DU VC Obaidul Islam addresses July Mass Uprising seminars, urging democracy, justice and equality. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, August 6, 2026 (BSS) - Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam today said the historic July Mass Uprising represents a renewed commitment to establishing democracy, justice, and a discrimination-free society.

He made the remarks while speaking as chief guest at separate seminars and discussion meetings organized by the Faculty of Business Studies and the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at Dhaka University to mark the second anniversary of the historic July Mass Uprising.

A discussion titled “July Mass Uprising: Journey Towards Democratization” was held at the Prof Dr. Abdullah Faruq Multipurpose Conference Hall in the Business Studies faculty building.

Chaired by Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies Prof Dr Mahmud Osman Imam, the event was attended by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Abdus Salam and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Mohammed Almujaddade Alfahsane attended as special guests. DU Treasurer Prof Dr M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury presented the keynote paper while Convener of the Observance Committee Prof Al Amin conducted the programme.

The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, a minute of silence, and special prayers seeking eternal peace for the martyrs of the July Uprising. A documentary portraying the active participation of teachers and students of the Business Studies faculty in the movement was also screened. Injured students from the faculty also shared their experiences.

Addressing as the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr A B M Obaidul Islam paid deep tribute to all martyrs of the July Mass Uprising and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured.

“The 2024 Mass Uprising brought an end to prolonged misrule, fascism, and authoritarianism that opposed democratic values. History proves that no regime can endure long by ignoring public opinion, suppressing dissent, and resorting to misrule,” the VC said.

“The bravery and supreme sacrifice of students during the 2024 movement offered the nation a new ray of hope. Standing beside students in times of crisis was a moral duty for teachers. To rebuild a new Bangladesh, we must establish an egalitarian, democratic society with freedom of expression. Dissent must be respected, rule of law ensured, and justice delivered so that fascism can never rise again,” he said. 

Later in the afternoon, the Faculty of Engineering and Technology organized a discussion titled “Bloody July and Dhaka University” at the Computer Science and Engineering department auditorium.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof Dr Upama Kabir, DU VC Prof Dr A B M Obaidul Islam attended as the chief guest. Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr Abdus Salam and Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury were special guests, while Prof Dr S M Mostafa Al Mamun of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering department delivered the keynote speech.

The session began with readings from Holy Scriptures, the national anthem, and a minute of silence.
 
Faculty members and students shared memories and emphasized upholding the spirit of July to build a democratic, discrimination-free, and humane nation.