Dhaka, August 4: Royal University of Dhaka organized a discussion and documentary screening on the occasion of ‘July Mass Uprising Day.’ The event was held on Tuesday at 3 PM in the university auditorium and featured the screening of a short documentary titled “July Kothon.”
The event was presided over by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. A.N.M. Meshquat Uddin. In his remarks, he said, “The July Mass Uprising marks a significant addition to our national history. Standing fearlessly in front of bullets, the youth sang songs of life and courage. They demonstrated that this country has never tolerated inequality and will never accept fascism. Their sacrifices were for a prosperous and inclusive Bangladesh free from all forms of social disparity.”
He urged the nation to embrace the ‘July Spirit’ to drive progress and unity.
Professor Dr. Dipu Siddiqui, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Acting Controller of Examinations, stated, “Any ruling force that curtails freedom of thought and speech and restricts political expression is destined for the dustbin of history. Political parties that defy public expectations and cling to power through unjust means have always failed. The true challenge of the ‘July Spirit’ is to eliminate corruption and establish equality and justice for all.”
Associate Professor Jaharat Ara, Head of the English Department, said, “The call for justice and equality came from this generation of students. During the July movement, people of all ages took to the streets with a unified dream—to end fascism and build a corruption-free Bangladesh.”
Associate Professor Murad Hasan noted, “Today, the spirit of July feels distant. Divisions and disunity have overshadowed the essence of the movement.”
Following the memorial session, the short documentary “July Kothon”—produced by Professor Dr. Dipu Siddiqui—was screened. The film was created in accordance with the guidelines and instructions of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Vice Chancellor Dr. Meshquat Uddin inaugurated the screening and expressed his admiration for the audience’s silent attention throughout. He praised Dr. Dipu Siddiqui and his team for presenting such a powerful documentary within a short span of time.
The documentary poignantly captured scenes of fundamental human rights violations, quota-based discrimination, repression, and the emotional realities of families who lost loved ones during the movement.
Among those present were Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. A.N.M. Meshquat Uddin, Associate Professor Zaharat Ara, Associate Professor Murad Hasan, Assistant Professors Amena Khatun, Sharmin Sultana, and Obaidur Rahman, Lecturer Mitanur Rahman from the Department of Hotel and Tourism, Deputy Registrar Md. Moshiur Rahman, Suhrid Zaman, along with faculty members, students, and staff of the university.
The program was hosted by Lecturer Md. Arif Hossain.Teachers and students from various departments of Royal University actively and enthusiastically participated in both the discussion and the documentary screening, marking the observance of July Mass Uprising Day with dignity and reflection.