The Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) has faced controversy over its recent seminar and art exhibition organised in memory of martyr Abrar Fahad on “Adhipatyabad Birodhi Dibosh.”
On Tuesday, the seminar titled “Indian Imperialism and Bangladesh’s Sovereignty: In Memory of Martyr Abrar Fahad” and the art exhibition “In Memory of Martyr Abrar Fahad” took place at the RC Majumdar Arts Auditorium.
The event commemorated the sixth death anniversary of Abrar Fahad, a student from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), who was brutally beaten to death by members of the now-banned Bangladesh Chhatra League at the university’s Sher-e-Bangla Hall in 2019.
At the event, Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu) Vice President Md Abu Sadik Kayem said, “Martyr Abrar Fahad is far more stronger than the person Abrar was. He showed us how to stand against imperialism and aggression and fight for justice. He is a source of inspiration for us.”
However, the event has drawn criticism, with accusations that student organisations and individuals who had been involved in the movement for justice after Fahad’s death were excluded from the event.
The newly elected Ducsu leadership, which is believed to be ideologically aligned with certain political groups, reportedly invited speakers who are closely affiliated with them, prompting concerns about the event’s exclusivity.
Anisur Rahman Khondkar Anik, Vice President of Chhatra Dal, the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), expressed concerns, saying, ” Ducsu has organised a centralised event to remember Abrar Fahad. What could have been a platform for everyone’s participation has turned into an event that favors a specific organisation.” He added, “This attempt to transform Ducsu into an organization influenced by a specific political party is a warning signal for Dhaka University.”
Abdul Kader, convener of the Bangladesh Democratic Students’ Union Ducsu Dhaka University branch, also expressed his concerns, saying, “Islami Chhatra Shibir is trying to establish Ducsu as another affiliate organisation of theirs. Ducsu should be a platform open to all Dhaka University students.”
Kader further criticised the Ducsu leadership for failing to react when Jamaat-e-Islami candidate Amir Hamza spread falsehoods but quickly issuing a statement regarding comments made by BNP’s Fazlur Rahman. ” Ducsu is a platform for Dhaka University students, not a political platform,” Kader said, highlighting concerns over the increasing politicisation of Ducsu.
Nuzia Hasin, president of DU branch of Biplobi Chhatra Maitri, also voiced her concerns, stating, “The chief guest at a Ducsu or Shibir organised event was Mahmudur Rahman. Discussions about Indian imperialism were held there.”
The event was inaugurated by father of martyr Abrar Fahad, Mohammad Barkat Ullah. Other notable attendees included former president of Islami Chhatra Shibir Engineer Sirajul Islam, spokesperson of the Inquilab Mancha Sharif Osman Hadi, Chief Coordinator of Ap Bangladesh Rafe Salman Rezaul Karim Roni, Abrar Fahad’s brother Abrar Fayyaz, and Vice-Chancellor of Manarat University Abdur Rob.
Although Akhter Hossain, Secretary-General of the National Citizens’ Party, was listed among the guests, he did not attend the event.
