Dhaka University Museum Changes Ignite Fierce Debate
The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) museum recently underwent renovations. During this work, three photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah were added. A standalone photograph of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was removed.
Photographs of Abdul Malek were also put into the archive. Malek was a former leader of the Islamic Chhatra Sangha. One picture shows his portrait, and another shows his dead body.
DUCSU General Secretary SM Farhad explained the changes. He said the archive presents the history of individuals who faced violence at Dhaka University. He called it a “duty towards history.”
Abdul Malek died in 1969 at 22 years old. He was injured in a clash over a new education policy. This happened at a discussion at the Teacher-Student Centre. Malek died three days later in hospital.
Historical records show different accounts of the clash. Student groups argued fiercely about the education policy. Some groups wanted an Islamic education system. Others wanted a secular, science-based system. Abdul Malek’s group, Islamic Chhatra Sangha, supported the Islamic education proposal.
Islamic Chhatra Sangha was a student body loyal to Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan. This group opposed Bangladesh’s independence. Many believe Islami Chhatra Shibir is its successor.
The Dhaka University administration has rejected DUCSU’s actions. They said displaying Jinnah’s and Malek’s photos goes against the history of the Language Movement and Bangladesh’s independence. The administration announced disciplinary action against those responsible for the changes.
A student protested on September 14. This student tore down the three photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The university administration has formed a five-member committee. This committee will investigate the incident.
