritize the collective interests of all students and adhere to strict standards, with no tolerance for violence, coercion, hall control, or undue influence over university matters. Establishing a platform where student organizations, students, legal experts, and officials can collectively determine the framework for campus politics is crucial.
Above all, the university administration must demonstrate unwavering commitment to impartiality and independence, free from any political affiliations. This approach is vital for fostering a healthy student political environment devoid of the toxicity from the past.