Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) executive member Sarba Mitra Chakma has decided to resign from his post following widespread criticism over a viral video showing some youths being forced to do squats while holding their ears at Dhaka University central field.
In a Facebook post on Monday afternoon, Sarba Mitra said the students of Dhaka University elected him with high expectations and since assuming office he had placed several proposals before the administration to ensure campus security.
These included introducing registered rickshaws on campus and restricting vehicle movement.
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He wrote there is no CCTV coverage or adequate security at the central field. “From harassment of female students to mobile phone, wallet and bicycle theft, almost all kinds of incidents have occurred there. Female students had complained they could not play on the field due to the presence and harassment by outsiders,” he added.
He alleged that the proposal to renovate the wall adjacent to Dhaka Medical College (DMC) was returned by the administration allowing outsiders to continue entering the campus by climbing over it.
The DUCSU member said that the video showing outsiders being made to do ear-hold squats at the central field surfaced on social media last month, a period during which incidents of theft and robbery increased significantly.
“Although my approach was wrong due to various reasons including administrative stagnation, I felt it was not possible to stop outsiders and ensure students’ security at the central filed without such strictness,” he wrote.
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Stating that his sole concern was the safety of Dhaka University students, Sarba Mitra said he had tried to find solutions on his own, even beyond his official responsibilities.
“But the law is the law. In trying to fulfil my responsibilities regarding security, I went beyond the law which has affected my personal life and mental state. I no longer have the ability to continue,” he said.
“There is no point in holding a position where it becomes difficult or impossible to work,” he added.
The video of the incident went viral on social media on Sunday, sparking widespread criticism across various platforms.