Regular Dhaka University (DU) students are finally receiving legal seat allocations in dormitories, ending years of control by student wings of ruling political parties.
Students shared their joy on social media, relieved to be free from the 'Gono Room' culture, where first-year students were often crammed into rooms by the ruling party’s student wing.
Following the interim government's takeover after the July uprising, hall authorities abolished mass rooms, recovering spaces occupied by post-graduation students and political activists. Regular students are now being allocated seats in phases, and several expressed satisfaction over the changes.
Previously, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leaders controlled seating in all 12 male dorms. Students had to participate in political events under threat of eviction or violence. Around 50% of the dormitory seats were occupied by expired students, outsiders, and BCL leaders, creating an artificial seat crisis.
The situation improved dramatically after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, as BCL members left the dorms, freeing seats for legal students. Dr. Aynul Islam, the convenor of the seat allocation committee at Hazi Mohammad Mohsin Hall, confirmed that all applicants, including first-year students, have now received seats, with some remaining vacant.
Students like Riaz Ullah, a first-year resident of Bijoy Ekattor Hall, and Mohammad Nazim, a
second-year student at Hazi Mohammad Mohsin Hall, described the seat allocations as a major relief after enduring a year of political exploitation.
However, the seat crisis persists in five female dormitories due to increasing numbers of female students. DU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan acknowledged the need for new female dorms, stating that efforts are ongoing to address the issue with the government and stakeholders.
In the meantime, house tutors have become more active, and students are also benefiting from improved dormitory services, including security, laundry, and health assistance.
