Allegations have emerged against Sanjana Chowdhury Ratree, Vice President (VP) of Dhaka University's (DU) Sufia Kamal Hall Students' Union over demanding Tk 2 lakh from a canteen proprietor to allow continued operations.
The controversy has raised questions about corruption within student leadership at the university.
Sufia Kamal Hall operates two canteens serving residential students. Following DUCSU and hall union elections on 9 September, one canteen proprietor departed following numerous complaints.
According to sources, Ratree approached the canteen owner demanding Tk 2 lakh to maintain his business rights. Media obtained an audio recording purportedly capturing a conversation between Ratree and canteen owner Abdullah Al Mamun on 26 October.
In the recording, Ratree allegedly asks, "How long will it take you to pay the money?" When Mamun cites financial difficulties, she responds, "Today is 26 October. This month has 31 days. Let me know by the 31 October whether you agree or not. I need confirmation first."
She added, "I still have 10 months left in my term. Even if the amount is a bit less, that's fine."
Mamun explained the VP initially instructed him to improve facilities, which he interpreted as genuine concern for quality.
"A few days later, when we met again, she said, 'If you want to keep your canteen, you'll have to pay Tk 2 lakh or around that amount,'" he said. Despite offering Tk 10,000 monthly, his proposal was rejected, leaving him in limbo.
Ratree categorically denied the accusations, saying, "Nothing like that happened. Can a hall union keep a canteen without the students' consent?"
She claimed printed screenshots of student complaints were submitted to administration, noting tender cancellation remained pending due to other commitments. "I never had such a conversation with the canteen owner," she insisted.
Hall Provost Professor Dr Salma Nasreen remained unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.
DUCSU General Secretary S M Farhad responded firmly, declaring, "If such an incident has occurred, we will take appropriate action. Such behaviour is unacceptable. Elected representatives are committed to students, and if anyone breaks that commitment, action will follow."
NRE/NSA
