January 28, 2025
DHAKA – Students of the seven Dhaka University affiliated colleges blocked a road in protest last night, accusing Dhaka University’s pro-vice chancellor, Professor Mamun Ahmed, of being rude to them.
This protest later escalated into a clash with Dhaka University students after midnight. At least 20 students from both sides were injured while the two sides chased each other, said students involved in the scuffles.
On January 5, students from the seven colleges submitted a memorandum to the pro-vice chancellor regarding their various demands.
On Sunday, about 50 students went to meet with Mamun Ahmed to inquire about the progress of their demands.
However, they said that the pro VC was rude to them during their meeting.
Meanwhile, Mamun Ahmed told The Daily Star that he did not mistreat the students, and instead, asked them not to create disorder.
A secretly recorded video, obtained by The Daily Star and later leaked on social media, showed parts of the conversation.
In the video, the students are seen apologising to Mamun, saying, “Sorry sir!” to which he responds, “Okay.”
He further says, “Keep in mind that you can’t swarm the place. I told you to send only two representatives to speak with me. Did I say that? Why did I say that? Because I want to hear your concerns. But you came in with a group and are now accusing me of not cooperating.”
The students reply, “Sir, we are all from the seven colleges here. We can’t send just two representatives.”
Mamun Ahmed then responds, “Please! Your representatives will speak on your behalf.”
The students argue, “Sir, other colleges won’t agree to this.”
Mamun Ahmed replies, “If any college disagrees, that’s not my business.”
A female student responds, “We didn’t come here to create a mob. But the way you are becoming aggressive…”
Mamun Ahmed counters, with his voice rising as the conversation progresses, “There’s enough reason for me to be aggressive. Why are you saying that we are denying your requests? What does that mean?”
The female student says, “Sir, maybe we couldn’t explain ourselves properly. This is a misunderstanding. But sir, the way you became aggressive, this behaviour is unacceptable.”
Mamun Ahmed responds, “This is absolutely acceptable behaviour.”
According to witnesses, students protested by blocking the road at the Science Lab intersection after the incident.
The blockade continued until 10:30pm yesterday.
They demanded the resignation of the pro-vice chancellor and an apology. They declared that if Mamun did not apologise, they would march from Science Lab to Dhaka University campus and surround the pro-VC’s residence.
Upon hearing this, a group of Dhaka University students gathered near Nilkhet, at Sir AF Rahman Hall and the VC Chattar area.
Police was stationed at Nilkhet to control the situation. When the procession of the college students got close to the campus, Dhaka University students chased them away.
The students from the seven colleges retreated but returned to Nilkhet and attempted to enter Dhaka University campus.
The two sides then began chasing each other. The police used sound grenades and tear gas to restore order, but a tense situation persisted until 3:00am today.