A Picture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Still Hanging in the Office of the Department of Zoology at Jagannath University, Sparks Controversy Among Students

A picture of the Father of the Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, continues to hang in the office of the Chairman of the Department of Zoology at Jagannath University (JU). Even though images of Sheikh Mujibur were removed from government and private educational institutions, offices, and courts across the country following the July uprising, the picture remains in the JU Zoology Department office. This has sparked mixed reactions among students.

Students expressed, “The person whose name was used to establish autocracy for seventeen years and whose name and the spirit of the Liberation War were used while over two thousand student activists were killed, Sheikh Mujibur’s picture should not remain anywhere after the July uprising.”

Masud Rana, a JU student and former coordinator of the anti-discrimination movement, said, “The continued display of Sheikh Mujibur’s picture in the Zoology Department office despite orders to remove it after August 5 demonstrates that pro-Awami League influential groups are still active within the administration. This is not only a defiance of government orders but also a conspiracy against the country’s democratic transition. We demand the immediate removal of the picture and that those responsible be brought under the law.”

Riazul Islam, president of the JU branch of the student organization Chhatra Shibir, added, “This is unexpected after August 5. If proper constitutional procedures had been followed, the mass uprising could not have been denied. His current position is now questionable.”

Explaining the reason for keeping the picture, Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Madub, Chairman of the Zoology Department, said, “I recognize the July uprising and stood with the students. I have no personal intention regarding whether to keep or remove Sheikh Mujibur’s picture. No instructions have been given to me by the administration. If the Vice-Chancellor orders, I can remove the picture today.”

Dr. Madub also stated, “Against a revolution, a counter-revolution can occur. Those removing the picture now should consider whether they are violating constitutional principles.”

Students hope that the university administration will quickly resolve the issue and prevent any further controversy.