The University of Dhaka’s highest policymaking body, the Syndicate, has recommended changing the names of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall. Under the proposal, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall would be renamed Shaheed Osman Hadi Hall, while Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall would become Bir Protik Captain Sitara Begum Hall.

The recommendation followed a memorandum submitted to the vice-chancellor by leaders of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), seeking the renaming of the two residential halls.

University Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed on Thursday that the Syndicate meeting approved the recommendation in line with the demands raised by DUCSU leaders. The proposal will now be forwarded to the Senate for final consideration.

In the same meeting, the Syndicate also decided to issue show-cause notices to four faculty members of the Department of Sociology who are known to be aligned with the Awami League, asking them to explain why disciplinary action, including dismissal, should not be taken against them. Additionally, the Syndicate resolved to issue formal warnings to two other faculty members.

The four teachers facing show-cause notices are Professor Jinat Huda, Professor A K M Jamal Uddin, Professor Sadeqa Halim, and Professor Md Mashiyur Rahman. The two faculty members who received warnings are Professor Mahmuda Khatun and Professor Md Khairul Islam Chowdhury.

Speaking to the media, Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed said the decisions were made following complaints lodged by students against the four teachers. He added that the Syndicate approved the formation of charge sheets and sought explanations from the teachers concerned regarding why they should not be removed from service. At the same time, the Syndicate recommended the renaming of the two halls to the Senate.