The Dhaka University (DU) administration held a meeting on Saturday (21 September) with leaders from several active student organisations, including the Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir, to discuss campus politics and the possibility of holding the long-delayed Central Students' Union elections.
The meeting took place at the Vice-Chancellor’s Lounge, where DU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan first met with top representatives from the Democratic Student Council, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and Biplobi Chhatra Jubo Andolon. This was followed by discussions with other student groups, including the Chhatra Dal, a faction of the Socialist Student Front, Bangladesh Students' Federation, Biplobi Chhatra Moitri, Islami Chhatra Andolon, and the Student Union.
Representing the university administration were Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Dr. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Proctor and Associate Professor of Law, Saifuddin Ahmed.
The discussions centered on the role of student politics within the university and the potential resumption of the Central Students' Union election, a topic of growing interest among the student bodies. Student leaders from the various organizations shared their perspectives on these issues with the university authorities.
After the meeting, Sadik Kayem, President of the DU unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir said, "We have discussed a merit-based approach to politics. However, those who have historically supported fascism have no right to participate in political activities. We called for dismantling remnants of the syndicate from the fascist era, and the Vice-Chancellor and the administration listened to our concerns."
Chhatra Dal’s General Secretary, Nahiduzzaman Shipon, emphasized the importance of returning to academic normalcy. "Resuming the academic activities of Dhaka University is now the primary focus," Shipon said. "The university administration called us to discuss this matter and sought our full cooperation in restoring academic discipline."
