Dhaka University Hall Authority Forms Probe Committee Following Student Assault Allegations
Dhaka University authorities have launched an investigation following allegations of physical assault and intimidation involving two students at the Bijoy Ekattor Hall. The dispute, which occurred late Sunday night, has triggered a broader debate regarding campus discipline and political affiliations within the dormitory.
The complainant, Ahmed Shahriar, a first-year student of Television, Film and Photography, alleged that senior student Abdullah Al Mahfuz physically assaulted him and subjected him to verbal abuse after a disagreement near a dormitory washroom. According to Shahriar, the confrontation began when he was denied access to a restroom where female guests were present. Shahriar claims that after being turned away, a heated exchange ensued during which Mahfuz allegedly threatened to drag him to a guestroom to "teach him manners."
Abdullah Al Mahfuz, a student of the Bengali department, has denied the allegations of assault and threats. He explained that he and another student were guarding the washroom to ensure the privacy of female guests who were visiting to watch the World Cup final. Mahfuz stated that he requested the complainant to wait briefly, but the interaction escalated when Shahriar purportedly responded aggressively and used disrespectful language. Mahfuz further claimed that he is now the subject of retaliatory threats.
Provost Professor S.M. Ali Reza confirmed that the hall administration initially attempted to mediate the dispute. However, following the filing of formal complaints by both parties, the administration moved to establish a probe committee. The committee has been instructed to submit a detailed report within four working days.
The incident has also drawn attention to the political climate on campus. The local unit of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal alleged that the accused student is affiliated with the Islami Chhatra Shibir, a claim explicitly denied by the latter organization. The discourse surrounding the event has been compounded by the varying political backgrounds of the students involved; Shahriar is identified as a member of the Bijoy Ekattor Hall unit of the Chhatra Dal, while Mahfuz has previously surfaced in public discourse for his vocal support of former DUCSU vice-presidential candidates.
University officials have emphasized that the investigation will focus strictly on the disciplinary infractions within the hall, aiming to address the breach of conduct regardless of the external political narratives currently circulating on social media.
