Sheikh Hasina's slogan on CU exam routine sparks controversy
The routine carried the slogan, “We will build the nation through education — Sheikh Hasina’s Bangladesh.”
A controversy has emerged at Chattogram University (CU) after a slogan referencing ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina appeared on an exam schedule of the law department's second-year students, drawing widespread criticism on social media.
The routine, signed by department chair Professor Rakiba Nabi yesterday (30 March) carried the slogan, "We will build the nation through education — Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh."
The phrase was printed beneath the university's official logo at the top centre of the document.
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The circulation of the exam routine has triggered discussions among students, with many questioning how such politically charged wording remained in use after recent political changes.
Rabiul Islam, a student from the 2020-21 academic session of the International Relations department, criticised the issue, alleging that the previous government had attempted to embed its influence across all sectors, including education.
He expressed concern that such remnants still persist within a major institution like the university.
Responding to the controversy, Professor Rakiba Nabi said the use of the slogan-bearing pad was unintentional.
She explained that such materials had been withdrawn after the July Uprising, but admitted she did not notice the slogan while signing the document, as she reviews multiple papers daily.
Chattogram University Central Students' Union (Cucsu) Vice President Ibrahim Hossain Rony described the incident as suspicious and said the matter had already been brought to the attention of the university authorities.
He added that they plan to discuss the issue directly with the vice-chancellor.
Law Faculty Dean Mohammad Zafar Ullah Talukdar said older pads containing such slogans were printed long ago and are still being used after partially removing the text with correction fluid to reduce costs.
He added that the incident may have occurred due to staff oversight.
Meanwhile, acting registrar Professor Mohammad Saiful Islam stated that all departments had been instructed after the July Uprising not to use any materials containing slogans associated with Sheikh Hasina.
However, he acknowledged that a large number of such printed materials remained in circulation and were being reused for financial reasons.
He added that administrative action could be taken if a formal complaint is filed.
