1. History: The Stage of Glorious Struggles

Student politics at Dhaka University has been one of the driving forces behind Bangladesh’s nationalist movements. From the Language Movement (1952), the Six-Point Demand (1966), the Mass Uprising of 1969, the Liberation War (1971), to the Mass Uprising of 1990—DUCSU and other student organizations played an extraordinary role.
One poignant name from these movements is Raufun Basunia—killed on 13 February 1985 while protesting for student rights, his death galvanized the subsequent pro-democracy struggle.
In the past, the university’s Madhur Canteen stood as a beacon of political talent and ideals—a free platform for student leaders during the 1948–52 Language Movement, the 1969 Mass Uprising, and the Liberation Movement of 1971.

2. Present Reality: Adverse Effects and Double Standards

Today, student politics has increasingly become associated with clientelism, violence, political conflict, and a withering of its noble ideals. Research shows that politics in DU halls has contributed to disruptions in education, security concerns, class absenteeism, and heightened mental stress among students.
In September 2024, the university’s Syndicate decided to suspend all political activities. Efforts were made to abolish the so-called “guest room” culture and, through signed approvals from hall administrations, to ban political activities in 11 residential halls.
However, in recent developments—following a change of government—the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) DU unit defied the ban by announcing committees in 18 halls. On 9 August, during a dawn operation, the administration—alongside the Proctor and Vice-Chancellor—formally announced the ban on student politics in the halls.

3. The Skill and Limitations of a Double Standard

When a ban is confined solely to the halls, the possibility of political activities elsewhere on campus remains. Prohibiting it in one place does not necessarily block ideological influence in another.
As one analyst noted: “If this is enforced by force, what then is the difference between this government and an authoritarian one?”—suggesting that the solution must be sought through political dialogue.
Student politics is where history was made; yet today, it stands between the glory of the past and the contradictions of a ‘double standard’ in the present—a paradox that remains unresolved.

4. Conclusion: Bond or Division?

If the administration truly intends to ensure the safety of students, the policy should be university-wide and long-term—not limited to halls alone. The perspective on student politics across the country needs reevaluation. The glory of history must be reconciled with present-day realities—so that residential halls may once again become peaceful, safe, and education-centered spaces.