DU VC refutes JCD allegation

Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan has denied having any political affiliation, asserting that he has never been involved in politics. 

His remarks came on Tuesday (September 9) after leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) formally accused him of running a "Jamaati administration" following the conclusion of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) election.

Speaking at a discussion with JCD leaders and activists at the Senate Building in the afternoon, Dr Niaz Ahmed said the university administration was not influenced by Jamaat or any other political group. "We respect the opinions of all stakeholders. Sometimes JCD leaders come and share their views. But the administration is not influenced by Jamaat, nor by any other political party," he told journalists. 

The meeting turned heated when JCD leaders raised allegations that Jamaat-Shibir activists had gathered around the DU campus during the polls. They confronted the Vice-Chancellor directly, repeatedly asking him why outsiders were allowed to roam freely around polling centers. While Dr Niaz Ahmed assured them that "necessary measures" had been taken, the JCD representatives remained unconvinced.

On the conduct of the polls, Dr Niaz Ahmed said, "By any measure of voter turnout and candidate participation, this was a major election. You all saw it was festive throughout the day. Two or three complaints were raised, and the Election Commission is already taking steps regarding them. Beyond that, we have not received any large-scale allegations."

Responding to questions about whether the DU administration was politically biased, the Vice-Chancellor said, "This is a matter of perception. Everyone will judge according to their own perception. I respect their views. I do not feel the need to refute them point by point."

He also emphasized his neutrality, "I want to make it clear-I have never been involved with any political party at any point in my life. Consciously, I am not devoted to any specific political ideology or group. I want to move forward with everyone, and that is my way."

Dr Niaz Ahmed also reminded that the current administration had taken office during a crisis period when many university functions had stalled due to unrest in the residential halls. "We tried to fix those issues in that context," he said.

Meanwhile, voting for the DUCSU and hall union elections concluded at 4 pm on Tuesday. Balloting took place at eight centers across the campus.