Dhaka: Dhaka University authorities today said that various activities of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) are not consistent with the university's existing laws, rules, regulations, and administrative framework. The administration also stated that if anyone attempts to construct any structure without the university's approval, introduce a separate administrative system, or establish a parallel structure, strict administrative action will be taken against those concerned, a press release said here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the foundation stone of the July Memorial was unveiled on 5 August at the university's Mall Chattar with the aim of preserving the memory of the July uprising. It was unveiled in the presence of the university's Vice-Chancellor, members of the university family, and members of the families of the martyrs. However, the release noted that the memorial DUCSU installed under the name 'Nirbhik July' was done without any permission from or discussion with the Syndicate or the university's Vice-Chancellor, which is beyond DUCSU's jurisdiction according to the university's law.
The administration highlighted that under Section 24(A) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973, the responsibility for supervising, maintaining, and controlling university property is vested in the Syndicate. Furthermore, decisions by the students' union must be subject to the instructions of the university's Vice-Chancellor as per Article 4 of Chapter XIV of the Dhaka University Ordinance and Regulations.
Additionally, the university authorities have taken issue with the display of photographs of the then Governor-General of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the then leader of the Chatra Sangha Abdul Malek in the DUCSU museum. Displaying images of individuals conflicting with the history of the Language Movement and Bangladesh's independence is deemed unacceptable, and strict action will be taken against those involved.
The administration also objected to DUCSU's unauthorized launch of a website for evaluating university teachers, emphasizing that teacher evaluation is a critical academic and institutional matter. The release mentioned that no individual or organization can initiate a separate teacher evaluation system without approval, as Dhaka University has its own approved policy for such evaluations.
The release concluded by stating that the university will not compromise on protecting its institutional discipline and the dignity of the history of the Language Movement and the Liberation War.