Tensions rise at DU over formation of new student organization

A new student organization was set to be announced Wednesday by Abu Bakar Mazumdar, the former coordinator of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. 

However, before its official launch, the group has already sparked controversy, with students from private universities alleging that they have been excluded from leadership positions.  

On Wednesday (February 26) at 4:00 PM, a group of private university students gathered in front of Madhur Canteen at Dhaka University, protesting the alleged exclusionary approach of the new organization. The protesters chanted slogans such as "Break the DU-centric political syndicate", "No room for discrimination in Bangladesh!", "Justice! We want justice!".

The demonstrators declared that they would not accept a DU-centric committee and demanded that students from private universities and other institutions across the country be included. They warned that if their demand was ignored, they would reject the new organization's leadership.  

The announcement event for the new student organization was scheduled for 3:00 PM at Madhur Canteen. However, due to the protests, the press conference could not take place. Simultaneously, another group inside Madhur Canteen was seen chanting counter-slogans in support of the new organization, leading to heated confrontations and reported scuffles between the two sides.  

As of now, private university students continue to hold their position outside Madhur Canteen, chanting slogans and protesting. Given the ongoing unrest, there is growing speculation that the launch event for the new student organization might be disrupted or even canceled.