The University Reform Initiative (URI) has proposed banning all forms of party politics in residential and academic areas at Dhaka University (DU). The eight-point proposal was presented at a press conference held at the Dhaka University Journalists Association office on Saturday. DU students Adnan Mustari and Rafia Rehnuma presented the recommendations, with other students like Tamim Muntasir, Anwar Ibrahim Biplab, Zobair Hossain Shahid, and Redwanul Hasan Shanto in attendance.
The proposal calls for a ban on party political activities in DU halls, hostels, and academic buildings, and urges the university administration to take action against students involved in these activities. However, it allows students to express their political views on a personal level without facing punishment.
The recommendations also include organizing hall and central student council elections soon, with eligibility criteria set for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. All candidates must participate independently in DUCSU and Hall Parliament elections without forming panels. An experienced group of students and teachers should work on amending the DUCSU Constitution to make it more modern and relevant.
Adnan Mustari emphasized the need for a clear separation between education and politics, allowing freedom of expression while stopping political activities in halls. He also highlighted the importance of a student union to represent students’ concerns to the administration and engage in social, cultural, and awareness activities.
"We need a student union to represent student issues but without the influence of party politics," Adnan said. The proposed changes aim to ensure that student representation remains independent and focused on the needs of the general student body.
