The decision to observe a one-day mourning period at Dhaka University (DU) following the death of former Vice-Chancellor Prof A M S Arefin Siddique has sparked controversy among students. While the university administration announced the observance, many students voiced strong opposition, calling it an unjust tribute to a figure they view as divisive.
On Saturday, Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad, a DU student from the 2022-23 academic session, expressed his discontent in the private Facebook group 'Dhaka Bissobiddalay Shikkharthi Sangasad', writing, "It is shameful for us that DU has declared a day of mourning for the death of an accomplice of dictatorship." Similar sentiments were echoed by another student Ashiq Jovan, who commented, "It should be obvious who is mourning Arefin Siddique so much."
Some students, however, criticised what they saw as selective outrage. Maisha Maliha pointed out, "The authorities already have countless flaws! I saw how many people were angry that his funeral prayer wasn't held on the campus, yet they are spreading false propaganda! They declared a holiday, and I saw trolls about that too. If they hadn't given a holiday, there would have been even more criticism."
Arefin Siddique, who served as DU's Vice-Chancellor from 2009 to 2017, played a key role in affiliating seven major colleges in Dhaka with the university. While this move was intended to improve higher education management, students have long argued that it failed to achieve its objectives. Critics claim the affiliation was carried out hastily, without proper assessment.
The controversy surrounding Arefin Siddique's legacy remains deeply polarising within the DU community. While some see him as a dedicated academic, others hold him responsible for decisions that, in their view, have negatively impacted the university and its students. The mourning day, rather than uniting DU, has only deepened the divide.
