RU renames 12 structures

The Rajshahi University (RU) administration has renamed at least 12 structures and buildings on campus.

The decision was made during the university's 539th syndicate meeting held on May 22, confirmed acting registrar Iftikhar Alam Masud.

However, the move has drawn criticism, as a section of students has claimed that most of the changes were unnecessary and politically motivated.

As per the changes, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall has been renamed Bijoy-24 Hall, while Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall is now July-36 Hall.

The Syed Nazrul Administration Building has been renamed Administration Building-1, and Syed Mansur Ali Administration Building is now Administration Building-2.

In addition, the Tajuddin Ahmad Senate Building is now the Senate Building, Sheikh Kamal Stadium is Rajshahi University Stadium, Dr Kudrat-e-Khuda Academic Building has been renamed Jabir Ibn Hayyan Building, and Dr Wazed Miah Academic Building is now Jamal Nazrul Building.

Other changes include renaming the Faculty of Agriculture Building to Agriculture Building, Sheikh Russell Model School to Rajshahi University Model School, Kajla Gate to Shaheed Sakib Anjum Gate, and Binodpur Gate to Shaheed Ali Raihan Gate.

Asked about the relevance of the new names, the acting registrar said, "We have seen students demanding the renaming of the Mujib Hall. Although they didn't have the formal authority to make that decision, we tried to understand the pulse of the students. Since a male dormitory was renamed Bijoy-24, we named a female dormitory July-36 to maintain parity. As for the other changes, we prioritised universality."

However, several students expressed dismay over the matter.

Salahuddin Ammar, former coordinator of the Students Against Discrimination, said while the university requires structural and policy reforms, the administration seems preoccupied with renaming buildings.

 He also said students were not consulted before taking the decision and added that the new names reflect "short-sightedness".

He added, "Are the university admins devaluing 1971? Tajuddin Ahmad and Syed Nazrul Islam -- they are the heroes of 1971. Generations should know about their contribution."

Wazed Shishir Ovi, a student and secretary of the RU Student Federation, said, "The decision to rename these places is concerning. While the administration fails to address pressing issues such as accommodation shortages, lack of classrooms, insufficient research, inadequate faculty recruitment, campus safety, and the absence of a democratic environment, they are instead focusing on controversial and unnecessary name changes."

On February 6, several students protesting the previous names dismantled the nameplates of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall, Sheikh Russell Model School, Sheikh Kamal Stadium, and the under-construction AHM Kamaruzzaman and Sheikh Hasina Halls.

Following the incident, the RU administration formed a seven-member committee on March 6 for naming and renaming university structures.