Dhaka University’s (DU) newly elected Vice President (VP) of Masterda Surya Sen Hall Students’ Union, Azizul Haque, fined a shopkeeper Tk 3,000 on September 12 after finding monosodium glutamate (MSG), commonly known as tasting salt, in food items.
Initially, the shopkeeper denied the allegation but later admitted to using MSG. Following this, the VP had the shopkeeper sign a written agreement stating that failure to pay the fine within three days would lead to a recommendation for termination of the shop’s contract.
Speaking on the matter, VP Azizul Haque defended his decision, saying it was taken to safeguard students’ health.
However, DU Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed raised objections, stating that such authority does not lie with student leaders. “Imposing fines is not within the jurisdiction of a hall union VP. Any such decision must go through the hall administration,” he said.
The incident has sparked debate over the scope of authority granted to newly elected hall union leaders, particularly concerning disciplinary actions and student welfare issues.
