For decades, students at Dhaka University (DU) have faced the harsh realities of overcrowded and unhealthy living conditions in residential halls, particularly in "gono rooms," where up to 35 students are crammed into spaces designed for a fraction of that number. These rooms, while intended to alleviate the university's accommodation crisis, became synonymous with political exploitation and student suffering. The recent decision to ban gono rooms is a long overdue reform aimed at improving student welfare and creating a healthier, more conducive environment for academic success.
In light of the recent resignation of Sheikh Hasina on August 5, the political landscape in Bangladesh has shifted, and the interim government is actively seeking to enact a wave of reforms. With this momentum, there is real potential for Dhaka University to see genuine, lasting changes that will benefit students in both their academic and personal lives. The decision to ban gono rooms is one of the first steps in this broader movement for reform.
The Legacy of Gono Rooms: Overcrowding and Exploitation
The concept of gono rooms was originally intended as a stopgap solution to the chronic accommodation shortages at DU. However, over the years, these rooms became breeding grounds for political manipulation and abuse, particularly by members of the student wing of the ruling political party.
First-year students, unable to secure proper accommodation due to the lack of available rooms, were often forced into gono rooms through the influence of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) members, who used these spaces to maintain control over freshers and ensure their participation in political activities.
The overcrowding in gono rooms was a problem in itself, with 30 to 35 students often forced to sleep on the floor in rooms designed for eight. This led to a complete disregard for personal space, hygiene, and privacy, exacerbating the stress and discomfort of the students. In these conditions, academic focus became secondary to mere survival, as students struggled to navigate the difficulties of living in such cramped and inhospitable environments.
A Political Stronghold: The Role of Guest Rooms
In addition to the physical discomfort, gono rooms became intertwined with the toxic guest room culture, where first-year students were summoned by senior political leaders under the guise of mentoring.
In reality, these "guest rooms" were spaces where freshers were coerced into attending political gatherings, enduring verbal and physical abuse, and pledging their loyalty to the BCL in exchange for a place to stay. These practices were not only humiliating but also placed students in a position where their academic pursuits were subordinated to political obligations.
Despite official bans on guest room activities, these practices persisted, largely because of the power dynamics within the residential halls. Hall authorities, often complicit or powerless to intervene, turned a blind eye to the abuses carried out under the pretext of an "accommodation crisis." As a result, students who dared to resist the political demands of their seniors were often threatened with expulsion from the halls, making it difficult for them to break free from the cycle of exploitation.
Why Banning Gono Rooms is a Positive Development
The decision to ban gono rooms is a necessary first step in addressing the broader issues of student exploitation and overcrowding at Dhaka University. By eliminating these overcrowded dormitories, the university is taking a stand against the inhumane living conditions that have plagued students for years. This move signals a commitment to providing a healthier, more dignified living environment where students can focus on their studies without the constant pressure of political manipulation.
The abolition of gono rooms will have an immediate positive impact on student health. Overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions have long been linked to physical ailments, such as respiratory infections, and mental health issues, including stress and anxiety.
With more space and privacy, students will be able to take better care of themselves, both physically and mentally, leading to improved overall well-being.
Furthermore, the cramped, chaotic atmosphere of gono rooms made it nearly impossible for students to focus on their studies. By reducing the number of students per room, the university will create an environment where students can study, rest, and perform better academically. A healthier living space fosters a healthier mind, and students will have the opportunity to concentrate on their academic goals without the distractions and discomfort of overcrowded rooms.
Gono rooms were also a key tool for political groups to exert control over vulnerable students. By banning these rooms, DU is effectively dismantling one of the main avenues through which political groups have manipulated and exploited freshers. This move has the potential to weaken the stronghold of political factions in the residential halls, allowing students to live without the fear of being coerced into unwanted political activities.
A Window for Real Change Under the Interim Government
The timing of this decision is crucial. With Sheikh Hasina's resignation a month ago on August 5, the interim government has taken charge, promising to enact a series of reforms aimed at addressing the deep-seated problems that have long plagued Bangladesh’s political and social landscape. Dhaka University, as one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, is poised to benefit from this wave of reform.
The ban on gono rooms could be the beginning of broader changes within the university.
The interim government’s willingness to tackle difficult issues, such as student exploitation and political control over campus life, offers a unique opportunity for Dhaka University to reinvent itself as a space where students are protected from abuse and allowed to focus on their education without political interference.
This moment in Bangladesh’s history offers a rare chance for real progress. With the right leadership and continued pressure from students and faculty, Dhaka University can use this opportunity to implement lasting reforms that benefit future generations of students.
Challenges to Implementing the Ban
While the decision to ban gono rooms is a positive step, its implementation will not be without challenges. Dhaka University continues to face a serious accommodation crisis, with many former students—particularly those with political connections—illegally occupying rooms meant for current students. This has been a significant barrier to providing proper accommodation for first-year students, who often find themselves without a place to stay unless they submit to political influence.
The university must now focus on enforcing the ban and ensuring that residential halls are used for their intended purpose: housing students in a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment. This will require greater oversight by hall provosts and tutors, who must actively monitor the halls and take action against those who violate the new rules. Additionally, the university will need to explore alternative housing solutions, such as expanding dormitory capacity or partnering with private housing providers, to accommodate the influx of students.
Moving Towards a Safer, More Equitable University Environment
Banning gono rooms is not just about improving living conditions; it is about creating a safer, more equitable environment for all students. For too long, the culture of fear and coercion within the residential halls has allowed political groups to dominate campus life, to the detriment of academic freedom and student well-being. By taking a stand against this culture, Dhaka University has the opportunity to set a new standard for how students are treated, ensuring that their rights and dignity are respected.
This reform also paves the way for other necessary changes within the university. The end of gono rooms should be accompanied by a broader effort to combat the guest room culture and eliminate political interference in student life.
This includes holding accountable those who continue to exploit their positions of power and ensuring that students have access to a fair and transparent process for reporting abuse.
Conclusion: A Step Towards a Better Future
The banning of gono rooms at Dhaka University is a welcome and long-overdue reform that prioritizes the health, safety, and academic success of its students. In the current political climate, following Sheikh Hasina's resignation, the interim government’s commitment to reforms provides a unique opportunity for Dhaka University to address these deep-rooted issues and create a campus environment where students can thrive.
While challenges remain, including the need for adequate housing and enforcement of the new rules, this decision marks a critical turning point in the fight to improve student life at Dhaka University. With the cooperation of all stakeholders, DU can become a model for other institutions in Bangladesh, demonstrating that student welfare is not only a priority but a fundamental responsibility of any academic institution.
