DUCSU meets DU VC to discuss hall allocation, campus infrastructure

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam held a courtesy meeting with Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) leaders on Wednesday to address key student concerns, including hall seat allocation and campus infrastructure issues. 

DUCSU Vice-President Shadik Kayem, General Secretary SM Farhad and Assistant General Secretary Mohiuddin Khan attended the session to seek actionable solutions to ongoing challenges.

Student representatives emphasized the need for a clear and automated hall seat allocation policy to ensure fairness, prioritizing regular students over those with irregular attendance. 

The Vice-Chancellor assured prompt action and instructed the relevant departments to implement necessary measures. 

DUCSU also raised concerns about delays in scholarship disbursements for female students affected by hall seat shortages, prompting the VC to direct concerned offices to expedite payments.

Infrastructure issues were another key focus. Students requested resolution of electricity problems following emergency renovations at the central mosque, activation of heating systems and completion of campus upgrades, including improvements to TSC facilities. 

The meeting also covered execution of a Tk 2 crore budget from Bangladesh Cricket Board for the renovation of the central playground. Progress on teacher evaluations, the cancellation of student e-mail verification fees and proposed development projects worth Tk 2,841 crore with Chinese support were reviewed.

DUCSU leaders highlighted administrative bottlenecks, including delays in installing access control gates at female halls, establishing day-care centers for staff and students’ children, and speeding up the Musa Khan Mosque renovation. 

The Vice-Chancellor confirmed priorities for naming Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall, maintaining graves and enhancing campus beautification. 

Questions regarding canteen construction at Mokarram, Motahar and Curzon Halls were addressed, with responsibilities assigned to the Pro-VC and relevant committees.

Both parties agreed to hold two follow-up consultations: one with DUCSU elected representatives and another with hall council members. 

DUCSU expressed commitment to collaborative, student-friendly policy implementation, with the Vice-Chancellor showing positive support.

NRE/SH