7 PSTU halls renamed

Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) has renamed seven residential halls—including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall—following student-led demands to remove political influence from campus facilities.

The decision was approved at the university’s 55th Regent Board meeting and formally announced through a circular signed by Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Ikhtiar Uddin.

According to the circular, the changes were made in response to “strong student demands inspired by the anti-discrimination spirit following the July 2024 mass uprising,” and were based on recommendations from a university-formed committee.

The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall (main campus) renamed to Bijoy-24 Hall, Sher-e-Bangla Hall-1 and Sher-e-Bangla Hall-2 reverted to their former names as Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall-1 and Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall-2, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall (main campus) renamed to Rabiya Basri Hall, The same-named hall at Barishal campus renamed to Sultana Razia Hall and the names of under constructed Sher-e-Bangla Hall (for male students) and Chand Sultana Hall (for female students) are also renamed.

Controversy over hall names had been mounting since August 2024, when students at the Barishal campus dismantled the nameplate of Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall. A similar incident occurred in December at the main campus involving the Bangabandhu Hall. Protesters argued that residence halls should not carry names associated with political figures.

Some residential students opposed the vandalism, leading to tensions on campus. After several rounds of dialogue with student representatives, the university formed a review committee, which ultimately led to the current decision.

University authorities stated that the move reflects a commitment to equality and is part of an effort to respond to legitimate student concerns.

HKJ