Authorities at Dhaka University in Bangladesh have decided to rename the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall to ‘Osman Hadi Hall’ and Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Hall to ‘Captain Sitara Parvin Hall’. The decision was made during a meeting of the university’s Syndicate, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan. The move follows escalating attacks on historical symbols related to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
The renaming decision has sparked controversy as it aligns with the renaming of the halls after slain radical Islamist leader Sharif Osman Hadi. The Syndicate’s proposal has been forwarded to the Senate for a final decision. The move to change the names comes amidst concerns about the preservation of historical legacy under the current interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.
In addition to the renaming, charges have been framed against four teachers associated with the pro-Awami League teachers’ Blue Panel at Dhaka University. The teachers have been given a week to respond to the show-cause notice. The university has been marred by incidents of harassment and attacks on teachers, raising further concerns about academic freedom and political interference.
