Drug syndicate linked to leftist groups protests at DU

Leftist student groups organized a demonstration on Saturday night at Dhaka University to oppose recent actions against drug sellers and unauthorized vendors. The march began at 10 p.m. near the Raju Memorial Sculpture and drew members from Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Chhatra Union and Chhatra Maitree. A proctorial team member sustained injuries when syndicate participants attacked him.

Shamim, a former proctor office employee dismissed for extortion, appeared among the protesters. University officials identified him as someone previously found guilty of collecting illegal payments worth hundreds of thousands of taka. DUCSU representatives backed the administration’s cleanup efforts and warned that criminal networks had replaced the Chhatra League’s presence on campus.

Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed confirmed a meeting scheduled for Sunday morning to investigate student involvement. DUCSU leaders stated the university must choose between maintaining legitimate operations or allowing syndicates to continue. Seven abandoned food stands near Suhrawardy Udyan reportedly shelter 50 to 60 people connected to nighttime drug operations.