Nearly 20 student organisations came together on Friday at Dhaka University Journalists' Association (DUJA)’s iftar mahfil and discussion, calling for democratic coexistence and healthy political practices on campus.
The event, titled “Restoration of Democracy: The Expected Educational Campus,” was held at Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium. It brought together leaders from central and Dhaka University chapters of various student bodies, alongside members of the university administration.
DUJA President Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahir presided over the programme, with General Secretary Mahadi Hasan serving as moderator.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, the chief guest, said DUJA’s annual invitation allows representatives of different opinions and parties to gather despite political disagreements.
"We want political coexistence to remain on campus always. Students should have the opportunity for healthy political practice, and the university should become an open field for democratic engagement," he said.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha praised DUJA for providing important information to the administration and highlighting shortcomings, which makes university activities more dynamic.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed noted that such gatherings create dialogue opportunities among political, social and cultural organisations, strengthening the democratic environment on campus.
Bangladesh Open University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Obaydul Islam highlighted the role of campus journalists in speaking for truth and justice, protecting university stability and safeguarding student interests.
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Central General Secretary Nasiruddin Nasir said the "mob culture" on campus would end through the upcoming student union elections.
He urged everyone to remain vigilant so that unnecessary mobs do not form at Dhaka University, called for an end to "secret politics" and warned journalists against rumours spread through fake YouTube channels.
DUCSU Vice-President Abu Sadik Kayem emphasized the sacrifices of July martyrs that secured today’s democratic campus and country. He also demanded that DUCSU elections be incorporated into the university’s annual calendar.
Bangladesh Chhatra Maitri Central General Secretary Jabir Ahmed Jubel called for active administrative involvement in maintaining a democratic atmosphere and urged the university to value student representatives’ opinions.
Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad President Nazmul Hasan stressed the importance of tolerance and fraternity on campus despite political differences, calling on all organisations to avoid violence and intolerance.
Other speakers included Treasurer Professor Dr Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Sada Dal convener Professor Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan, Islami Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga and leaders from Chhatra Shakti, Chhatra Pokkho, Chhatra Federation, Islami Chhatra Andolon and the Socialist Chhatra Front (Marxist).
NRE/SH
