University Teachers Network condemns Shibir’s display of war criminals’ photos at DU
The network demands DU proctor’s resignation for failing to perform his duties
The University Teachers Network condemned Islami Chhatra Shibir for displaying images of convicted war criminals on the premises of Dhaka University's TSC on the first anniversary of the July Uprising.
In a statement issued today (6 August), the network also demanded immediate resignation of the university proctor for his repeated failure to uphold the sanctity and security of the campus.
"5 August marked the first anniversary of a historic people's uprising against fascism. On this solemn day of remembrance, we stood to honour the martyrs and injured who laid the foundation for such an awakening. However, instead of unity, we witnessed an insult to our national memory," reads the statement.
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DU removes photos of convicted war criminals from Shibir's July exhibition amid protests
It said, "At the heart of Bangladesh's democratic struggles, the TSC premises were used by Islami Chhatra Shibir to display images of individuals identified as collaborators in the 1971 Liberation War — those who aided Pakistani forces in committing genocide. These figures, publicly known as anti-liberation agents and Razakars, have been widely recognised for their roles in atrocities committed against the people of Bangladesh, including students, teachers, and staff of Dhaka University."
The teachers' network stated that Shibir's display of war criminals' photos is not only an insult to the martyrs of 1971, but also a deliberate attempt to rehabilitate and normalise the legacy of war criminals.
"The celebration of July with images of such figures at Dhaka University, a symbol of resistance and sacrifice, is deeply offensive and unacceptable," said the network.
The network said the university administration and particularly the proctor bears constitutional and moral responsibility to safeguard both the physical security of the campus and the symbolic integrity of the Liberation War's legacy.
"The failure to prevent such a provocative and disrespectful event underscores gross negligence and administrative incompetence," it added.
Therefore, the network demanded an unconditional public apology from Islami Chhatra Shibir for this "deliberate attempt to insult the memory of the martyrs and rehabilitate convicted war criminals."
It also sought a formal commitment from Shibir that they will never again engage in efforts to glorify or defend individuals responsible for crimes against humanity during 1971.
