Newly elected hall union leaders at Dhaka University are taking matters into their own hands, fining canteen and shop owners for allegedly using “testing salt” to enhance food flavour, sparking controversy over whether they have the legal or institutional authority to do so.

Multiple incidents have emerged across residential halls where hall union vice presidents and general secretaries have issued fines, ranging from Tk 1,000 to Tk 3,000, and even threatened to cancel shop licenses. But university authorities have now stepped in, declaring such actions “outside the jurisdiction” of student leaders.

‘Found salt, issued fine’

At Masterda Suryasen Hall, newly elected Vice President Azizul Haque fined shopkeeper Obaidul Haque Tk 3,000 after allegedly discovering one kilogram of Monosodium glutamate (MSG) widely known as “testing salt”, a chemical additive used to artificially enhance taste, during a surprise inspection on September 12.

A written agreement, signed by both parties, warned that failure to pay within three days would trigger a formal recommendation to the hall administration to cancel the shop’s contract. The fine, it stated, would be collected “through the hall administration.”

“The shopkeeper first denied using it. But when we searched, we found the salt hidden in a polybag. He then admitted to using it in food,” Azizul told Jago News.

“We’re acting on the students’ mandate. We’re mentioned in the university gazette. The administration will collect the fine.”

At Zahurul Haque Hall, General Secretary Khaled Hasan fined a canteen owner Tk 1,000 after spotting testing salt during an inspection on Sunday (Sept 14). He posted on Facebook:

“For finding harmful testing salt in Mostafa Bhai’s shop at Tinshed Canteen, a fine of Tk 1,000 has been imposed. Accountability must be ensured within three working days.”

Meanwhile, at Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall, Social Services Secretary Zahir Raihan fined a shopkeeper Tk 2,000 after finding testing salt in Shop No. 6 during a Sept 13 inspection.

“He was warned repeatedly. He ignored it. Now, he must show cause or face cancellation of his shop’s validity,” Raihan said.

Another hall leader, Md Saifullah, issued a blanket warning:“If canteen owners don’t sit down with us to discuss this, they will be fined.”

Admin: ‘This is not your job’

But the university’s Proctor, Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, has drawn a firm line.

“Hall union leaders have no authority to impose fines or interfere directly with canteen operations. That is solely the domain of the hall administration. Their role is to represent student welfare but always in coordination with official authorities.”

He emphasised that while student leaders can raise concerns, investigate, or recommend action, they cannot unilaterally penalize vendors or enforce financial penalties.

“Whatever they do must go through proper channels. Acting outside that framework undermines institutional order.”

Why it matters

The controversy highlights a growing tension between student activism and administrative protocol and raises serious questions about food safety in DU’s residential halls.

“Testing salt” is widely criticised for potential health risks, especially with long-term consumption. Students have long complained about poor food quality, but formal mechanisms to address it remain weak or unresponsive.

In the absence of swift administrative action, some student leaders are stepping into the void — but doing so without legal backing.