July uprising spirit must build just BD: DU VC

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam has described the historic July Mass Uprising as a renewed commitment to building a democratic, just and discrimination-free society.

He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing separate seminars and discussion meetings organised by the university’s Faculty of Business Studies and Faculty of Engineering and Technology to mark the second anniversary of the July Mass Uprising.

The DU VC said the 2024 mass movement had ended a prolonged period of misrule and authoritarianism while creating a new path towards democratic values.

“The 2024 Mass Uprising brought an end to prolonged misrule, fascism, and authoritarianism that opposed democratic values. History proves that no regime can endure long by ignoring public opinion, suppressing dissent, and resorting to misrule,” he said.

Prof Obaidul Islam paid tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured during the movement.

“The bravery and supreme sacrifice of students during the 2024 movement offered the nation a new ray of hope. Standing beside students in times of crisis was a moral duty for teachers.

To rebuild a new Bangladesh, we must establish an egalitarian, democratic society with freedom of expression. Dissent must be respected, rule of law ensured, and justice delivered so that fascism can never rise again,” he said.

At the Faculty of Business Studies, a discussion titled “July Mass Uprising: Journey Towards Democratization” was held at the Prof Dr Abdullah Faruq Multipurpose Conference Hall.

The programme was chaired by Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies Prof Dr Mahmud Osman Imam, while Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Abdus Salam and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Mohammed Almujaddade Alfahsane attended as special guests.

DU Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury presented the keynote paper, while Convener of the Observance Committee Prof Al Amin conducted the programme.

The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, a minute of silence and special prayers for the martyrs of the July movement. A documentary highlighting the participation of Business Studies faculty teachers and students in the movement was also screened.

Injured students from the faculty shared their experiences during the discussion.

Later in the afternoon, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology organised another discussion titled “Bloody July and Dhaka University” at the Computer Science and Engineering Department auditorium.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof Dr Upama Kabir attended the programme, while DU VC Prof Dr A B M Obaidul Islam was the chief guest. Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr Abdus Salam and Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury were present as special guests.

Prof Dr S M Mostafa Al Mamun of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department delivered the keynote speech.

The Engineering and Technology faculty programme began with readings from Holy Scriptures, the national anthem and a minute of silence.

Faculty members and students recalled their experiences during the July movement and stressed the need to preserve its spirit to build a democratic, humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh.