Jinnah's Photograph at DUCSU Museum: DU administration to take action against those involved

The Dhaka University administration has raised objections regarding several recent activities of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU). 

The authorities deem the construction of memorial monuments without approval, the display of photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Abdul Malek in the DUCSU museum, and the launch of a separate website for evaluating teachers to be inconsistent with the university's laws, rules, policies, and administrative framework.

The university administration stated its stance on the matters in a press release on Monday.

The administration noted that the foundation stone for the ‘July Memorial Monument’ was laid at the university’s Mall Chattar on August 5 to commemorate the July mass uprising. That event took place in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, members of the university community, and families of the martyrs.

According to the university authorities, under Article 24(A) of the Dhaka University Order, 1973, the responsibility for the supervision, maintenance, and control of university property rests with the Syndicate. Furthermore, a note under Section 4, Chapter XIV of the Dhaka University Ordinances and Regulations stipulates that the students’ union must make decisions in accordance with the Vice-Chancellor’s directives.

The administration alleges that DUCSU erected two memorial monuments—named ‘Nirbhik July’ (Fearless July)—on the western side of the DUCSU building (adjacent to the Arts Building) and in front of the Central Library. No approval was sought from the Syndicate or the Vice-Chancellor prior to constructing these structures, nor was the administration consulted on the matter. 

Under existing university laws, the construction of such structures does not fall within DUCSU’s jurisdiction.

Objection regarding Jinnah's photograph in the museum

The university administration has also objected to the display of photographs of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Abdul Malek—a leader of the then Chhatra Sangha—in the DUCSU museum.

The press release stated that displaying photographs of individuals whose actions conflict with the history of the Language Movement and Bangladesh’s independence is entirely unacceptable. 

It was further announced that administrative action would be taken against those involved, in accordance with university regulations.

Separate website for teacher evaluation

The administration has also raised objections regarding the launch of a website—initiated by DUCSU without approval—for the evaluation of teachers.

University authorities stated that teacher evaluation is a significant academic and institutional matter. Dhaka University has its own ‘Teaching Evaluation’ policy, approved at the highest level of the university. 

Consequently, there is no scope to introduce a separate teacher evaluation system outside the university’s approved framework.

The administration claims that the website launched by DUCSU also published the personal information of teachers, which constitutes a punishable offense under the law.

Authorities have stated that undertaking such initiatives outside the approved policy undermines the university’s reputation.

No Scope for ‘Dual Administration’

The university administration has stated that there is no scope for establishing any form of ‘dual administration’ at Dhaka University. Although DUCSU is an important body representing students, all its activities must be conducted within the university’s laws, rules, policies, and administrative framework.

The notification warns that any attempt to establish a parallel structure or process by bypassing administrative authority will be strictly resisted.

The Dhaka University administration has affirmed that there will be no compromise regarding the dignity of the history of the Language Movement and the Liberation War, nor regarding the maintenance of the university’s institutional discipline. 

The notification further states that strict administrative action, in accordance with existing regulations, will be taken against individuals involved in unauthorised construction or attempts to introduce separate administrative systems.