DU clears air after ’misunderstanding’

In light of huge criticism, Dhaka University authorities yesterday backtracked from their earlier decision to ban Rag Day celebrations on the campus, claiming the issue was a misunderstanding.

In a press release yesterday, the authorities claimed that the information on the previous press release -- issued on Wednesday -- regarding the ban was inadvertently misrepresented.

"In a meeting (of the academic council), authorities concerned were asked to remain alert so that no untoward, inhumane, disrespectful and anti-disciplinary act takes place on the campus and dormitories in the name of celebrating Rag Day," reads the press release.

"Policies need to be formulated regarding the hosting of any programme or rally to celebrate completion of education or graduation festivals," the release also added.

The authorities also regretted sending out the previous press release.

A five-member committee, with Pro Vice-Chancellor (Admin) Prof Muhammad Samad as the convener, was also formed to formulate a policy in this regard.

Deans of Arts, Social Science and Business Studies faculties were made members of the committee, while University Proctor Prof AKM Golam Rabbani was made member secretary of the committee.

Following the previous previous press release, the decision to ban rag day celebrations sparked widespread criticism among present and former students and some teachers of the university.

They took to social media platforms to criticise the move.

A meeting of the university's Academic Council on Wednesday took the decision citing "inhuman, brutal, and unethical" festivals in the name of "Rag Day".

The meeting also recommended forming an "ethical review committee" in all faculties.

On social media, a number of students condemned the council's branding of such programmes as "inhumane, brutal, and unethical celebrations", instead of focusing on more pressing issues.

"Whereas ragging and guest room cultures are supposed to be banned, what inhumane and unethical deed occurs at Rag Days?" wrote Prof Gitiara Nasreen of the university's mass communication and journalism department.

"Perhaps they thought Rag Day means 'ragging'," sneered one Rayan Kamal.

 "I was shocked to hear the decision. Banning it permanently means snatching a festival from the students. It is a whimsical decision. The authorities could have imposed some restrictions to check exaggerations, but banning it permanently would not be wise," Sakhawat Al Amin, an alumnus of the university told The Daily Star.

Some current and former students were also seen posting Rag Day photos in response, with relevant captions condemning the decision.

Contacted, DU VC Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said, "False information was represented inadvertently in Wednesday's press release. The Public Relations officer has sought an apology for that. The decision taken regarding Rag Day has been sent to the mass media again."

In a similar controversy earlier in October 2017, university authorities directed all TSC-based sociocultural organisations to finish al activities by 8pm, but they eventually had to withdraw the decision in the face of similar criticism from the public.

In January 2018, the authorities evicted all makeshift tea stalls in the TSC area but reinstated them the next day amid students' protest.