The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) has announced a sit-in protest outside the Proctor’s Office in response to the appearance of posters by the banned student organisation Chhatra League across campus walls. The posters reportedly called for the “unconditional release of all political detainees of Chhatra League,” sparking significant concern among students and faculty.
On Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m., DUCSU Social Service Secretary AB Zubayer formally announced the programme, stating: “The sit-in and occupation of the Proctor’s Office will begin at 1:00 p.m. today. This action is intended to draw attention to the violation of campus rules and to protect the university’s academic environment.”
In parallel, another student group, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti, has called for a protest rally later in the day, highlighting the growing mobilisation around this issue.
Poster Placement Across Campus
Late on Friday night, a video was posted on the Facebook page of Mazharul Kabir Shayon, the fugitive president of the banned DU chapter of Chhatra League. The video documented the placement of posters across multiple high-traffic locations on campus, raising safety and disciplinary concerns.
| Campus Location | Poster Message | DUCSU / Administrative Response |
|---|---|---|
| Madhur Canteen | “Release all Chhatra League detainees” | Condemned, marked for removal |
| Central Library | Same as above | Security monitoring increased |
| Central Mosque | Same as above | Administration reviewing policy |
| Kala Bhaban Shadow | Same as above | DUCSU notes violation of rules |
| DUCSU Cafeteria | Same as above | Sit-in protest initiated |
| Department of Sociology Courtyard | Same as above | Posters scheduled for removal |
| Faculty of Fine Arts | Same as above | Student protests expected |
| Hakim Chottor | Same as above | Surveillance intensified |
| Shamsunnahar Hall | Same as above | Authorities alerted |
| Curzon Hall | Same as above | Campus patrols deployed |
| Jagannath Hall | Same as above | Monitoring ongoing |
The video shows posters attached in prominent locations including the Madhur Canteen, Central Library, Central Mosque, Kala Bhaban shadow areas, DUCSU Cafeteria, Sociology Courtyard, Faculty of Fine Arts, Hakim Chottor, Shamsunnahar Hall, Curzon Hall, and Jagannath Hall, suggesting a coordinated campaign by the banned student group.
Administrative and Student Reactions
DUCSU has urged the university administration to enforce disciplinary rules strictly and remove all unauthorised political materials immediately. The sit-in is framed as a peaceful demonstration to pressure university authorities into action, ensuring the campus remains politically neutral and academically focused.
Security officials have confirmed that surveillance around critical areas will be strengthened to prevent escalation and protect student safety. Administrators are also reviewing disciplinary protocols for repeated violations by banned organisations, signalling a potential crackdown on unlawful campus activities.
As tensions rise, students and faculty alike are calling for calm, with many emphasising that peaceful, rule-based responses are essential to maintaining Dhaka University as a safe and scholarly environment.
The planned DUCSU sit-in and the Jatiya Chhatra Shakti rally reflect growing student activism against the presence of politically charged messages within academic spaces, highlighting the challenge of balancing free expression with campus safety.