Jahangirnagar University (JU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan stated that the university became the country's first 'Chhatra League-free' campus during the July Uprising of 2024. He described this as a significant milestone that bolstered the nationwide movement against the then government. The VC made these remarks while inaugurating a memorial plaque commemorating the July 14, 2024 incident in front of Rabindranath Tagore Hall on the campus.
"The July Uprising enabled Jahangirnagar University to become the country's first Chhatra League-free campus. From here, the movement gained further momentum and leadership," the VC said. He noted that the achievements of the movement were evident in the restoration of coexistence among students, the provision of legitimate accommodation in residential halls, and the holding of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) election after a 33-year gap.
Recalling the events of July 14, 2024, Kamrul Ahsan said the attack on students at Jahangirnagar University laid the foundation for the resistance movement on the campus. "Although the quota reform movement had already begun, the attack on that day gave the movement a new momentum," he said, emphasizing that history had shown whenever students and people united, even the strongest opponents were forced to retreat.
Describing the JUCSU election as one of the major achievements of the July Uprising, he said students had once again secured the opportunity to elect their representatives to the university Senate after more than three decades. Referring to the current campus atmosphere, the vice-chancellor said no shortcomings had been observed in peaceful coexistence among active student organizations over the past two years.
"Three new batches have enrolled during this period and every student has been ensured a legitimate residential seat. Where students once struggled to continue their studies because of overcrowded dormitories and repression, they are now able to pursue education in a safe and congenial environment," he added. Paying tribute to those who were killed and injured during the July Uprising, Dr Kamrul Ahsan said their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
The vice-chancellor urged policymakers to learn from the mistakes of the past and prioritize the aspirations of the younger generation in building a new Bangladesh. The vice-chancellor formally inaugurated the memorial plaque at the end of the program, with Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam, Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Treasurer Prof Dr M Abdur Rab, students, teachers, and officials in attendance. The university administration has announced a month-long program marking the July Uprising and the August 5 anniversary of the fall of the fascist regime.
