Bangladesh Open University (BOU) Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan has said the spirit of the July Uprising must guide efforts to build a democratic, discrimination-free and accountable Bangladesh.
Addressing fighters of the July Uprising, he said, “The July Uprising is a historic milestone in Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy, justice and human dignity, reads a press release.
The core spirit of this movement was to establish a discrimination-free, democratic and accountable state. To honour the sacrifices of the martyrs, we must ensure democracy, the rule of law, human rights, social justice, institutional transparency and a corruption-free administration.
At the same time, we must build a peaceful, just and prosperous Bangladesh by promoting political tolerance, freedom of expression and human values.”
He added, “A university is not only a centre for knowledge but also a foundation for civic consciousness, morality, research, innovation and leadership.
Therefore, students should not only aspire to become job seekers but should also grow into responsible, principled and patriotic citizens inspired by the spirit of July. I urge young people not to be misled by temptation or misinformation, but to embrace honesty, social responsibility and human values, and take the lead in education, research, innovation and every aspect of nation-building.”
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled “The July Uprising and the Commitment to a New Bangladesh”, organised to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising at the university’s Central Conference Centre in Gazipur at 10:30am on Monday.
The discussion was chaired by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Md Sirajul Islam and moderated by Acting Registrar TM Ahmed Hossain.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Anisur Rahman and Treasurer Sheikh Rafiqul Islam attended the event as special guests.
The keynote speaker, National University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Md Lutfor Rahman, said, “The July 2024 student-led mass uprising was not a sudden event; rather, it was the expression of accumulated public anger against one and a half decades of exploitation and deprivation, authoritarian rule, the erosion of democratic institutions, human rights violations, corruption, repression and the denial of voting rights.
The quota reform movement led by students quickly evolved into a mass uprising with the participation of people from all walks of life, and the fascist regime came to an end through the sacrifices of the July fighters.
The July Uprising has opened a new chapter in the country’s history for establishing democracy, justice and the rights of the people.
However, the fall of fascism does not mark the end of the struggle. Everyone must remain united and inspired by the spirit of July to continue the fight against hunger, poverty, corruption and misrule, and build a discrimination-free, democratic, humane and prosperous Bangladesh.”
Among others, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages Tanvir Ahsan, Md Abu Taleb of the School of Agriculture and Rural Development, Director of the Publication, Printing and Distribution Division Mohammad Ali, and BOU law student and July fighter Modachchir Hossain also spoke at the discussion.
Earlier in the morning, as part of the July observance programme, the VC led the tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising by placing wreaths at the July Jagarani Memorial on the university’s Gazipur campus at 10am.
The two Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the Treasurer, deans, directors, teachers, officers and staff members were present.
The university also organised a day-long exhibition of graffiti, festoons, placards and banners highlighting the significance of the July 2024 mass movement at a designated venue beside the Central Conference Hall in memory of the martyrs.
The exhibition featured around 15 graffiti pieces and 40 placards. The VC visited the exhibition, exchanged views with those concerned and signed the visitors’ book.
