Allowing Shibir at Shaheed Minar
RU Sangskritik Jote wears black badge
Rajshahi University (RU) unit of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote (SSJ) yesterday observed their Independence Day programmes wearing black badges in protest against allowing an organisation backed by Islami Chhatra Shibir to hold their programmes on RU Central Shaheed Minar premises.
Earlier, the university authorities denied RU SSJ to hold programmes on the Shaheed Minar premises on the plea of emergency but they gave permission to Shibir-backed Bikalpa Sahitya Sangsad for holding cultural programme on the same venue to celebrate the Independence Day.
SSJ RU yesterday began their protest programme with a silent protest procession on the campus hosting black flag and wearing black badges.
Later, they placed floral wreath at RU central Shaheed Minar and observed one-minute silence in honour of martyred freedom fighters.
At around 10:00am, they held a protest meeting at Shahidullah Arts Building.
Former RU vice chancellor Prof Abdul Khalek and Prof Saidur Rahman Khan, who were present as main speakers in the meeting, strongly criticised the university authorities for favouring a Shibir-backed organisation.
Favouring an organisation backed by Shibir nad Jamaat, the RU authorities have shown that they are loyal to the anti-liberation forces and war criminals, Prof Khalek said.
Prof Saidur Rahman Khan urged all progressive organisations for strength their organisation capabilities and raise demand for trial of war criminals.
Speakers at the meeting also urged the RU authorities to withdraw the general restriction on cultural programmes on the campus.
Hundreds of teachers, students, cultural activists, and university employees took part in the protest meeting.
In the afternoon, the SSJ held their Independence Day cultural programme on the premises of folklore department.
Meanwhile, Shibir-backed Bikalpa Sahitya Sangsad held cultural programme and prize distribution ceremony on RU central Shaheed Minar premises.
Earlier, different political, socio-cultural and student organisations in Rajshahi city and Rajshahi University strongly criticised the university authorities for allowing a Shibir-backed organisation to held programmes at RU Central Shaheed Minar on the Independence Day.
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