District Correspondent, Sylhet: Several establishments at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) still bear the names of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s family members. Teachers and students have expressed their frustration over the lack of action to rename these facilities, even after nine months since the historic student uprising.
Students stated that the Sheikh family is a despised name in Bangladesh, accusing the family of establishing fascism whenever in power. They argued that public funds should not be used for establishments named after this family. They questioned the university administration’s motives behind their inaction, suggesting that failing to rename these facilities would betray the martyrs of the July Revolution. They demanded immediate steps to address the issue.
According to sources, several facilities at SUST, including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Research Cell, still bear the names of Sheikh family members. A review of the SUST website confirms these names remain unchanged. The director of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Research Cell is listed as Dr. Abdul Gani, a staunch pro-Awami League academic leader. However, while the hall names remain unchanged, the new administration’s details following the July Revolution have been updated on the website.
University sources stated that after the July Revolution, the Ministry of Education issued a letter requesting information on renaming university establishments. SUST authorities have reportedly submitted this information to the ministry.
It is also reported that a committee has been formed by the university syndicate to rename establishments bearing Sheikh Hasina’s family names. However, the committee has yet to submit its report. The slow progress of the administration in making decisions has drawn criticism from many.
More than seven months after the new administration took office following the July Revolution, the names of facilities linked to the Sheikh family remain unchanged. Officials cited administrative complications as the cause of the delay.
A departmental head, speaking anonymously, said, “Fascism is deeply entrenched and very powerful. Its influence still lingers in various positions, which is why I haven’t even been able to remove Sheikh Mujib’s portrait from my department.”
Tashfifoyah Haque, a student, commented, “No public establishment should be named after a tyrant. These facilities are national assets funded by public money. Even after all this time since the revolution, establishments bearing the name of Sheikh Hasina’s family, who represent the mother of fascism, cannot remain.”
When asked whether the facilities bearing the Sheikh family’s names would be renamed, SUST Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Sajedul Karim said, “A committee has been formed by the syndicate to decide on the matter. Once the committee submits its recommendations, the syndicate will make a decision. Establishments will be renamed after notable figures of Sylhet. Prominent individuals of Sylhet can propose names, prioritizing those who have contributed significantly to this region.”
