Confusion leads to anti-quota movement leader's brief dorm eviction

Confusion has arisen over the eviction of a key coordinator of the "Anti-Discriminatory Students Movement" formed to demand the abolishment of the quota system in government jobs.

Sarjis Alam, a student of Dhaka University, faced an abrupt eviction from Amar Ekushey Hall by the university unit Chhatra League. 

The DU-Chhatra League allegedly said the direction was given by the top leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra League.

The incident has sparked significant unrest among the student community.

According to Alam, upon arriving at the hall, he was informed by the hall’s Chhatra League leaders that he must vacate the premises immediately. 

However, Alam claims that after directly consulting with the top leaders, they assured him that no such directive was issued by them.

“Several people from the hall told me that they received instructions from the Chhatra League top leaders regarding my eviction from the hall because of my role in the quota reform movement,” Alam stated. 

“I chose to leave to avoid any further complications,” he added.

As Alam prepared to depart, hundreds of students from Amar Ekushey Hall gathered in front of the hall, blocking his exit in a show of solidarity. 

They were soon joined by students from other halls of Dhaka University, all united in their refusal to let him leave.

“I represent a logical demand, not just for myself, but for the entire student community of Bangladesh. The support from my fellow students was overwhelming, and it showed the unity and strength of our cause,” he said.

It seems the local leaders acted on misinformation, possibly to manipulate the situation and take undue credit, Alam said.

Several Chhatra League leaders from the hall who were initially involved in the directive later apologized to Alam, acknowledging their mistake.

Sarjis Alam has since returned to his dorm following the events.

In this regard, Amar Ekushey Hall Provost Prof Dr Ishtique M Syed said: “There was a misunderstanding. Those who asked Sarjis to leave the hall have settled the matter with him. The students took a stand without knowing the whole thing.”