DU Correspondent

Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam has stated that the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the July Mass Uprising will not be allowed to go to waste, urging everyone to unite in building a discrimination-free society as envisioned by the movement.

"When rulers become exploiters instead of public servants, their downfall becomes inevitable. History proves that no power can sustain itself indefinitely by ignoring the aspirations of the people," the VC remarked while addressing as the chief guest at a discussion meeting and award distribution ceremony titled 'In Commemoration of the July 24 Mass Uprising' at Fazlul Haque Muslim Hall on Wednesday evening.

Dr. Obaidul Islam highlighted several measures undertaken by DU to honor the uprising, including setting up a July Memorial and July Corner, waiving tuition fees for injured students, and publishing commemorative anthologies. He urged the university community to contribute to building a new Bangladesh through tolerance, discipline, and responsible action.

Chaired by Hall Provost Prof Dr. Md. Ilias Al-Mamun, the event was also addressed by University Grants Commission Member Prof Dr. Md. Aslam Hossain and Faculty of Science Dean Prof Dr. Md. Mofazzal Hossain. Awards were later presented to the winners of an essay competition titled 'July Mass Uprising in the Advancement of Democracy'—Md. Sifat Ali, Fahim Shahriar, and Md. Mohsin Uddin Shafi.

The university saw a wave of commemorative programs, seminars, and exhibitions organized across various departments, faculties, and residential halls to mark the uprising.

On Thursday, the Department of Zoology hosted a program titled 'Bloody July: New Horizons of Liberation' at the Professor Dr. Mahmud-ul-Amin Auditorium. VC Dr. Obaidul Islam attended as chief guest, while Departmental Chairman Professor Dr. Md. Aminul Islam Bhuiyan presided over the event, which featured a documentary screening on the uprising.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences organized a discussion on 'July Mass Uprising and Non-Discriminatory Education System' on Thursday morning at the Department of Geography and Environment auditorium. Pro-VC (Education) Professor Dr. Abdus Salam attended as the chief guest, calling for broad societal participation to eradicate discrimination.

Masterda Suryasen Hall held a discussion, cultural event, and photo exhibition titled 'My July in Memory' on Wednesday evening, chaired by Hall Provost Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, with DU Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury attending as chief guest alongside student participants from the movement.

At Kabi Jasim Uddin Hall, an essay competition, parliamentary debate, and prayer session were organized on Wednesday evening, where Pro-VC (Administration) Professor Dr. Mohammad Almojaddidi Alfesani attended as chief guest. The hall administration also honored the families of uprising martyrs Farhan Fayyaz and Shaheed Mahamudur Rahman Saikat.

In addition, the Sanskrit Department held a discussion titled 'July Uprising in Memory' on Thursday, where Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Sarkar emphasized translating the movement's spirit into systemic justice. Simultaneously, the Department of English organized a 'July Commemoration Programme' chaired by Department Head Professor Dr. Tazin Aziz Chowdhury, while the Department of Political Science hosted a discussion, cultural showcase, and photo exhibition titled "Remembering July: Memory, Struggle and Dreams."

Several institutes and halls have also announced upcoming events over the coming days. Amar Ekushey Hall has scheduled a discussion meeting for August 1, featuring VC Dr. Obaidul Islam and Sarjis Alam, Chief Organizer (Northern Region) of the NCP as guests. The Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue Center will hold a seminar titled 'Nonpartisanship in July Revolution' at Kala Bhaban on August 2, while the Institute of Social Welfare and Research plans a seminar on August 3. Furthermore, the Television, Film and Photography Department will host a photography competition on August 3 followed by film screenings on August 13 and 20, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall will organize a discussion meeting at the July Shahid Smriti Bhaban Hall Auditorium on August 4.