Student unions at five major public universities have attracted criticism for their involvement in controversies that many observers say detract from their core mission of safeguarding student rights. Recent incidents range from violent altercations and administrative confrontations to divisive cultural and political initiatives, raising concerns about the unions’ priorities and leadership.
The latest dispute occurred at Jagannath University, where leaders of the Jagannath University Central Students’ Union (JnUcsu) supported a “beef feast” during the Durga Puja festival. The gathering, which involved cattle slaughter, was organized in protest of a university directive restricting animal slaughter after objections from Hindu students to a previous cookout near the campus temple. JnUcsu General Secretary Abdul Alim Arif defended the event as a challenge to what he described as an “unreasonable administrative decision,” noting participation by most student groups on campus.
Observers question whether student union leaders are sufficiently focused on key student concerns such as accommodation shortages, rising living expenses, transportation, healthcare, security, and academic rights. Mohammad Mushtuq Husain, a former general secretary of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu), expressed dismay that many leaders appear more invested in political agendas than fulfilling their mandate to protect students. Ragib Ahsan Munna, former vice president of Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (Rucsu), echoed this view, stating that unions have drifted from their fundamental responsibilities and become tools to advance political interests.
The return of elected unions at prominent universities has been gradual. Dhaka University held Ducsu elections in September 2025 after six years without polls, while Jahangirnagar, Rajshahi, and Chittagong universities conducted elections following more than three decades of inactivity. Jagannath University elected its first central students’ union earlier this year. The current leaderships across these institutions are predominantly backed by Chhatra Shibir, a pro-Jamaat student organization whose visibility has grown since the July uprising last year.
Several unions have faced controversies that highlight tensions between historical narratives and campus politics. For instance, Ducsu leaders removed photos of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from a campus museum, replacing them with portraits of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This move sparked criticism for appearing to contradict the country’s historical traditions. Additionally, Ducsu introduced a curtained "Female Zone" in the student center’s cafeteria, prompting allegations of endorsing gender segregation.
Tensions escalated further with Ducsu’s launch of an online platform for teacher evaluations, which many faculty members said lacked university sanction and effectively enabled harassment, damaging academic relationships. While Ducsu General Secretary SM Farhad maintained that the initiative followed institutional procedures, university academics described the move as politically motivated and detrimental to campus harmony.
Violence and intimidation have also marred student union activities. In July, Rucsu leaders were recorded assaulting three students accused of links to the banned Chhatra League within the university library. Rucsu General Secretary Salahuddin Ammar denied wrongdoing, asserting their actions were defensive. The union’s role in mobilizing protests has included controversial demands such as calls last December by Rucsu’s vice president to shut down major newspapers, which coincided with attacks on media offices.
Other incidents include chasing and confronting faculty members with alleged political affiliations, instances of physical intimidation by union executives, and claims of project mismanagement and financial irregularities. Reports from Rajshahi University reveal a significant portion of union funds remained unaccounted for months into the year.
University scholars and former student leaders contend that such controversies reflect a divergence from democratic principles and the aspirations of the July uprising, which called for reforms in education, campus security, and student welfare. Professors warn that the unions’ politicized actions compromise both institutional autonomy and student interests. They argue that existing legal and administrative frameworks are adequate for addressing disputes, and that resorting to intimidation or mob tactics undermines the academic environment.
The broader consensus among critics is that student unions should realign their focus toward addressing the practical needs of the student body and uphold the values of respectful dialogue and democratic engagement rather than perpetuating cycles of political confrontation.