DU Correspondent

Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam today called upon all stakeholders to work together to build a non-discriminatory, just, and democratic Bangladesh by keeping the spirit of the July Uprising alive.

He made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest a seminar titled 'Journey from Fascism to Democracy', organized by the DU Faculty of Law on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of the July Uprising.

"The July Uprising against fascism and authoritarianism was the culmination of the people's long-standing deprivation and democratic aspirations. The history of this immense sacrifice should never be forgotten," the Vice Chancellor said.

The seminar was presided over by Dean of the Faculty of Law Prof Dr. Mohammad Ikramul Haque. Former adviser and Law Department Prof Dr. Asif Nazrul presented the keynote paper, while Prof Dr. Rowan Uddin Khan spoke as the special speaker. Chairman of the Department of Law Prof Dr. Md. Touhidul Islam delivered the welcome address.

Reflecting on the country's governance over the past decade and a half, the VC noted that democratic values, freedom of expression, and tolerance for dissent were severely eroded. He mentioned that teachers and students faced harassment and coercion on university campuses for voicing dissenting views, citing his personal experience of enduring adversity without compromising on core principles.

Professor Obaidul Islam stressed that respect for the majority opinion and the establishment of the rule of law form the foundation of democracy. He noted that a prolonged culture of unilateral decision-making, erosion of trust in the electoral system, and disregard for public opinion severely weakened democratic institutions, ultimately birthing the July mass movement.

Paying rich tributes to the students whose courage and sacrifice opened a new chapter in Bangladesh's history in July 2024, the VC expressed deep respect for the martyrs and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He emphasized that commemorating July must extend beyond routine formality and be embedded into state, social, and educational frameworks to prevent the rise of fascism or tyranny in the future. He also reiterated that holding free, fair, peaceful, and participatory elections remains an essential prerequisite for strengthening democracy.

Marking the occasion, several other departments and institutes across the university held separate discussion meetings and prayers.

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) organized a discussion and prayer session presided over by its Director Prof Dr. Abu Yusuf Md. Abdullah. Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Dr. Abdus Salam attended as the chief guest, while National University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Md. Lutfar Rahman was the main discussant. Convenor of the anniversary celebration committee Prof Dr. Md. Mohiuddin delivered the welcome speech, and BBA 32nd batch student Rubayet Ferdous Ranil spoke on behalf of the students.

Meanwhile, the Department of Philosophy organized a discussion titled 'July Mass Uprising 2024' chaired by Department Chairman Prof Md. Nuruzzaman, with Faculty of Arts Dean Prof Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar as chief guest. Teachers including Prof Dr. Mohammad Daud Khan, Prof Dr. Shah Kawsar Mustafa Abululai, Prof A K M Yunus, Dr. Ahmed Ullah, Muhammad Wahidul Alam, Aruna Khatun Jinia, Khandaker Tofail Ahmed, Tapsi Rabeya, and Hamidur Rahman were present.

Separate commemorative programs were held by the Pharmacy Department, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall, and Shaheed Sergeant Zahurul Haque Hall.