DU honors 174 injured students of July Uprising

Dhaka University (DU) paid tribute to 174 students who were injured during the July mass uprising, recognizing their bravery and contributions to the anti-discrimination movement. 

Among them was Sanjida Islam Tonni, a psychology student whose bloodied image became a powerful symbol of resistance after she was attacked by Chhatra League activists on July 15 last year.  

The event, titled "The Heroes of Dhaka University," was organized by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement (ADSM) on Monday (February 11) at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) field. 

The ceremony featured the distribution of crests and scarves to the injured students, commemorating their sacrifices and resilience.  

The programme began with a documentary screening honoring those who were martyred or injured during the uprising. Poems were recited in their memory, and several injured students, including Tonni and Abdullah Salehin, shared their experiences. 

Tonni, who has become an icon of the movement, stated, "We did not protest for honours; we fought against discrimination. While some injustices have been addressed, we seek their elimination in every aspect of society."  
Md. Nahid Islam, Information and Broadcasting Adviser to the Interim Government, reflected on the widespread participation in the movement. "It was not just Dhaka University—students from all public and private universities across the country stood with us in the July uprising," he said.

He also recalled a critical moment in the protests: "On 17 July, we feared we had lost. With no way forward, we announced the 18 July shutdown. That was when private university students stepped in and took the lead."  

Nahid Islam issued a bold statement regarding political accountability, vowing to hold the Awami League accountable through legal means. "We have vowed that neither the Awami League nor the Chhatra League will continue politics under this name and ideology in Bangladesh. This is our pledge to our martyrs," he declared.  

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan praised the students, saying, "You are Bangladesh. Because of you, we have entered a phase of immense potential. But many challenges remain." Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Mamun Ahmed highlighted the university’s history of activism, remarking, "Dhaka University has always been the birthplace of movements. You have freed us from the shame of the past 17 years. We are a family, and we must maintain our commitment to building an anti-discriminatory society."  
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Professor Saima Haque Bidisha urged collective action, stating, "If we continue with the spirit of the July movement and stand by the families of the martyrs, we can achieve the discrimination-free Bangladesh we have envisioned."  

Professor Geeti Ara Nasrin of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department emphasized the movement’s success, saying, "We have seen after 2024 that change is possible. No form of discrimination should stand in the way of fulfilling the spirit of 2024."  

During the event, Abu Bakr Majumdar, a key organiser of the ADSM, outlined five key demands:  

1. Justice for those attacked during the July Uprising.  
2. Recognition of women’s leadership through a memorial at VC Chattar.  
3. Announcement of a roadmap for Daksu and hall elections.  
4. Implementation of anti-discrimination policies in educational institutions.  
5. Continued efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination in society.  

Other speakers included Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the ADSM, Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of the National Citizens’ Committee (NCC), and Abdul Kader, another ADSM leader.  

The event served as both a tribute to those who stood against injustice and a renewed call for political and social change, reinforcing the legacy of the July Uprising. As the nation moves forward, the courage and determination of these students continue to inspire the fight for a more equitable and just Bangladesh.