Abidur Rahman Mishu- Photo: BSS

DHAKA, April 29, 2026 (BSS) - An initiative has been taken to convert a long-abandoned room known as 'Gonoroom' at Dhaka University's Masterda Surja Sen Hall into a specialised student research centre aimed at creating a more academic environment on campus.

Abidur Rahman Mishu, Member Secretary of the Surja Sen Hall unit of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), has taken the initiative to repurpose the space, which is known as the 'Laden Guha', into a research and training hub for students.

He told BSS that preliminary discussions have already been held with the hall administration, which responded positively. A formal application will soon be submitted along with written consent from general students.

"There has long been a planned propaganda against Chhatra Dal, claiming that we would bring back the 'Gonoroom' and 'Guestroom' culture. In reality, these practices are not in line with our political principles," Mishu said.

The JCD leader added that such rooms were historically associated with coercive practices and forced political involvement. "We want to break that cycle," he said.

According to the proposal, the centre will provide training and workshops on research methodology, data analysis and academic writing. It will also focus on career development, higher education guidance and community-based research on social issues.

University stakeholders believe the initiative could contribute to fostering a more positive student political culture and promote a research-oriented academic environment on campus.

Mashnun Snigdho, a residential student of the 2024-25 session at the hall, welcomed the move, calling it "groundbreaking."

"To my knowledge, no student organisation in the history of Dhaka University has taken such an academic-focused initiative. Thousands of students at Surja Sen Hall will benefit directly," he said.

He also noted that since August 5, some narratives had circulated about JCD and said the initiative reflects a shift towards merit-based and education-oriented student politics.