Students protest sparks amid July Resistance Day

Khulna Correspondent :

Students who participated in the July Uprising of 2024 have expressed strong anger and reaction over the memorial meeting organized at Khulna Alia Kamil Madrasa on Monday on the occasion of ‘Madrasa Resistance Day’. They alleged that those who actively participated in that movement and risked their lives, were left out of event and instead, the then opponents – pro-Chhatra League leaders and activists and fascist teachers – were placed on the stage.
The event was held in the Model Mosque auditorium located on the madrasa premises in the morning. The meeting was presided over by the acting principal of the madrasa, Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim Sardar. Present and former students of the madrasa, including teachers, were present.
Students who participated in the July Uprising complained that the event was organized without informing them and completely ignoring them. They took a position outside the gate and boycotted the event in anger, instead of participating.
They said that teachers Muhaddis Md. Shamsher Ali Sheikh and Muhaddis Asadullah, who had taken a stand against the students during the movement and thrown them out, are now on stage. It is alleged that the event was even conducted by local leaders of the Chhatra League.
Eyewitnesses said that after the event, when Chhatra League leader Abu Sayeed was distributing food to the attendees, angry students chased him and insulted him.
Assistant Professor Maulana Zafar Ullah said, “The event was organized very quickly, there may have been some mistakes.”
Principal (acting) Dr. Md. Abdur Rahim Sardar said, “A controversial teacher was on stage, it is true. However, the students will be heard later.”
Members of the ‘Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’ of Khulna district and metropolis gave speeches at the time and identified Chhatra League leaders Habibullah, Gausul Azam, Abu Said and others who were on the stage and threw them out of the gate.
The students present said with tears in their eyes, “Those who tortured us are giving speeches on the stage in the name of martyrs. This is an insult to the souls of the martyrs.”
The speakers at the meeting said, “July 21 is not just a date, it is a symbol of courage, sacrifice and truth. Inspired by Islamic spirit, the madrasa students stood against injustice, the path to Jatrabari was stained with their blood.” A prayer meeting was held to pray for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs.