July Graffiti returns to life at DU campus

Dhaka University on Saturday launched a three-day campaign to restore graffiti painted across the campus during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.

Vice-Chancellor Professor ABM Obaidul Islam inaugurated the campaign at the main entrance to the vice-chancellor’s residence.

Registered students and artists will carry out the restoration work through Monday along the route from the vice-chancellor’s residence to Rokeya Hall.

Speaking at the inauguration, the vice-chancellor described the graffiti as a record of the oppression and persecution experienced during the uprising.

He said students had painted the campus walls during July and August 2024 to depict the events of the movement and that the murals had since become part of the nation’s history.

The restored artworks would help future generations remember the uprising and preserve its anti-fascist spirit, he added.

The vice-chancellor also urged citizens to remain vigilant against the return of fascism and support efforts to establish a discrimination-free society.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Professor Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Administration Professor Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane and Treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury were among those present.

As part of programmes marking the second anniversary of the uprising, a discussion was scheduled to be held at the Amar Ekushey Hall auditorium at 7:30pm on Saturday.

The vice-chancellor was expected to attend as the chief guest, while National Citizen Party Chief Organiser for the Northern Region Sarjis Alam was scheduled to join as the special guest.