No room for ‘parallel administration’: DU warns Ducsu over unauthorised activities, teacher-evaluation website

Dhaka University authorities today warned that they would take strict administrative action if the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) continues to undertake activities without approval from the university administration.

The university said there was no scope for any "parallel administration" on campus and that all Ducsu activities must be carried out within the university’s existing laws, regulations, policies and administrative structure.

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In a press release, the university said Ducsu had installed the “Nirbhik July” memorial beside the Ducsu building and in front of the Central Library without permission or discussion with the university Syndicate or vice-chancellor.

Citing the Dhaka University Order, 1973, and relevant ordinances and regulations, the administration said university property falls under the authority of the Syndicate, while decisions by the students’ union remain subject to the vice-chancellor’s direction.

The university also objected to the display of photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Abdul Malek at the Ducsu archive, saying their display was incompatible with the history of the Language Movement and the Liberation War.

It further criticised Ducsu’s launch of a separate website for evaluating teachers without university approval. The administration said the university already has an approved policy for teaching evaluation and alleged that the Ducsu website had made personal information of teachers public.

“Ducsu is an important student-representative institution, but all its activities must be conducted within the university’s laws, regulations, policies and administrative structure,” the university said.

It warned that any attempt to establish a "parallel structure" or process by bypassing the university administration would be "strictly resisted".

The administration also said it would take action under existing rules over any unauthorised construction or separate administrative initiative.

Dhaka University, in a press release, announced the formation of three probe committees to examine Ducsu’s recent activities and asked them to submit reports with recommendations within seven working days. 

The first committee will investigate the launch of the “DU Evaluation” website, the second committee will investigate the installation of the “Nirbhik July” memorial, and the third committee will investigate the display of photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Abdul Malek at the Ducsu archive. 

The committees will be headed by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration), and the authorities will take further action based on the reports, the release said.