Student Leader Explains Show-Cause Notice

A disciplinary dispute has emerged within Bangladesh’s student political landscape after a prominent activist at University of Dhaka was issued a show-cause notice for alleged organisational misconduct. Sheikh Tanvir Bari Hamim, convenor of the Jasimuddin Hall unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has publicly responded to the allegations, questioning both the grounds and the process of the action taken against him.

The notice was issued by the central committee of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal on Friday, 27 February. It was signed by Md Jahangir Alam, the organisation’s office secretary, who holds a status equivalent to vice-president. According to the official communication, Hamim was accused of violating party discipline—an allegation that typically carries significant weight within hierarchical student political organisations in Bangladesh.

However, Hamim has strongly contested the basis of the accusation. In a video message shared on social media, he stated that the disciplinary action stemmed from his organisation of an iftar gathering involving students of the University of Dhaka. He characterised the event as a social and inclusive initiative rather than a political or factional activity.

In his statement, Hamim remarked that he had only learned about the show-cause notice after it was circulated publicly. He further revealed that he had been instructed to submit a written explanation. Nevertheless, he expressed reluctance to comply under the current circumstances, arguing that the notice had not been formally delivered to him through appropriate organisational channels.

“I have not received any official communication addressed to me personally,” he explained. “If I had committed a serious breach, the organisation should have notified me directly. Instead, the matter was made public on social media, which has led to widespread speculation. People from across the country are contacting me, asking what offence I have committed.”

The controversy has sparked broader debate regarding internal governance and communication practices within student political bodies. Observers note that while disciplinary measures are a standard mechanism for maintaining organisational cohesion, questions of procedural fairness—such as proper notification and the right to respond—are equally important.

Hamim is a well-known figure in campus politics. He previously contested the General Secretary (GS) position in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) elections as part of a JCD-backed panel. His visibility and prior candidacy have amplified public interest in the current dispute.

A summary of the key details is presented below:

While it remains unclear how the matter will be resolved, the episode highlights the delicate balance between discipline and transparency within student political organisations. The outcome may set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future, particularly in an era where internal decisions are rapidly amplified through digital platforms.