Student orgs call for democratic coexistence on campus during DUJA iftar

Bangla Press Desk :  Leaders of nearly 20 student organisations gathered under one roof at an Iftar organised by the Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA), where they emphasised the need to strengthen democratic coexistence, healthy political practice and harmony on the campus.

DUJA arranged a discussion meeting and Iftar Mahfil titled “Restoring Democracy: The Expected Campus” 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.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan said that representatives of different political views and organisations get the opportunity to come together every year at DUJA’s initiative.

He said that although differences of opinion exist among political organisations on campus, such gatherings help bring them together under one roof and set a positive example.

“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,” he said.

DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (administration) Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha said that the Dhaka University Journalists Association often assists the university administration by providing important information and highlighting various mistakes and shortcomings, which makes university activities more dynamic.Pro-Vice Chancellor (education) Prof Mamun Ahmed said that such events create opportunities for dialogue among political, social and cultural organisations and help strengthen the democratic environment on campus.

Bangladesh Open University Vice-Chancellor Prof Obaidul Islam said that campus journalists always stand for truth and justice and play an important role in protecting the stability of the university and the interests of students.

Abu Shadik Kayem, vice-president of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), said that the country and the democratic campus were achieved through the sacrifices of the July martyrs and their contributions must always be remembered.

He also demanded to include the DUCSU election in the university’s annual calendar.

Leaders of various student organisations also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy political environment and coexistence on the campus.

Nasir Uddin Nasir, central general secretary of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, said that 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 the campus and called for an end to “Gupta Politics”.

He also advised journalists to remain cautious about rumours spread through fake propaganda.

Chhatra Shibir Secretary General Sibgatullah Sibga said that despite ideological differences among political student organisations, their presence under one roof at the DUJA event reflected the beauty of student politics.

Bangladesh Chhatra Maitree Central General Secretary Jabir Ahmed Jubel 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.

Bangladesh Chhatra Odhikar Parishad President Nazmul Hasan said that despite political differences, tolerance and brotherhood must be maintained in the academic arena.

He urged all student organisations to avoid violence and intolerance and ensure a conducive environment for education.

Among others present were Dhaka University Treasurer Prof Mohammad Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, 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.Source: daily Sun

BP/SP