The historic Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall at the University of Dhaka has been informally renamed “Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall”, following a dramatic overnight action by a group of students that has sparked widespread debate across the campus and beyond.
According to eyewitness accounts, shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday night, a group of students gathered in front of the hall’s main gate under the cover of darkness. Using a crane, they climbed to the top of the entrance and removed the existing signage bearing the name “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall”. In its place, they prominently displayed the new name, “Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall”, written in bold lettering. During the operation, slogans were chanted and protest statements were voiced, underscoring the political and symbolic nature of the act. Law enforcement personnel were seen maintaining a cautious presence nearby to prevent any escalation, although no major confrontation was reported.
The incident quickly became the subject of intense discussion throughout the university. Ahmed Al Sabah, General Secretary of the hall’s student body, told the media that the initiative was not limited to changing the name alone. He revealed plans to remove existing graffiti of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the hall’s walls and replace it with artwork depicting Shaheed Osman Hadi. “We believe Osman Hadi represents resistance and protest for the present generation,” he said. “This initiative is intended to honour his memory and reflect the sentiments of today’s students.”
The renaming has also energised broader demands regarding the naming of university residences and facilities. Student groups have reportedly been preparing for a larger movement, calling not only for the renaming of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall but also proposing new names for Fazilatunnesa Hall. Suggestions include “Felani Hall” or “Captain Sitara Begum Hall”, reflecting a desire to commemorate different figures and narratives. In support of these demands, students have announced a programme to surround the Vice-Chancellor’s office at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The planned protest was confirmed in a message circulated by Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad, Literary and Cultural Secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU). The message stressed that the incident should not be seen as an isolated act but rather as the manifestation of long-standing grievances. Students, it said, are calling for a more democratic and participatory process in naming halls and university structures, taking into account contemporary perspectives and evolving historical interpretations.
As of now, the university administration has not issued any official statement regarding the overnight renaming. However, many observers believe the episode has highlighted the urgent need for dialogue among administrators, faculty members and students. The move has reopened sensitive debates surrounding campus politics, history and collective memory, suggesting that the question of how institutions commemorate the past remains a deeply contested issue at Dhaka University.