‘I am a student of Jasimuddin Hall' – MP's appeal draws smiles in Parliament

A touch of humour and nostalgia enlivened across the parliamentary session as Dinajpur-1 (Birganj-Kaharole) lawmaker Md Manjurul Islam invoked his Dhaka University (DU) roots to seek extra speaking time during a discussion on the motion of thanks for the President’s address.

As his allotted time drew to a close, the MP said with a memorable tone, “Honourable Speaker, you have given more time to our brothers from Mohsin Hall. I am a student of Jasimuddin Hall, not someone far away; I could reach it in a run. Please allow me two more minutes.” His remark drew smiles across the parliament and the Speaker obliged, granting him additional time to continue.

Beginning of his speech, Manju expressed gratitude to his constituents for electing him with a margin of 62,000 votes.

He highlighted the underdeveloped condition of his constituency, Birganj and Kaharole, and stressed its heavy dependence on agriculture, urging greater attention and development initiatives.

He also proposed upgrading two hospitals to 150 and 100 beds respectively, framing the need within broader efforts to improve public healthcare access in his region.

While brief, his reference to Jasimuddin Hall carried a deeper resonance. It underscored the enduring influence of Dhaka University’s residential halls in shaping political consciousness and leadership in Bangladesh.

Established in 1976, Kabi Jasimuddin Hall remains one of the prominent residential halls in Dhaka University, known for its role in nurturing future political figures.

Over the years, several of its former students-including former DUCSU vice-president (VP) Amanullah Aman, ex-Social Service Secretary from Kabi Jasimuddin Hall Union ABM Mosharraf Hossain, NCP leader Atik Mujahid and many others-have gone on to become members of parliament.

Monju’s light-hearted remark thus blended personal identity with a broader institutional legacy, offering a moment of levity while reflecting the deep-rooted connection between campus life and national politics.