Ex‑SAD leader faces backlash for fundraising letters linked to ‘36 July Concert' in RU
Salahuddin defended the fundraising effort, explaining that sending invitations was standard practice for events
Former coordinator of Rajshahi University's Students Against Discrimination (SAD), Salahuddin Ammar, has drawn sharp criticism for allegedly seeking Tk76 lakh from 70 organisations to fund a "July 36: Liberation Festival" concert.
The event is purportedly meant to commemorate the anniversary of the July 2024 student-people uprising.
Sources have confirmed that Rajshahi City Corporation pledged Tk2 lakh for the event.
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In a Facebook post, Salahuddin Ammar said the requested funding was addressed to at least 70 institutions, including banks, corporate groups, and media houses, with the endorsement of RU Vice‑Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib.
Salahuddin, along with co‑organiser of 'Campus Bauliyana' platform KSK Hridoy, sent formal proposals to more than 20 entities but fell short of completing submissions due to illness.
They insist each proposal featured official signatures and seals.
The fundraising effort went viral on social media, triggering a wave of condemnation.
The move has been widely criticised as opportunistic fundraising, raising questions about the appropriateness of a former student leader soliciting funds from public and private institutions for a political commemoration.
In response, student union leaders and prominent alumni voiced mistrust.
Rajshahi University Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Sultan Ahmed Rahi described the letters as "a disguised extortion scheme."
In a Facebook post, RU Chhatra Dal office secretary Nafiul Islam wrote, "Many of those injured during the July Uprising have yet to receive proper medical care. Before spending government funds on celebrations, their treatment must be ensured. Using state funds to commemorate July amounts to hypocrisy and a betrayal of the true spirit of the uprising."
Salahuddin, the former SAD leader, defended the fundraising effort, explaining that sending invitations was standard practice for events.
He pointed out that previous cultural initiatives had been facilitated by the vice-chancellor's endorsements, setting a precedent for such proposals.
Despite criticism, Salahuddin has pledged full transparency in documenting every expense associated with the concert and reaffirmed that the initiative follows proper protocols with the vice chancellor's recommendations and institutional oversight.
When questioned, RU VC Saleh Hasan Naqib clarified, "I made it clear that the university couldn't offer financial support; the event had to be independently organised. Later, he [Salahuddin] asked for a fund allocation recommendation, which I provided, just as I have done for various other cultural organisations on campus in the past."
