DU students burn effigy in protest of Jamaat leader’s remarks

Students of Dhaka University on Sunday evening burned an effigy protesting “defamatory and false” remarks made by a Jamaat leader regarding the university and its female students.

The protest began at the base of the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture on the campus around 7:30pm.

The remarks were made on Saturday night at an election rally in Kata Khali area of Patharghata upazila in Barguna. At the rally, Barguna district Jamaat-e-Islami assistant secretary general Md Shamim Ahsan reportedly described Ducsu as a “den of drugs and prostitution.”

Addressing the programme, Ducsu member Hema Chakma said it was unacceptable for a leader of any political party to make such remarks about Ducsu.

“We are living in 2026. Women are now aware of their rights, economic freedom and social emancipation. Women from even the most remote areas have come to Dhaka University after overcoming immense hardship. Such comments about them are unacceptable,” she said.

Hema added, “Regardless of the candidate or political affiliation, if anyone makes derogatory comments against women, we will always stand against it. We want a women-friendly Bangladesh. This Jamaat leader must apologise publicly.”

Salimullah Muslim Hall GS Sadman Abdullah said Dhaka University is associated with historic events, including the Language Movement of 1952, the Mass Uprising of 1969, the election of 1970, the Liberation War of 1971 and the July Uprising of 2024.

He said students would not tolerate any vulgar or derogatory remarks about this university.

He also noted that no statement had yet been issued by Ducsu over the matter. “We see protests under the Ducsu banner on other issues. I urge every hall union to issue statements in protest,” he added.