Five Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) Senate members walked out of the university Senate session on Monday night after no final decision was taken on renaming five university establishments named after members of the Sheikh family.
The walkout took place at around 10:15 pm. Those who left the session were DUCSU Vice-President Sadiq Kayem, General Secretary SM Farhad, Assistant General Secretary Muhammad Mohiuddin, Transport Secretary Asif Abdullah and Senate member Sabikunnahar Tamanna.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam urged them to reconsider, but they proceeded with the protest.
The proposal to rename the establishments was placed on the Senate agenda following a university syndicate decision on January 8 in response to demands from DUCSU and students.
The establishments include Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, Sheikh Russell Tower, Bangabandhu Tower and the Shaheed Athlete Sultana Kamal Hostel of the Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology.
During the discussion, Senate member Professor Md. Lutfar Rahman proposed sending the matter back to the syndicate in line with university rules, while Professor Dr. Samina Lutfa opposed renaming the establishments.
DUCSU representatives argued that students faced practical difficulties because of the existing names, including problems during visits to the National Memorial and in securing sponsorships for hall activities.
SM Farhad said that if the issue was returned to the syndicate, it should include specific recommendations. Sadiq Kayem said the interim government had already renamed more than 800 institutions previously named after members of the Sheikh family.
Senate member Fazlul Haque Milon proposed renaming Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall after National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
After lengthy discussions, the Senate reached no final decision. The Vice-Chancellor referred the matter back to the syndicate, prompting the five DUCSU members to walk out in protest.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
