After more than a decade of inactivity, the Dhaka University chapter of Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha has officially resumed its activities. On Wednesday, May 28, members of the organization submitted a memorandum to the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, marking their formal reappearance on campus.
Sabiqun Nahar Tamanna, a student of the Department of Botany and a resident of Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall, has been appointed president of the DU chapter. The role of general secretary is held by Mosammat Afsana Akhter, a student of Islamic History and Culture and a resident of Bangladesh Kuwait Maitree Hall. Both are from the 2019–20 academic session.
The memorandum presented to the Vice-Chancellor outlined various issues faced by female students. Key demands included strengthening campus security for women, ensuring access to nutritious and hygienic food, increasing the number of common rooms, prayer spaces, and ablution facilities, providing support during maternity, resolving accommodation shortages, allowing emergency access to residence halls for non-residential students, and establishing a harassment-free campus with improved medical support in the dormitories.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor attentively listened to the delegation and assured them that the administration would seriously consider their concerns and take appropriate action.
Speaking on the occasion, chapter president Tamanna said, “Due to years of oppression under an authoritarian regime, it was not possible to continue our organizational activities on campus. However, following directives from our central leadership after August 5, we began rebuilding our presence. Alhamdulillah, we’ve now been able to form a preliminary structure at Dhaka University and officially resume operations.”
General Secretary Afsana Akhter added, “Bangladesh Islami Chhatri Sangstha is one of the oldest and largest female student organizations in the country. Since 1978, we’ve been working across Bangladesh for the rights and welfare of female students. Our organization also has a proud history at Dhaka University, including participation in past DUCSU elections.”
She continued, “Through today’s initiative, we are embarking on a renewed journey. We hope the university administration will take swift action to ensure a safe, healthy, and respectful environment for female students. InshaAllah, our efforts for securing the rights and well-being of students will continue with full dedication.”
