Dhaka University Senate has expunged the words 'Bangladesh Zindabad' spoken by a member of the BNP-backed White panel of teachers at the annual session.
The issue came to light when some teachers of Awami League backed Blue panel raised their voice against Prof. Obaidul Islam ending his speech with 'Bangladesh Zindabad' at the annual session of DU Senate.
DU Pro- Vice Chancellor Prof. Mohammad Samad in his remarks strongly protested the address of Dr. Obaidul Islam.
Senate chairman, DU VC also protested and expunged that part of the address of Prof. Obaidul Islam, saying that "any word that is contradictory with the sense and value of Liberation War" shall not be uttered in such a place.
But Dr. Obaidul Islam defended himself saying that he has freedom of speech and it is not unethical to use the word 'Zindabad' as Bangladeshi law and constitution do not ban using this word.
He also asked DU VC to show him if it is illegal to use the word 'Zindabad' and when it was banned?
”Zindabad is related to anti-liberation forces and Pakistanis used to use this word, (so) we shall avoid this word," VC replied.
"Freedom of speech does not mean to say anything you want. Freedom of speech does not give you the right to use words that are contradictory to the values of our liberation," he added.