Sarba Mitra quits DUCSU as video draws backlash 

In the face of criticism, Sarba Mitra Chakma has announced his resignation from the post of executive member of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) in a Facebook post.

On Monday afternoon, he wrote: "I have decided to resign. My decision was not taken out of spite or due to pressure from anyone. There is no point in holding a position where it is difficult or impossible to work."

Sarba Mitra faced backlash after he forced a group of children playing on the Dhaka University field to do squats while holding their ears as punishment.

However, he did not clarify in his post whether he had already submitted his resignation.

In his Facebook statement, he wrote: "The students of Dhaka University elected me with many expectations.

"From the very beginning of my responsibilities, to make the entire campus safe, I submitted different proposals to the administration, including introducing registered rickshaws on campus and restricting vehicles."

"On the latest issue of the central field, there is not even a CCTV camera, let alone security. Incidents ranging from harassment of female students to theft of mobile phones, wallets, and bicycles happen there almost regularly," he added.

He added, "Female students complain that because of outsiders, they cannot play on the field and are subjected to harassment.

"The file for repairing the wall adjacent to DMC returned from the administration, and in the meantime, outsiders continue to jump over that wall to enter."

Explaining the incident involving the children, Sarba Mitra said: "It was last month, when theft and snatching were rampant.

"Even though my method was wrong, due to the administration's inaction and other factors, I felt that without such strictness, it would not be possible to suppress outsiders and ensure students' safety at the central field.

"My thoughts have been solely about Dhaka University's security. I have intervened in various places, alone. I tried to solve problems, even beyond my formal responsibilities.

"But law is law. In fulfilling my duty, I had to go beyond the law as well to deal with situations and ensure security. This has poisoned my personal life and mental state. I no longer have the capacity to continue."

A video of the central field incident shows Sarba Mitra holding a cricket stump in one hand while forcing several children to perform sit-ups by holding their ears. He is also seen threatening them with the stump if they fail to comply.

Sarba Mitra was elected from an Islami Chhatra Shibir-backed panel in the DUCSU elections. Since taking office, he has faced criticism over multiple incidents.    �"bdnews24