Sadik Kayem new Chhatra Shibir President in DU

 
Islami Chhatra Shibir has appointed Sadik Kayem in the post of the student front's President on Dhaka University (DU) campus.

DU student organization leaders proposed political reforms, rather than an outright ban on student politics, and called for the abolition of the syndicate system during a meeting with the DU administration and the Vice-Chancellor on Saturday.  The DU administration plans to continue these meetings.

The meeting, held on Saturday morning in the lounge adjacent to the Vice Chancellor's office, included ten student organizations in two phases. In addition to Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, two pro-vice-chancellors, the treasurer, and the proctor were also present.

The student leaders shared similar views on the issue of student politics at DU. Almost all of them proposed reforms instead of an outright ban on student political activities.

Sadik Kayem, President of DU Chhatra Shibir, stated: "We, along with other student organizations, proposed reforms in student politics. We don't want politics to be oppressive."

Regarding student politics, Maeen Ahmed, General Secretary of DU Chhatra Union, added, "The constitution doesn't permit a ban on student politics, though a pact can be made to restrict involvement in terror politics."

The student leaders also demanded the abolition of the syndicate. They claimed that the attack on DU students on July 17, 2024 was prompted by the syndicate's issuance of a hall vacancy notice.

Almost all student leaders criticized the activities of the BCL (Bangladesh Chhatra League) and expressed their desire to gain students' trust by demonstrating how they differ from the BCL. The administration is also expecting the student organizations' support.

Sadik Kayem further stated: "The terror politics ingrained in students' memories from the BCL's reign must be erased. The administration is seeking our help to achieve this. They plan to hold these meetings more frequently."

Ganesh Chandra Roy Shahosh, President of DU Chhatra Dal, added: "To eliminate violent student politics in the halls and on campus, we proposed closing down 'gonorooms' and 'guestrooms,' ending the culture of ragging, reforming student politics, and reorganizing the fascist DU syndicate. We also called for the dismissal of charges against DU teachers and students involved in the July incident."

Representatives from the Chhatra Union emphasized that the university cannot ban politics at will, pointing to relevant articles in the constitution. They also urged the university to comply with the High Court's order and to reinvigorate the Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell.

Maeen Ahmed, General Secretary of DU Chhatra Union, said: "We demanded a reform of DU's entire structure, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed about decisions. We also called for the reinstatement of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell, about which we know very little."

The DU administration also discussed its plans, which include decentralizing authority, abolishing 'gonorooms,' addressing the seat crisis, reviving the Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell, providing affordable internet service, improving canteen food quality, establishing new social media channels, ensuring affordable transportation, and introducing counseling services and medical facilities.