When the Vice-President Acts Like a Magistrate!

A controversy has erupted at Dhaka University’s Masterda Surya Sen Hall, after the newly elected Hall Students’ Union Vice-President (VP) Azizul Haque imposed a fine on a shopkeeper.

According to sources, 1 kilogram of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG, commonly known as testing salt) was recovered from Shop No. 8 within the hall premises.

In response, VP Azizul Haque issued a handwritten notice, fining the shop owner, Obaidul Haque, 3,000 taka.

The notice also stated:

• If the fine is not paid within three days, a recommendation would be made to terminate the shop’s lease agreement.
• Responsibility for collecting the fine would lie with the hall office.

Both parties signed the document: shop owner Obaidul Haque signed on behalf of the business, while VP Azizul Haque signed on behalf of the hall union.

The incident quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread debate.

Journalist Saidur Rahman shared the order letter on Facebook, writing:“The VP who earlier objected to students wearing shorts has now taken on the role of a magistrate. He issued a fine order in a ‘fatakest’ style. Location: Dhaka University’s Masterda Surya Sen Hall.”

The matter has drawn sharp criticism, with many arguing that:

• Student leaders, once elected, are prioritising administrative and judicial authority instead of fulfilling their actual responsibilities.
• Such actions are considered irregular, unnecessary, and undesirable within a student leadership context.

Breakdown of the Fine Order

This episode has reignited the debate over the scope of authority exercised by student leaders and whether their roles are straying into areas reserved for the administration and judiciary.