Rucsu GS Ammar organises 'July Ziyafat' with cow named 'Baksal', drawing students' backlash over funding
Ammar said that the day marked what he described as the “historic fall of Baksal” and the second anniversary of the July Uprising, which was why the cow had been given such a name
A 'July feast' featuring a cow named 'Baksal' was organised at Rajshahi University (RU) today (15 August), with Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (Rucsu) General Secretary Salauddin Ammar taking a leading role in the event.
The feast was held at the university's Central Mosque premises at around 2pm, in which, according to the organisers, some 750 students participated.
Students were invited to register through a Google Form. The use of the Rucsu's imagery in the banner for the event drew mixed reactions from the students on social media, with some questioning whether union funds were used to organise the feast.
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In a Facebook post, RU student Kaushik Das Kangkan said, "Salauddin Ammar is sacrificing a cow in Rucsu's name using the students' money. Who gave him the right to waste their money like this?"
However, Rucsu's Debate and Literature Secretary Imran Laskar said that he was unaware whether the cow was being sacrificed on behalf of the student union and denied any involvement in the event.
"I want to make it clear that I have no involvement with this event. Those organising it under the Rucsu's banner have not yet given a clear statement about it," he added, urging those involved to clarify the matter to the students.
Mehedi Maruf, president of the university unit of Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, questioned the source of funding for the event.
"If this is not Rucsu's money, then whose money is it?" he said, alleging that students' money could be being used for political purposes.
Several students also criticised the initiative on social media, raising concerns over the quality of food in residential halls, internet services and accommodation facilities.
Why 'Baksal'?
In a video message posted on Facebook last night, Ammar announced the feast and said the cow had been named 'Baksal'. He said the animal would be sacrificed as part of the celebrations, describing the event as a "July Ziyafat" ("July Feast").
Speaking to reporters at the feast, Ammar said today marked what he described as the "historic fall of Baksal" and the second anniversary of the July Uprising, which was why the cow had been given such a name.
He said Rucsu had initially promoted the event, but not all union members agreed with it. Later, he alleged, "the cow was gifted by an individual and the union was not involved in the matter".
This afternoon, students were seen gathering in small groups near the Central Mosque. Food packets were being prepared inside the Rucsu building, while tarpaulins were being laid on the grass outside the premises for students to sit and eat.
