Teachers' Network protests renaming of 'Bangabandhu' halls at several universities

The University Teachers' Network has issued a statement protesting the proposal to rename halls bearing the name of 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman' at Dhaka University and several other universities across the country, describing the move as an act of "petty political narrow-mindedness" and "political vengeance."

In a statement sent to the media today (10 January), the organisation said that changes in state power in Bangladesh have often been accompanied by changes in the names of institutions and structures, calling this practice deeply regrettable.

"While the culture has existed for years," the network claimed that it was turned into an "art" during the 17-year rule of the Awami League government.

The statement noted that although many individuals have contributed to Bangladesh's politics, culture and society, the extensive naming of state-funded institutions after members of the Sheikh family had become an "irreversible tendency."

It termed this not merely politicisation but "familialisation," adding that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman himself was the most frequently used figure in this process.

Criticising the ongoing initiatives at various universities, the network said that in many cases, hall names are being changed without following due process, with the previous names being removed and replaced by the names of other prominent individuals or events.

It cited examples such as Rajshahi University's Bangabandhu Hall being renamed "Bijoy 24," Jahangirnagar University's Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall being renamed after Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq, and Bangladesh Agricultural University's Bangabandhu Hall being renamed after Maulana Bhashani.

According to the statement, these changes do not stem from ideological considerations but rather represent a "blueprint to erase elements deeply intertwined with Bangladesh's social, cultural and historical fabric" under a political agenda, allegedly by using the July Uprising.

The organisation reiterated its strong condemnation of this trend.

Referring specifically to Dhaka University, the network said the initiative to rename Bangabandhu Hall there is the latest example of this practice.

"An attempt is being made to erase the name of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from the university as well. The university syndicate has recommended changing the name of a hall established in his name nearly 40 years ago to that of Shaheed Osman Hadi," it added.

"It is learnt that this recommendation may be finalised in the Senate. As always, the University Teachers' Network is taking a stand against this change proposal and is demanding that such a decision not be taken."

The statement recalled that in the 1980s, when two new residential halls were built at Dhaka University, they were named after two national leaders, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman, and located side by side.

Despite multiple changes of government since then, the names of these halls were never questioned, it said, adding that although the post-July Uprising period has seen widespread changes and destruction, "many of these developments are unjustified."

On the proposed use of Osman Hadi's name, the network described the decision as "hasty and politically immature", condemning what it called an attempt to place Hadi in opposition to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

While acknowledging that Osman Hadi emerged as an important figure in post-July politics and that public emotion surrounding his killing is intense, the statement alleged that certain quarters are attempting to exploit public sentiment for political gain.

The network suggested that a new building could be named after Osman Hadi in recognition of his legacy as a former student of the university.

However, it expressed suspicion over efforts to change the name of a hall that has been known for three to four decades after a national leader, calling such initiatives politically motivated.

The statement urged Dhaka University authorities to immediately withdraw the proposal.

It also called for an end to the practice of naming state-funded structures solely on political considerations and to the culture of renaming institutions out of political animosity, stressing that many of the changes taking place in the current political climate are neither fair nor justified.