Dhaka, Aug 07 (V7N) – A group of 28 former students of Dhaka University has strongly condemned the display of names and photographs of convicted war criminals during a recent event held by the Islami Student Center at the Teachers-Students Center (TSC) of the university.

In a statement issued to the media on Wednesday, the signatories expressed grave concern over the program titled “36 July: We Will Not Stop”, which was reportedly organized by the student wing of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami—an organization accused of opposing Bangladesh’s Liberation War and linked to war crimes.

According to the statement, the event at TSC showcased images of seven convicted war criminals and allegedly satirized the seven Bir Shresthas, the highest gallantry awardees of the 1971 Liberation War. The former students termed the act as a direct insult to the spirit of independence and the sacrifices made during the war.

“Dhaka University is the birthplace of our Liberation War. Every inch of this campus is soaked in the blood and memories of our freedom struggle. The university lost nearly 300 members—students, teachers, and staff—in the war, including the brutal massacre on the night of March 25, 1971, and the killing of intellectuals on December 14,” the statement read.

The former students declared that the act of displaying photos and names of those convicted of genocide, rape, and crimes against humanity is not only offensive but also reflects “boundless arrogance.”

“Even after 54 years of independence, such shameless glorification of war criminals at this sacred institution is a grave insult to the nation’s history. We are at a loss for words to condemn this heinous action,” the statement continued. The group also called upon the current students of Dhaka University to remain vigilant and stand united against such provocations.

The statement was jointly signed by prominent alumni including Syed Badrul Ahsan, Niru Kamrun Nahar, Omar Selim, ABM Nasir, Abu Naser, and Sultana Rahman, among others.

They urged all students and stakeholders to protect the dignity and historical significance of Dhaka University and to never allow its sacrifices to be dishonored again.

END/RH/AJ