Sarba Mitra Chakma to resign from DUCSU

Sarba Mitra Chakma, an executive member of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), on Monday announced resignation from his post following strong criticism over a viral video showing him punishing outsiders on the Dhaka University central playground.

The old video footage, which spread widely on social media on Sunday, showed Sarba Mitra Chakma forcing around 30 outsiders, mostly teenagers and youths, to hold their ears and do squats for playing on the university field. The incident drew condemnation from students and people.

In his Facebook post, Sarba Mitra said the field is meant only for the DU students, and free movement of outsiders has become a serious security concern. Female students have faced harassment and incidents of mobile phone, wallet and bicycle theft have taken place, creating fear among the students and affecting the university's environment.

Sarba Mitra wrote that due to administrative inaction and growing security risks, he tried to stop outsiders by forcing them to do squats. He admitted that it was wrong and he should not have punished anyone in that way. He offered an unconditional apology and announced resignation from his DUCSU executive post.

“This decision is my own and it is not based on anger or frustration towards anyone. I believe I have failed to meet the expectations of the students who elected me,” he added.