DU syndicate to recommend renaming Sheikh Mujib hall after Osman Hadi

The University of Dhaka syndicate has decided to forward a recommendation to the Senate regarding the renaming of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, following demands raised by the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (Ducsu).

Ducsu leaders submitted a memorandum to the vice-chancellor requesting that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall be renamed "Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall" and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall be renamed "Bir Protik Sitara Begum Hall."

The decision was made on Thursday (8 January) during a meeting of the university's highest executive forum, the syndicate. The meeting, which began at 7am, continued until around 4:30pm.

Dhaka University Proctor and Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed the development to The Business Standard later in the night.

On 21 December last year, Ducsu leaders, along with other students, besieged the main gate of the vice-chancellor's office, demanding renaming of the two halls.

They also demanded the renaming of three other university facilities, including one dormitory and two residential buildings for officials and employees, all currently named after members of the Mujib family.

Meanwhile, the Syndicate also decided to frame charges against four teachers of the Department of Sociology over allegations related to the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. The teachers are accused of taking positions against students, obstructing participation in the movement, issuing threats, and sharing information about protesters with Chhatra League activists.

The Syndicate decided to issue show-cause notices to the four teachers, asking why they should not be expelled from the university.

Prof Saifuddin Ahmed said the decision to frame charges was taken based on recommendations from a fact-finding committee.

The accused teachers are Professor Dr Jinat Huda, Professor Dr AKM Jamal Uddin, Professor Dr Sadeka Halim, and Professor Dr Md Mashiur Rahman.