Chhatri Hall: Only hall at Buet free of politics and torture

Only Chhatri Hall of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) is an exception because the students who live there are not ragged, tortured or humiliated. 

This is because this female-only dormitory is properly supervised, and political activities are not allowed there. 

The students who live there say that they can express themselves freely and move around without hassle.

In contrast, torture and humiliation at the hands of Bangladesh Chhatra League leaders and activists has been a regular phenomenon at other Buet halls.

The situation came to the spotlight on Sunday following the brutal murder of student Abrar Fahad, allegedly by Chhatra League leaders.

However, this was not a one-off case. For some students, the torture and humiliation got so bad that they had to leave the university.

Of the eight halls at Buet, seven are for boys, and one is for girls. Chhatri Hall can accommodate only 488 students out of the 1,000 female students at the university. 

Speaking to The Business Standard, Chhatri Hall Provost Professor Umme Kulsum Navera said that they do not allow any political activities at the hall. "No lobbying is needed to get a seat here because the seats are distributed on the basis of merit. 

"I personally stay in touch with all the students living in the hall, and three other assistant provosts also perform their duties properly. No student can ignore the rules. Students do not live in fear because they can come to us with any issue," she explained.

Umme said that they are always ready to take action against any malpractice in the hall. "But I have not received any complaints since I took charge as provost five months ago," she said.

Tania, a third year student of the hall, said that there are no power games at Chhatri Hall. 

"Political leaders at male halls ask students to show their 'performance', which is measured on their ability to humiliate and torture other students. Students intending to become leaders take part in such activities," she said. 

Tania explained that since political influence is not required to get a seat at Chhatri Hall, students do not need to get involved in politics. 

Snigdha Shiuly, an assistant secretary of the Buet unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League said there are very few leaders and activists living in the hall. 

"Most of the students do not like politics here. Administrative supervision is also very strong, so nobody dares to humiliate or torture other students," Shiuly said.