Tanvir Bari Hamim, the General Secretary (GS) candidate from the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD)-backed panel in the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, has apologised to a teacher over his behaviour during the polls.

Hamim, who finished second in the election with 5,283 votes, came under discussion after a heated exchange on September 9 with Shehreen Amin Monami, an assistant proctor from the Department of Public Administration, who was on duty as part of the election’s security team.

During the altercation, Monami had reportedly threatened to resign, to which Hamim retorted, “What is it to me if you resign?” 

The incident quickly drew widespread criticism on social media.

Speaking on YouTube channel Face the People on Thursday night, both Hamim and Monami addressed the issue.

Hamim expressed regret, saying, “Madam was on duty as an administrator, not just as a teacher. Still, she is my teacher, and as a student I should not have spoken in such a manner. I feel sorry for what I said and acknowledge it was wrong. At the end of the day, she is my teacher.”

He clarified that his protest was against irregularities and alleged bias during the election, not directed at Monami personally. “My choice of words was wrong, and I admit I lost my temper. But I have always maintained a respectful relationship with her,” he added.

Meanwhile, Monami has faced derogatory remarks on social media, with some tagging her as affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Responding, Hamim said, “I want to make it clear: if anyone writing offensive comments against madam can be linked to my organisation, I will take organisational action against them. If needed, I will also seek administrative action.”

MN/