JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY : Jahangirnagar University (JU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said the university became the country's first "Chhatra League-free" campus during the July Uprising of 2024, describing it as a milestone that strengthened the nationwide movement against the then government.

He made the remarks while inaugurating a memorial plaque commemorating the July 14, 2024 incident in front of Rabindranath Tagore Hall on the campus on Tuesday night.

"The July Uprising enabled Jahangirnagar University to become the country's first Chhatra League-free campus. From here, the movement gained further momentum and leadership," the VC said.

He said the achievements of the movement were reflected in the restoration of coexistence among students, the ensuring of legitimate accommodation in residential halls and the holding of the Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) election after a gap of 33 years.

Recalling the events of July 14, 2024, Kamrul Ahsan said the attack on students at Jahangirnagar University laid the foundation for the resistance movement on the campus.

"Although the quota reform movement had already begun, the attack on that day gave the movement a new momentum," he said, adding that history had shown whenever students and people united, even the strongest opponents were forced to retreat.

Describing the JUCSU election as one of the major achievements of the July Uprising, he said students had once again secured the opportunity to elect their representatives to the university Senate after more than three decades.

Referring to the current campus atmosphere, the vice-chancellor said no shortcomings had been observed in peaceful coexistence among active student organisations over the past two years.

"Three new batches have enrolled during this period and every student has been ensured a legitimate residential seat. Where students once struggled to continue their studies because of overcrowded dormitories and repression, they are now able to pursue education in a safe and congenial environment," he added.

Paying tribute to those who were killed and injured during the July Uprising, Dr Kamrul Ahsan said their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

He urged policymakers to learn from the mistakes of the past and prioritise the aspirations of the younger generation in building a new Bangladesh.

The vice-chancellor formally inaugurated the memorial plaque at the end of the programme, while Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam, Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Treasurer Prof Dr M Abdur Rab, students, teachers and officials were present among others.

Earlier, the university administration has announced a month-long programme marking the July Uprising and the August 5 anniversary of the fall of the fascist regime.

As part of the programme, a discussion marking the "Black Night" will be held at 10:30 pm on July 15 in front of the vice-chancellor's residence, followed by a documentary screening at 11:00 pm, a one-minute blackout at midnight, a candlelight vigil at 12:01 am and prayers in memory of those killed and injured during the July Uprising.