Representatives of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) on Thursday met BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss safeguarding the spirit of the July Revolution and shaping the future of student politics in Bangladesh.
The meeting took place at the BNP Chairperson’s political office in Gulshan.
Before meeting Tarique Rahman, the DUCSU delegation signed the condolence book for late former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, DUCSU Vice President Abu Shadik Kayem said they offered prayers for Khaleda Zia, hoping Allah grants her the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.
He said Tarique Rahman provided guidance on student participation in politics and the broader democratic movement, emphasising the importance of unity among forces committed to anti-fascist struggles following the July Revolution.
Shadik said the BNP Acting Chairman stressed cooperation among all political and student organisations, including BNP, Jamaat, NCP, Chhatra Dal, and Chhatra Shibir, to rebuild the country.
He said the youth must work together to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, restore state institutions weakened over the past 16 years, and implement the ‘July Charter’.
The meeting also addressed the killing of martyr Sharif Osman Hadi, with Shadik alleging that those involved in planning and executing the murder have not yet been arrested and that some still hold positions within the interim government.
He called for swift legal action against the perpetrators.
Shadik said the discussion reaffirmed a commitment to ‘Bangladesh-oriented’ politics and resistance to external domination, reflecting the ideals of Khaleda Zia and late President Ziaur Rahman.
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He stated that young people have been deprived of their voting rights for the past 16 years and urged the student community to play a united role in restoring democracy through free, fair, and credible elections.
The DUCSU leader also encouraged the youth to take an active part in rebuilding weakened state institutions and implementing the ‘July Charter’, including steps such as holding a national referendum.