Sada Dal expresses concern over dilapidated DU halls after earthquake

Bangla Press Desk:   The Sada Dal, a Dhaka University teachers' platform aligned with Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has voiced strong concern over the damage caused to several DU residential halls in Friday’s earthquake and expressed condolence to the injuries students.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation’s convener Professor Morshed Hasan Khan, Joint Convener Professor Abdus Salam, and Professor Abul Kalam Sarkar wished the injured students a quick recovery and urged the university administration to ensure their prompt and high-quality medical treatment, including full coverage of all related expenses.

The teachers’ body said the incident had once again exposed the vulnerability of the university’s residential infrastructure and the administration’s long-standing negligence regarding student safety.

They warned that most halls, being old and structurally weak, pose a serious threat during natural disasters.

Demanding a clear roadmap and timeline, the Sada Dal called for the demolition of all damaged and risky halls and the construction of modern, earthquake-resistant buildings in their place.

They also stressed the need for temporary safe accommodation on campus until the new halls are built.

The statement further noted that student protests over insecurity following the earthquake reflected legitimate fears.

They urged the authorities to address those concerns urgently and adopt effective disaster-preparedness measures.

The organisation said ensuring safe housing for students is a core responsibility of the university administration, adding that any negligence in this regard is “wholly unacceptable”.

They demanded immediate and effective action to protect students and prevent future tragedies.

BP/SP