Around 30 teenagers were allegedly forced to squat while holding their ears by Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) executive member Sarmitra Chakma for playing on the university’s central playground. The incident, captured in a video that spread on social media on January 25, 2026, sparked widespread criticism and allegations of abuse of power. Witnesses said the video was recorded on January 6, showing Chakma holding a stick and reprimanding the boys, aged roughly 8 to 20, for being outsiders.

University officials and student leaders reacted with concern. The acting director of the Physical Education Centre called the act irregular and an abuse of authority if true. The university proctor said he was unaware of the video but noted that playing on the field requires permission. DUCSU General Secretary S.M. Farhad stated that no union representative has the right to exercise power or use force and promised action if any overreach occurred.

The video’s circulation triggered strong reactions online, with many users condemning the act as misconduct and demanding an investigation.