DU Requested Closure of Suhrawardy Gates in January, PWD Advisor Ignored It

Staff Correspondent

Dhaka, May 14, 2025: The Dhaka University (DU) administration sent a letter in January regarding the closure of two gates of Suhrawardy Udyan near the Raju Sculpture. However, the Public Works Department (PWD) did not take it into account. Even though the matter was conveyed to the advisor of the relevant ministry, Adilur Rahman, by PWD officials, no positive response was received.

On January 2 of this year, the DU administration sent a letter to the executive engineering office of PWD, requesting the closure of the two gates of Suhrawardy Udyan. Signed by DU Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, the letter stated: “For the sake of ensuring the overall security of university students, it is necessary to close the two gates of Suhrawardy Udyan near the Raju Sculpture. As miscreants often break the gate bars, they need to be welded shut with solid steel plain sheets. We request that necessary measures be taken promptly in this regard.”

Following the letter, PWD took notice. Senior officials informed the ministry’s advisor, Adilur Rahman, about the issue. However, he reportedly instructed officials to focus on their tasks, assuring them that he would look into the matter. According to multiple officials from the PWD Secretary’s office, several PWD officials approached the advisor on January 7 in response to DU’s request. At that time, the advisor was discussing matters with other ministry officials. When the gate closure issue was raised, the advisor reiterated that he was “looking into it” and instructed the officials to return to their regular tasks. No further action was taken to close the gates.

DU officials also alleged that even when the university administration independently locked the gates, they were reopened the next day under the ministry’s orders.

The open gates of the Udyan have reportedly led to an increase in drug users and outsiders gathering near the university. Last night, a DU student named Samyo was killed in an attack by such outsiders. According to reports, a verbal altercation suddenly escalated, and a motorbike rider pulled out a machete and started attacking Samyo’s leg. The main artery of his right leg was severed, leading to excessive blood loss and his death.

The open access to the park allows anyone, including drug users and individuals carrying sharp weapons, to enter freely. Students of Dhaka University, especially female students, have expressed growing concerns over their safety, citing the unlocked TSC-adjacent gate as a major security threat. Speaking to several DU students revealed their frustration, describing their beloved campus as being as unsafe as areas like Jatrabari, Shanir Akhra, or Mohammadpur, which are notorious for criminal activities. They are deeply worried about their security.