'Bangladesh means DU': White Panel slams Bobby Hajjaj’s 'coaching centre' remarks as 'irresponsible'
'Such remarks cannot come from any sane or historically conscious person; rather, they appear to be the ignorant ranting of a grossly immature individual,' it says
The pro-BNP teachers' platform of Dhaka University, known as the Sada Dal, has strongly condemned remarks by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj comparing Dhaka University to a coaching centre, describing the comments as "extremely disrespectful" and "irresponsible."
The organisation also termed the comments "the ignorant ranting of a grossly immature individual" and demanded that the state minister immediately withdraw his statement.
The demand was made in a statement sent to the media today (29 May), signed by the panel's Convener and DU Syndicate Member Prof Md Morshed Hasan Khan, Joint Convener and DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Abdus Salam, and Joint Convener and acting dean of the Faculty of Arts Prof Md Abul Kalam Sarker.
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In the statement, the panel said it was "deeply unfortunate" for a state minister to describe Dhaka University – a historic institution closely tied to the nation's emotions and identity – as a "coaching centre".
"Such remarks cannot come from any sane or historically conscious person; rather, they appear to be the ignorant ranting of a grossly immature individual," the statement read.
The organisation said the state minister's comments had hurt the entire university community and insulted the institution's students, teachers, alumni and its "glorious history and contributions".
The White Panel also highlighted Dhaka University's academic and research achievements, claiming the university remains the country's leading public university in research and publications. It said DU currently ranks among the country's top research institutions according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia rankings.
The statement noted that the university has around 56 active and specialised research centres and bureaus under its science, arts and social science faculties.
It also said DU teachers and students regularly publish research papers in internationally recognised Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals.
Criticising Bobby Hajjaj's comparison between Dhaka University and two private universities, the organisation said the remarks were based on "false information" and were "highly condemnable".
The statement further said Dhaka University is not merely an educational institution but is deeply intertwined with the history of Bangladesh's birth and development.
It cited the university's role in the 1952 Language Movement, the 1962 Education Movement, the 1969 Mass Uprising, the 1971 Liberation War, and various anti-autocracy movements, including the 1990 movement against HM Ershad, protests against the 1/11-backed government, and the 2024 anti-fascism mass uprising.
It also said the university has long played a leading role in promoting Bengali culture, secular values, and the celebration of Pahela Baishakh.
"Despite state neglect and limited budgets, Dhaka University continues to make unique and glorious contributions to the country's education and research sectors, earning global recognition," the statement said.
"In short, Bangladesh means Dhaka University," it added.
