Students at Dhaka University have sharply condemned remarks made by Barguna Jamaat leader Md. Shamim Ahsan, describing them as deeply offensive and misogynistic. Ahsan had controversially referred to the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) as “once a den of prostitution and drug abuse,” sparking widespread outrage among students.
In response, female students staged a protest at the Raju Sculpture on Sunday night around 9 pm, demanding accountability and condemning Ahsan’s statements. During the demonstration, protesters vocally warned that those who make such degrading comments about women “deserve to have their tongues torn out.”
One student addressed the crowd, saying, “To call the women of Dhaka University prostitutes—does DUCSU not matter? Are the women of our country prostitutes? Are the women of Dhaka University prostitutes? Whoever utters such words should face the consequences.”
The protest also criticised the perceived inaction of university authorities and DUCSU leadership. “Our government tolerates such remarks about women, and DUCSU does nothing organisationally to challenge it. They are only involved in glamorous events, which is utterly shameful,” another female student said. She added that some DUCSU members even remained silent when women were derogatorily labelled, questioning how the leaders continue to operate in their offices amid such indignities.
The demonstrators further accused DUCSU leaders of neglecting campus duties while actively participating in political campaigning for Jamaat in remote areas. “Is this why students voted for them? Is this the purpose of our votes?” one student questioned.
Prior to the protests, an effigy of Md. Shamim Ahsan was publicly burned in Barguna District. The Dhaka University administration also issued a statement condemning his remarks, labelling them “obscene, distasteful, and archaic.” The university urged Ahsan to retract his statements and issue a formal apology, emphasising that such comments severely damage the institution’s reputation, honour, and tradition.
Key Details:
| Date & Time | Event | Location | Remarks/Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 January 2026, 9 pm | Student protest | Raju Sculpture, Dhaka University | Warned Ahsan over misogynistic comments |
| Earlier | Comments by Md. Shamim Ahsan | Barguna | Referred to DUCSU as “den of prostitution and drugs” |
| Following day | Effigy burned | Barguna District | Public condemnation |
| University response | Official statement | Dhaka University | Called remarks obscene; demanded retraction & apology |
The incident has ignited nationwide debate over political rhetoric and women’s respect on university campuses, highlighting the continuing struggle for gender dignity and accountability in public discourse.