Observance of ‘Women Students’ Day’, ‘Terrorism Resistance Day’ at DU announced
DU Correspondent
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan said, in recognition of the outstanding role of women students in the uprising, July 14 will be observed every year as ‘Women Students’ Day.’
This day will be included in Dhaka University’s regular academic calendar. In addition, in memory of the historic contribution of students’ courageous resistance against terrorism, July 17 will be observed every year as ‘Terrorism Resistance Day.’ This too will be incorporated into the regular calendar of Dhaka University. He made these remarks yesterday, Monday, July 14, 2025, at a program organized in front of the Raju Sculpture at Dhaka University on the occasion of the first anniversary of the July mass uprising.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan respectfully recalled all the students who participated in the uprising and said, “To all who joined that day, including those who came from private universities, colleges, and madrasas from different parts of the country, we extend our deep respect and gratitude on behalf of Dhaka University. This students-people uprising has created a new opportunity before us. We are committed to seizing this opportunity.”
At the time, Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives and Youth and Sports Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Information and Broadcasting Advisor Mahfuz Alam, Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Convener of the government-formed committee for organizing the Dhaka University-centered July mass uprising renaissance events Treasurer Prof Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmad were present.
At the event, the Vice-Chancellor further said, “That day, we stood up fearlessly against terrorism. An example was set, which inspired the entire country. Today, in this historic moment, the determination I see in your eyes and faces is our greatest achievement.”
The Vice-Chancellor urged everyone involved in the uprising to join the Dhaka University family. He said, “We must remain united, thwart any divisions and conspiracies, and work for the progress of the country.”
He said, “We will not let the opportunity created by so much bloodshed go to waste. We are once again firmly pledging to preserve our unity.”
Women students of Dhaka University participated in this first anniversary of the July mass uprising. On this day, as on the day of the movement, female students came from the halls in processions to the venue. They repeated the slogans of that day and carried out various programs throughout the night to celebrate the day.
Earlier, at the Central Shaheed Minar, as the inaugural program of the July renaissance events, ‘JULY WOMEN'S DAY’ was observed. Organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, managed by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and with the cooperation of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and Dhaka University, the event was attended by Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmad. The program began with the national anthem in unison. Afterwards, there was a film screening on the July mass uprising, protest songs, reminiscences, and a drone show. Arrangements were made to show the event on LED boards installed at various points of the university.
It is mentioned that on the occasion of the first anniversary of the historic July mass uprising, Dhaka University has undertaken month-long detailed programs. For this purpose, a central committee at Dhaka University has been formed with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Khan as convener. In addition, three separate sub-committees have been formed with Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, and Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury as conveners.
Among the programs are: organizing one seminar in each faculty based on the July revolution and students-people uprising, and separately organizing discussion meetings/seminars by halls, departments, and institutes; organizing a two-day inter-department debate festival on the theme ‘July Uprising: Voice of Youth’; and arranging an essay competition for students on experiences of the July mass uprising.
In addition, a documentary centered on Dhaka University will be produced on the mass uprising. On July 15, separate programs will be undertaken in each residential hall in memory of incidents of student repression. A memorial will be built at the university centered on the July mass uprising. On July 15, 2025, LED displays will be placed on campus. Between July 15 and August 5, on any one day, a universal program with participation from all sections of society will be undertaken.
A publication will be brought out to preserve all campus graffiti. A commemorative book will also be published based on the experiences of students, teachers, officers, and employees involved in the movement. Moreover, an accurate and complete list of the July warriors of the university will be arranged for publication.
