Dhaka: In another contentious decision, authorities at Bangladesh’s Dhaka University have moved to rename Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall as ‘Osman Hadi Hall’, after slain radical Islamist leader Sharif Osman Hadi, who was shot dead in the capital last month.

More Halls Renamed After New Figures

In a similar move, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Hall, named after former President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s wife, is also set to be renamed as ‘Captain Sitara Parvin Hall’, according to local media reports on Friday.

Syndicate Decision, Senate to Take Final Call

The decision was reportedly taken during a meeting of the university’s highest policy-making body, the Syndicate, held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan.
Confirming the development, Dhaka University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed told Dhaka Tribune that the proposal has now been forwarded to the Senate.

“The Senate will make the final decision; the Syndicate has sent this name change proposal to the Senate. The Syndicate doesn’t make the final decision. The process is moving forward—one step has now been completed,” he said.

Rising Concerns Over Historical Erasure

The move comes amid growing concerns over repeated attacks on sculptures and heritage associated with the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War against Pakistan, raising fears of a systematic erosion of historical legacy under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Following Hadi’s death on December 18, the hall union of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall reportedly removed the original nameplate and replaced it with one reading ‘Osman Hadi Hall’. Several students were also seen painting over a graffiti mural of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman displayed prominently on the hall’s main building.

After news of Hadi’s killing broke, his supporters allegedly went on a rampage across Bangladesh, targeting minorities, Indian High Commission offices, cultural institutions and media houses, according to local reports.

Action Against Pro-Awami League Teachers

Separately, the Dhaka University Syndicate on Thursday framed charges against four teachers affiliated with the pro-Awami League Blue Panel, initiating proceedings that could lead to their dismissal. The teachers have been asked to respond to show-cause notices within a week.

“Charges have been framed against them, and they will be asked to show cause as to why these charges have been brought and why they should not be dismissed. They have not been dismissed yet, but charges have been framed,” Saifuddin Ahmed was quoted as saying.

Campus Tensions and Academic Freedom Under Strain

Last month, at least three Dhaka University teachers linked to the pro-Awami League panel were allegedly harassed and attacked by a group of students led by the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), shortly after they submitted a memorandum seeking reinstatement of teachers barred from taking classes.

Bangladesh has witnessed a sharp deterioration in law and order and academic working conditions under the interim government, with increasing concerns over political interference, curbs on academic freedom and attacks on dissenting voices.