Cigarette giveaway during Ducsu concert triggers controversy

A concert organised by the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) and ‘Spirits of July’ has drawn criticism after free cigarettes were distributed to students at the venue.

Controversy has also erupted over political slogans shouted by a Ducsu office-bearer during the event.

The concert, titled Kuashar Gaan, took place on Saturday at the university’s central playground.

The sponsoring company ‘X Force’ set up a stall at the venue and distributed cigarettes for free.

The incident triggered widespread reaction on social media. Many students questioned how such activity was permitted at a Ducsu-organised programme on campus.

Students also raised questions about the role of Ducsu Literature and Cultural Affairs Secretary Musaddiq Ali Ibn Muhammad.

In response, Musaddiq issued an apology on Facebook.

Musaddiq wrote that he was the main Ducsu representative involved in arranging the concert. However, he said he had no personal involvement in contacting the sponsor or in negotiating agreements or conditions.

He added that the sponsor informed organisers that they would set up a designated ‘smoking zone’ inside the venue to avoid disturbing other spectators. Musaddiq wrote that he agreed to the proposal.

He stated that he was occupied with guest and stage management during the concert and was unaware of what was happening on the ground.

He said he learned about cigarette distribution through social media towards the end of the programme, at which point he no longer had the opportunity to intervene.

Musaddiq claimed he did not know that cigarettes were being handed out for free in the designated smoking zone.

Tension at the concert escalated further when Musaddiq delivered slogans in favour of a referendum, prompting sections of the audience to chant mocking counter-slogans.
He shouted, “Quota or merit”, to which students responded “Quota, quota”.

When he shouted, “Slavery or reform”, they replied “Slavery, slavery”. Students also chanted his name and responded with other counter-slogans. When he called “Compromise or struggle”, they replied “Compromise, compromise”. In response to “Who are you, who am I”, some students shouted “Uranium, uranium”.

The debate over the cigarette giveaway and the slogans has continued both on campus and across social media.