DU forms committee to probe students' role in hawkers’ procession

A three-member probe committee has been formed, comprising three assistant proctors, to identify Dhaka University students participating in a procession of hawkers and homeless people on the campus.

DU Proctor Prof Saifuddin Ahmed told The Daily Star, "We held a meeting today (Sunday) and formed a panel to identify whether any students were involved in instigating the hawkers."

He added, "Our students have the right to hold processions, but if they brought outsiders to create chaos, we will take disciplinary action based on the committee's recommendations."

On Saturday, Ducsu electees and the proctorial team conducted a drive on campus to evict floating shops and homeless people from the university campus. However, several left-leaning students and activists alleged that people were assaulted during the drive. They also protested at the spot and criticised the eviction move being carried out without ensuring alternative livelihood arrangement.

Later, those students joined a procession at Dhaka University campus expressing solidarity with the evicted individuals.

In protest of the procession, Ducsu Social Welfare Secretary AB Zubayer, member Sorbo Mitra Chakma, Surja Sen Hall Vice President Azizul Haque, and several other students demonstrated in front of the proctor's office that night.

Around 11:30pm Saturday, they met with several assistant proctors and presented a set of demands, including taking action against those students.

At the meeting, Sorbo Mitra Chakma demanded that the administration take measures by 11:30am Sunday.

The probe committee members are AKM Nur Alam Siddiki, Shantu Barua, and Md Amzad.