Symbolic Protest Against Student Politics at Begum Rokeya University Sparks Heated Reaction from Chhatra Dal

At Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur, a symbolic protest against student politics has ignited tension on campus. On Sunday afternoon, a group of students expressed their protest by leaving sarees and bangles in the offices of the proctor and student adviser, accusing the administration of failing to take effective measures to stop manipulative student politics. The university’s Chhatra Dal (student wing of Awami League) strongly condemned the symbolic protest, labeling it misogynistic.

Eyewitnesses reported that a group of students gathered at the south gate of the university administrative building in the afternoon, chanting slogans against manipulative student politics. Later, they entered the proctor’s and student advisory offices carrying sarees and bangles, which they placed on chairs and tables before leaving. The officials were not present at the time.

Shamsur Rahman, a former coordinator of the student anti-discrimination movement, stated that on October 28, 2023, the university’s 108th Syndicate meeting banned student and teacher politics. Despite this, committee announcements and membership form distributions by the Chhatra Dal continued. Due to administrative inaction, students were compelled to stage this symbolic protest.

Another student, Ashiqur Rahman, said, “Although student politics was banned following the killing of Abu Saeed, the ban is not being respected. The administration’s failure is responsible for this situation.”

On the other hand, Chhatra Dal described the protest as disrespectful toward women and staged an immediate demonstration on campus. Al Amin, convener of the university’s Chhatra Dal, accused some students of trying to ban student politics with the administration’s help and of paving the way for establishing Chhatra League.

After the demonstration, Chhatra Dal leaders went to the vice-chancellor’s office demanding action against the protesting students and issued an ultimatum until Monday noon.

Following these events, the university administration issued an urgent notice reaffirming the ban on manipulative student politics on campus. Vice-Chancellor Shawkat Ali announced that a three-member committee had been formed to investigate the incident, and if concrete evidence is found, appropriate action will be taken against those involved.

The ongoing tension between the university administration and student political groups has caused concern among students. Conscious students have called on the administration to take swift and effective measures to restore normalcy on campus.