Dhaka University archival controversy

A controversy emerged at the University of Dhaka following the reopening of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) archive on September 13. The dispute centers on the inclusion of historical photographs of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which critics argue represents a historical distortion. Specifically, teachers and student organizations have expressed opposition to Jinnah’s 1948 stance regarding Urdu as the sole state language, claiming it conflicts with the spirit of the Bengali struggle for self-determination and the Liberation War.

Protests have escalated from the tearing of photographs by a former student to demonstrations where students placed images of Jinnah on the archive floor to express dissent. While some groups demand the removal of these materials, others argue for the preservation of all historical records to maintain a complete political history.

In addition to the archival dispute, three cocktail explosions occurred near the university campus on a Tuesday night, specifically in front of Jagannath Hall and near the TSC Metro Rail station. No casualties were reported from these blasts, and university authorities have launched investigations into the explosions.