Dhaka University (DU) on Tuesday observed the first anniversary of the historic July Uprising with a series of events to honour people who sacrificed their lives during last year’s movement that toppled the Awami League government.
The DU administration, teachers, and student groups organised the events. Pro-BNP teachers’ platform ‘Sada Dal’ held a rally commemorating the fall of ‘fascist Awami rule’ and the flight of Sheikh Hasina.
Beginning at 12:45pm from the base of the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture, the rally moved through Raju Sculpture and ended near the VC Chattar.
Before the rally, the participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of those killed during the July movement and the Milestone School tragedy.
ABM Obaidul Islam, vice chancellor of Open University, said the 5th of August marked the fall of a 17-year-long oppressive regime. “The blood of martyrs and the spirit of the July movement forced Sheikh Hasina to flee. Today, as we celebrate victory, we also remember the pain behind it.”
He called for swift justice against the acts of repression by the former government. “Delaying justice only encourages injustice and undermines our social fabric,” he added.
DU Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said over 1,400 people died and 30,000 were injured in the July movement. “This country is a result of that sacrifice. We now dream of an inclusive and equitable Bangladesh, something that was denied after our Liberation War.”
Meanwhile, the DU chapter of Islami Chhatra Shibir organised a symbolic ‘Fateh Ganabhaban Cycle Rally’ starting at 6am from TSC.
The rally, commemorating the symbolic fall of Ganabhaban on August 5, 2024, passed through Shahbagh, Kawran Bazar, Farmgate, Bhijoy Sarani, and ended back at TSC.
Around 500 activists participated, waving Bangladesh and Palestine flags, and donning t-shirts reading: “We won’t stop on July 36.”
Shibir also hosted an exhibition featuring documentaries, plays, and 3D animations at TSC, highlighting 17 years of alleged fascist rule and the July uprising.
Later in the evening, the DU authorities are supposed to host a concert titled ‘Jagroto July’ at Raju Sculpture. The concert aims to honour the courage of the July fighters and promote unity. Popular Bangladeshi bands are scheduled to perform.
