Assistant Proctor Shehreen Amin Monami at Dhaka University (DU) faced a heated confrontation with a Chhatra Dal candidate during the DUCSU elections, prompting an emotional Facebook response about neutrality and dedication.
Tensions erupted during Dhaka University Central Students` Union (DUCSU) elections as Assistant Proctor Sheherin Amin Monami had a heated debate with Sheikh Tanvir Baree Hamim, general secretary candidate backed by Chhatra Dal.
Tuesday’s incident saw Monami threatening resignation whilst Hamim dismissed her concerns, declaring, "What does it matter to me if you resign?"
Following the altercation involving multiple Chhatra Dal activists, Monami posted a lengthy Facebook post expressing anguish over accusations of bias. The Public Administration Department teacher, who gained prominence through a viral speech during student uprising, questioned her students directly about perceived unfairness.
"Was I ever biased? Did I ever ask your political identity? Did I not try my best to help you within my authority? Then why these accusations today?" Monami wrote, mixing Bangla and English in an emotional appeal.
The Assistant Proctor, appointed in August with intentions of serving alma mater, emphasised strict adherence to election code whilst maintaining neutrality as security-in-charge. She highlighted successful oversight of major university events, including the 21 February commemoration, Pahela Baishakh celebrations, the 14 July all-night concert and 5 August programme.
"I successfully oversaw 21 February, Pahela Baishakh, the all-night 14 July concert, and the 5 August programme. Yet today, I was withdrawn," she reflected, noting colleague`s humiliation and early return to the proctor`s office due to security concerns.
Monami insisted the administrative role held no political ambitions, saying, "I only wanted to be a teacher. I have no administrative ambitions, no political ambitions. Yet today I stand accused, harassed both on campus and online."
Despite confrontation forcing duty abandonment, she expressed determination not to forget pain whilst urging students to preserve election integrity. "You have held such a beautiful election after so long. Please do not let vested groups ruin it," concluded her Facebook message.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding DUCSU elections, first held after a prolonged hiatus at the university.