Dhaka University Denies Permission for Dr. Arefin Siddique’s Janaza on Campus Citing Security Concerns

DU Correspondent

Dhaka University (DU) administration has denied permission for the janaza (funeral prayer) of former Vice-Chancellor Dr. A.A.M.S. Arefin Siddique to be held on campus, citing trivial security concerns. Instead, the first janaza was held at Baitul Akbar Jame Mosque on North Road in Dhaka.

Current DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman explained the decision, stating, “Considering the overall situation, Prof. Dr. A.A.M.S. Arefin Siddique’s janaza will not be held at DU. However, a special prayer session has been organized at the university’s central mosque. Additionally, all formalities will be observed to honor him as a former VC.”

Prof. Akhtaruzzaman also expressed his commitment to upholding the legacy of Prof. Arefin Siddique as a former VC.

Meanwhile, Dr. Arefin Siddique’s former students have heavily criticized the DU administration on social media for this decision.

Dr. Moinul Islam wrote, “It is not just laughable but shameful that the campus where DU students led nationwide movements cannot ensure the safety of a former VC’s janaza. To put it bluntly, VC Niaz and his gang, including former Shibir leaders, do not want a janaza on campus for someone like Dr. Arefin Siddique, who believed in the spirit of the Liberation War. This disgraceful incident will be remembered.”

Prof. Dr. Md. Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan, President of the DU Teachers’ Association, said, “Several discussions were held regarding Dr. Arefin Siddique’s janaza at DU, with security and other issues being raised. Ultimately, the family decided to hold the janaza outside the campus.”

Dr. A.A.M.S. Arefin Siddique, former VC of DU, passed away on Thursday, March 13, around 10:45 PM while undergoing treatment at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital.

Born on October 23, 1953, in Dhaka, Dr. Arefin Siddique completed his SSC in 1969 and HSC from Dhaka College in 1971. He earned his BA in 1973 and MA in 1975 from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at DU. Before joining DU as a lecturer in 1980, he served as the Public Relations Officer at BUET.

A prominent leader of the Awami League-supported Blue Panel among university teachers, Dr. Arefin Siddique served two terms as General Secretary and President of the Teachers’ Association. He was also the Chairman of the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and a member of the Press Institute. Before becoming VC, he served as Chairman of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

After completing his tenure as VC in 2017, he returned to the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism as a professor. He retired from university teaching in June 2020.

Dr. Arefin Siddique also served on several national committees related to education, culture, and broadcasting.