A mounting seat crisis in residential halls at Dhaka University (DU) has sparked growing unrest among students, especially women, as the campus braces for the long-awaited DUCSU and Hall Union Elections, expected in early August after a six-year hiatus.
The most acute shortage is reported in female student halls, where overcrowding has led to bunk beds, double occupancy in single-seat rooms, and mounting frustration. Despite repeated promises, many students from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 academic years remain without proper accommodation, while overstaying seniors from as far back as 2015 continue to occupy valuable space.
DU currently operates 19 residential halls-14 for male students and only 5 for females-along with four specialised hostels. The gender imbalance has left many female students vulnerable.
Student MM Riyasat Rana from the Bangla Department shared a disturbing observation: "Seniors from the 2020-21 session are still doubling up, while juniors from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 batches are occupying single rooms. The disparity is unjust."
In many male halls, room occupancy ranges between 5 to 8 students per room, depending on location. In contrast, some blocks house only 3 or 4, intensifying the sense of inequality.
As election preparations begin, concerns have arisen over the revival of unhealthy political practices. Reports suggest that student political leaders are applying pressure on hall administrations to secure room allocations for their supporters.
Several provosts confirmed that some leaders were seen engaging with juniors in courtyards, guest rooms, and the "Mol Chattar" (originally Malraux Chattar), a central gathering space, in a bid to gain influence.
These incidents are being seen as the re-emergence of the controversial "guest room" culture-where newer students are often subjected to political grooming and informal control by seniors aligned with political organisations.
In light of the situation, several hall provosts have taken proactive steps to regularize seat distribution. However, readiness varies significantly across halls.
* Bijoy Ekattor Hall: Provost Prof. Dr. S M Ali Reza announced mandatory ID card renewals and called for evicting unauthorised residents. He also sought a seat rent reduction from the Vice-Chancellor's office.
* Jagannath Hall: Seats will be allocated from July 7 following removal of overstaying students.
* Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah Hall: Reports on current occupants are being compiled, with new seat allocations expected by next week.
* Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall: Seat allocation for current students is complete. New seat distribution will begin in the next two to three months.
* Zahurul Huq Hall: Seats will be allotted by July, although many students from 2018-19 who await results remain.
* Masterda Surja Sen Hall: A notice will be issued by July 6. New applications will be invited and processed within 15 working days.
Several female hall provosts expressed deep concern over the lack of capacity:
* Shamsun Nahar Hall: Seat allotment for over 250 students from the 2023-24 batch is pending. Seat allocation will only begin once 2018-19 students vacate.
* Ruqayyah Hall: Provost Dr. Hosne Ara Begum warned that overstaying students will be removed and seats distributed thereafter.
* Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall: Despite a clear seat crisis, the administration is trying to ensure fair allocation. Students have cooperated to avoid overstaying.
* Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall: Will wait until July 7 for old students to leave, with a goal to complete new allocations by July 20.
* Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall: No immediate seat allotment due to acute shortage, but the administration has pledged financial and welfare support.
Some Halls Lagging Behind
* Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall: No formal seat allocation meeting has been held. Overstaying remains an issue.
* Kabi Jasimuddin Hall: Staff quarters will be cleared to accommodate students.
* Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall: Interviews are scheduled for July 10; allocations to be completed by July 13.
* Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall: Applications are open from July 3-17. Provost Dr. Akhteruzzaman clarified that being on the merit list does not confirm student status until registration is complete.
Attempts to reach provosts of A. F. Rahman Hall and Salimullah Muslim Hall were unsuccessful.
A long-standing issue has been the continued presence of students from older sessions (2015-16 to 2018-19), many of whom now hold jobs with salaries ranging from Tk 30,000-50,000. These students reportedly refuse to vacate their rooms, while juniors hesitate to ask them directly.
Senior students have urged for voluntary evacuation, acknowledging the housing stress younger students face: "We understand the juniors' struggle, but they cannot confront us. The administration must take the lead," one senior said anonymously.
Three formal DUCSU-related meetings have already taken place. Students are urging for balanced allocation to avoid overcrowding on lower floors while upper floors remain underutilised.
With elections looming, hall space, political neutrality, and fairness in accommodation have emerged as central issues. As the seat crisis intensifies, the credibility of the university administration and the election process may depend heavily on how equitably and transparently these challenges are resolved.
