Dhaka University’s bold move to rechristen Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall as ‘Usman Hadi Hall’ underscores the seismic changes sweeping Bangladesh’s educational institutions post-political upheaval. The hardline Islamist figure, Sharif Usman Hadi, was gunned down in the capital last month, prompting this tribute.
Local reports highlight that the syndicate’s Thursday session, led by Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmad Khan, forwarded the renaming proposal to the senate for ratification. Proctor Saifuddin Ahmad told Dhaka Tribune late Thursday: ‘The process is progressing; the syndicate has passed it on.’
Parallel changes include transforming Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Hall into ‘Captain Sitara Parveen Hall.’ These steps intensify amid escalating vandalism of Liberation War artifacts from 1971, fueling fears of systematic historical revisionism in Yunus’s interim regime.
After Hadi’s killing, hall union members swiftly replaced the plaque and defaced Mujibur Rahman’s mural. Riots by his followers ravaged minority communities, diplomatic missions, and press offices across the country.
In related actions, the syndicate targeted four Awami League-affiliated educators, slapping them with charges and demanding explanations within seven days. ‘Charges are framed; they’ll respond, and probes will proceed,’ Ahmad explained. No dismissals yet, but the intent is clear.
This wave of purges echoes prior incidents where pro-Awami League faculty faced mob attacks from student activists. As Bangladesh grapples with unrest, concerns mount over insecure work environments, political meddling in academia, and assaults on free expression, painting a picture of fragile stability.