Recommended new name for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall: Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall

Dhaka: The University of Dhaka’s (DU) highest policy-making body, the Syndicate, has recommended renaming two of its prominent residential halls, following a formal request from student leaders.

According to the Syndicate’s decision, the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall is proposed to be renamed Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall, while the Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall is recommended to be renamed Bir Protik Captain Sitara Begum Hall. These recommendations were made in response to memoranda submitted to the Vice-Chancellor by leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU).

University Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed to Prothom Alo that the Syndicate approved the proposals during its meeting on Thursday, aligning with the students’ demands.

In addition to the hall renaming, the Syndicate addressed disciplinary matters concerning faculty members of the Department of Sociology. The decision included issuing show-cause notices to four professors regarding complaints lodged by students, asking them to explain why they should not face dismissal. Simultaneously, two other professors were issued formal warnings.

The table below summarises the disciplinary actions decided by the Syndicate:

Professor Saifuddin Ahmed elaborated that the show-cause notices followed student complaints against the four Sociology faculty members. The Syndicate decided that due process should be observed before any final disciplinary action, hence the notices. Regarding the two warnings, the professors had minor infractions that warranted caution rather than harsher measures.

This dual focus of the Syndicate—honouring national figures through hall renaming and addressing student grievances regarding faculty conduct—reflects the University of Dhaka’s continued efforts to balance tradition, student activism, and institutional discipline.

The proposed name changes, if approved by the government and implemented officially, will mark a significant moment in DU’s history, commemorating national heroes and recognising contributions of iconic figures to Bangladesh’s heritage.