BAU Chhatra Dal Convener Urges Not to Use the Spirit of July Like That of ’71 for Political Gain

Staff Correspondent | Bangladesh Agricultural University:
A memorial meeting was held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) in remembrance of all the martyrs of the historic July–August mass uprising. The program took place on Thursday (July 17) at 5:30 PM in the Syed Nazrul Islam Conference Hall of the university. It was organized by the BAU unit of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (BNP’s student wing).

The meeting was presided over by Md. Atikur Rahman, convener of the BAU Chhatra Dal unit, and moderated by the unit’s member secretary Md. Shafiqul Islam. Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Sardar, president of the Teachers’ Association, was present as the chief guest. Among others present were Acting Treasurer of BAU Prof. Dr. Humayun Kabir, General Secretary of the Sonali Dal Dr. Ahmed Khairul Hasan, Provost of Shahjalal Hall Prof. Dr. Mohammad Badiuzzaman Khan, Director of the Haor and Char Development Institute Prof. Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Assistant Proctor Prof. Dr. Md. Anisur Rahman Majumdar, along with teachers, officials, and Chhatra Dal leaders and activists from various levels.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ahmed Khairul Hasan said,
"We have always tried our best during every critical moment in the country's history. For the past 16–17 years, despite all obstacles in Mymensingh, we participated in most of the programs held in Dhaka. From the quota reform movement to what eventually turned into an uprising against fascism — there’s much to learn from these events. At the core of all this is patriotism. Those who became martyrs were not afraid; they stood on the side of truth and did not sacrifice their lives for personal gain, but for collective benefit.”

He further added,
"If Chhatra Dal activists in the dormitories cannot attract general students with their personal qualities and good reputation, then ideological advancement will not be possible. I urge the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal — many in the new generation do not know the true history, do not know the history of struggles. Chhatra Dal must stand beside ordinary students and be at the forefront of their justified demands. The fight for ideals must continue.”

In his concluding remarks, Md. Atikur Rahman said,
"Previous autocratic regimes used the spirit of 1971 for lifelong political gain. We must ensure that no one does the same with the spirit of July. Just like the Liberation War of 1971 belongs to the entire nation, the July movement also represents the struggle for the rights of common people. No one should be allowed to use it for personal or party interest. Like the spirit of ’71, the July movement cannot become the political capital of any party. It is the result of a united national struggle.”

He further urged vigilance against the emergence of any new form of discrimination or quota in Bangladesh and emphasized,
"The only identity of all citizens of Bangladesh is that we are all Bangladeshis.”

At one point in his speech, he also stated,
_"Now is the time to rebuild the country in unity. Those who remain detached will fall away, and those who stand united will remain strong."