Leaders of nearly 20 student organisations joined an iftar programme on the Dhaka University (DU) campus on Friday, emphasising the importance of democratic coexistence, healthy political practice, and harmony.
The event, titled “Restoring Democracy: The Expected Campus”, was organised by the Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA) at the Teachers Students Centre (TSC) cafeteria. It was chaired by DUJA President Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi and moderated by General Secretary Mahadi Hasan.
Speaking as the chief guest, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan said representatives of different political views and organisations get the opportunity to come together every year at DUJA’s initiative.
He said that although differences of opinion exist among political organisations on campus, such gatherings help bring them together under one roof and set a positive example.
DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Mamun Ahmed, Bangladesh Open University Vice-Chancellor Prof Obaidul Islam, Abu Shadik Kayem, vice-president of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (Ducsu), and leaders of various student organisations also spoke at the event.
Speaking at the event, Nasir Uddin, central general secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), said the “mob culture” created on campus should end with the upcoming student union elections.
He urged everyone to remain vigilant so that no unnecessary mob situation arises on the campus and called for an end to covert politics.
Biplabi Chhatra Maitree Central General Secretary Jabir Ahmed Jubel said the administration should play an active role in maintaining a democratic environment on campus and stressed the importance of considering the opinions of student representatives in university governance.
Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad President Nazmul Hasan said that despite political differences, tolerance and brotherhood must be maintained in the academic arena.
DU unit Bangladesh Chhatra Union (a faction) President Meghmallar Bosu, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti Central President Zahid Ahsan, Chhatra Paksha Central President Mohammad Prince, Convener of the DU unit of Chhatra Federation Armanul Haque, Islami Chhatra Andolan President Muntasir Ahmed and President of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (Marxist) Salman Siddiqui, among others, were present at the programme.
