Leaders from various student organisations and cultural organisations gathered at an Iftar organised by the Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA), emphasising the need to strengthen democratic coexistence, healthy political practice and harmony on the campus.
Under the title—“Restoring Democracy: The Expected Campus” DUJA held a Iftar Mahfil at the cafeteria of the Student-Teacher Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University on Friday.
The programme was chaired by DUJA President Mohiuddin Mujahid Mahi and moderated by its General Secretary Mahadi Hasan.
Speakers at the event said that even during periods of authoritarian rule, DUJA remained a centre for democratic practice on campus and repeatedly highlighted the realities of fascist governance through journalistic efforts.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan said representatives of different political views and organisations get the opportunity to come together every year through DUJA’s initiative.
"Although differences of opinion exist among political organisations on campus, such gatherings help bring them together under one roof and set a positive example", he said.
“We want political coexistence to always be maintained on campus. Students should have the opportunity to practise healthy politics and the university should become an open field for democratic practice,” Dr. Niaz added.
DU Pro-VC (Admin) Prof. Dr. Sayma Haque Bidisha said the Dhaka University Journalists Association often assists the university administration by providing important information and highlighting various mistakes and shortcomings, making university activities more dynamic.
Pro-VC (Education) Prof. Dr. Mamun Ahmed said such events create opportunities for dialogue among political, social and cultural organisations and help strengthen the democratic environment on campus.
Bangladesh Open University VC Prof. Dr. Obaidul Islam said campus journalists always stand for truth and justice and play an important role in protecting the stability of the university and safeguarding students’ interests.
Abu Shadik Kayem, vice-president of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), said the country and the dream of a democratic campus were achieved through the sacrifices of the July martyrs and their contributions must always be remembered.
He also demanded that the DUCSU election be included in the university’s annual calendar.
Leaders of various student organisations also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy political environment and coexistence on campus.
Nasir Uddin Nasir, central general secretary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said the “mob culture” created on campus should end with the upcoming student union elections.
He urged everyone to remain vigilant so that no unnecessary mob situation arises on campus and called for an end to “disguise politics.”
He also advised journalists to remain cautious about rumours spread through fake propaganda.
Sibgatullah Sibga, secretary general of Chhatra Shibir, said that despite ideological differences among political student organisations, their presence under one roof at the DUJA event reflected the beauty of student politics.
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Jabir Ahmed Jubel, central general secretary of Biplobi Chhatra Maitree, said the administration should play an active role in maintaining a democratic environment on campus and stressed the importance of considering the opinions of student representatives in university governance.
Among others present were Dhaka University Treasurer Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, former journalists of DUJA, Jatiya Chhatra Shakti Central President Zahid Ahsan, Chhatra Paksha Central President Mohammad Prince, Convener of the DU unit of Chhatra Federation Armanul Haque, Islami Chhatra Andolan President Muntasir Ahmed, and President of Samajtantrik Chhatra Front (Marxist) Salman Siddiqui.