Jahangirnagar university: Jahangirnagar University (JU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Hasan has called on academics, writers, and cultural activists to actively engage in preserving the history and spirit of the July Mass Uprising through research, literature, and creative works. He emphasized that these efforts are essential to ensure that the legacy of the movement reaches future generations.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Prof Kamrul Hasan made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at the unveiling ceremony of ‘Jagaran’, a commemorative publication by the Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) to mark the July Mass Uprising. He stressed that the history of a nation’s freedom movement cannot rely solely on memories but must be documented through various forms of creative expression such as books, poetry, theatre, music, films, and documentaries.
The vice chancellor highlighted the story of Anas, a young martyr, whose sacrifice symbolized the courage of an entire generation. He shared an account from Anas’s mother, revealing a letter he wrote before sacrificing his life. “Though only a tenth-grade student, he chose to stand against injustice instead of remaining silent. Such stories must be preserved and shared with future generations,” Prof Kamrul said.
He further emphasized the need for systematic documentation of the sacrifices made by martyrs like Anas, Alif, Siam, Shraban Gazi, and Safwan. The experiences of their families should also be recorded to inspire future generations to uphold justice and resist oppression.
Prof Kamrul praised ‘Jagaran’ as an important historical archive, noting that while many may not read it today, it will remain a valuable document for future generations. He urged young people to prioritize honesty, humanity, and moral integrity over wealth and power.
He also advocated for advancing the spirit of the July Mass Uprising through academic research and cultural practices rather than relying on emotional remembrance alone. He drew parallels with the enduring impact of creative works from the 1971 Liberation War, which continue to inspire people to stand against injustice.
The vice chancellor described the JUCSU initiative as a commendable start and encouraged similar efforts to be made annually in a more comprehensive manner to preserve the history and ideals of the uprising. He also announced enhanced campus security measures, stating that the university would implement stricter identification checks and special security protocols before classes resume.
The event concluded with the unveiling of ‘Jagaran’ in the presence of university officials, teachers, students, injured participants of the July movement, family members of the martyrs, and other invited guests.