Some JCD leaders of the college unit admitted that a number of their leaders have been involved in illegal allocation of seats in exchange for money.

Sources in the JCD said that a Chhatra Dal leader of Zebunnesa Hall, one of Hasna Begum Hall, one of Khodeza Khatun Hall and two of Razia Hall of the college are taking Tk 2,000 to 6,000 against a seat at the dormitories.

About 150 first-year students have been given such 'allotments' by the JCD leaders of the college, the largest women's college in the country.

Hall authorities do not dare to intervene, fearing repercussion from high-ups, one of the students told The Daily Star, adding that she paid Tk 6,000 for her seat in the Hasna Begum Hall (New Hall).

Denying taking any money against 'allotment' of seats, two JCD leaders said they arranged seats for the first year students after some of their leaders asked them to.

These JCD leaders sometimes force genuine students to vacate their seats and then replace them with illegal allottees in exchange for money, students alleged. The JCD leaders also forced the new students to join procession, sources said, adding that the JCD leaders frequently manhandle general students if they fail to dance to their tune.

They also said most of the JCD leaders return to the dormitories at around 10:00pm although the college and hall gates are officially closed after 8:00pm. They often force the guards to open the hall gate after 8:00 in the night, two guards admitted.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), student wing of the opposition Awami League (AL), also took money against illegal seat allotment when the AL was in power.

Meanwhile, dormitory students said around 3,000 students are staying in the four halls, causing serious bathroom and food problems, among others. Principal Prof. Dilara Hafiz however said 1,600 students reside in the four halls of the college. A number of students have been staying in the TV rooms and in the prayers rooms illegally, she said, adding that she would take necessary action against them.

Prof. Hafiz said she received scores of complaints against some JCD leaders of the college unit and added that actions would be taken against them. There are at least nine allegations against Nasima Akhter Keya, a JCD joint convenor of the college unit, the principal said.

"College authorities have decided to expel Keya as allegations against her have been proved," she said.

"We will drive illegal students out of the hall within a week," she said, adding that they have informed the departments concerned to notify the students, who have been staying illegally in the dormitories, about the move. She also said second year students got seats through authorised allotments according to their merit and need. No first-year students are authorised to stay in the halls, Prof Hafiz said.

The principal said she has formed a 10-member committee comprising non-political resident students to look into the irregularities in the halls as it is difficult for the hall superintendent alone to manage so many students.

Meanwhile, the 31-member convening committee of the JCD's college unit has been suspended due to internal feud.