Md. Shah Wali Ullah, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at Hatiya College in Noakhali, has shared a memory on social media about finding important academic documents belonging to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman during the latter’s admission process at the University of Dhaka.In a Facebook post published on Wednesday night (May 13), Shah Wali Ullah recounted an incident from 1986 that has since generated widespread discussion online.In the post titled “A Recollection of an Incident That Happened Between Me and Tarique Rahman on the Day of His Admission to Dhaka University”, Shah Wali Ullah wrote that during the 1985–86 academic session, he had gone to the Faculty of Arts building for his honours admission interview. While waiting outside the dean’s office, he noticed several important documents lying on the floor.

After picking them up, he discovered that the file contained original SSC and HSC marksheets and other necessary papers belonging to an admission seeker. He later came to know that the documents belonged to Tarique Rahman.

Shah Wali Ullah said that after seeing the name “Tarique Rahman” and the father’s name “Ziaur Rahman” on the papers, he initially did not realize their significance. At the time, he had not understood that the documents belonged to the son of former President Ziaur Rahman.

A short while later, he noticed a young man anxiously searching for a missing file. He then returned the documents to him. According to Shah Wali Ullah, the young man accepted the file gratefully and thanked him. At that moment, he felt the young man bore a resemblance to late President Ziaur Rahman.

In his post, Shah Wali Ullah also described the political and social atmosphere at Dhaka University during that period. He mentioned that their viva board was attended by the then Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Dr. Abdul Momen Chowdhury, a prominent teacher of the History Department.

He further recalled witnessing the tenures of four vice-chancellors during his university life: Professor Dr. Shamsul Haque, Professor Dr. Abdul Mannan, Professor Dr. Moniruzzaman Mia, and Professor Dr. Emajuddin Ahmed.

Shah Wali Ullah also reflected on the turbulent student politics of the time. He said Dhaka University remained politically tense due to the anti-Ershad movement, with rallies, protests, and political programs taking place regularly. He also referred to the DUCSU elections and mentioned the Sultan–Mostaq and Aman–Khokon panels.

He further recalled incidents of violence on campus, including the killing of student leader Bablu at Mohsin Hall. According to him, Begum Khaleda Zia was addressing a gathering in front of Zia Hall when news arrived that “Pagla Shahid” had been shot dead. Following the news, she reportedly left the venue immediately.

Shah Wali Ullah commented that the volatile political situation at the university made it difficult for Tarique Rahman to continue regular academic activities on campus.

He also mentioned several prominent student leaders and political figures active at the university during that time, including former VP Aman Ullah Aman, current Attorney General Ruhul Quddus Kajal, and former MP Ilias Ali.

Addressing debates surrounding Tarique Rahman’s educational background, Shah Wali Ullah claimed that a few months ago, during a governing body meeting at his college, a local political leader remarked that “Tarique Zia could not even complete intermediate education, so his dream of becoming prime minister is unrealistic.”

In response, Shah Wali Ullah said he shared the story of Tarique Rahman’s admission to Dhaka University before those present.

He also stated that he later shared the matter with several trusted individuals, including former central leader of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, Karimul Hai Naim. According to him, Tarique Rahman was admitted to Dhaka University, although he is not certain whether he completed his honours degree.

Concluding his post, Shah Wali Ullah wrote: “I do not know whether Tarique Rahman still remembers this incident. However, I hope my recollection will provide readers with some information regarding his admission to Dhaka University.”

The post has sparked widespread discussion on social media. While many people are viewing the recollection as an important historical account, others have expressed differing opinions. Nevertheless, the emergence of such a memory from university life after many years has created considerable interest in political circles as well.