Dhaka, Aug 06 (V7N) – Strong condemnation has erupted after Islami Chatra Shibir displayed photographs of convicted war criminals during a program held at Dhaka University’s (DU) Teacher-Student Center (TSC) on Tuesday (August 5). The controversial display triggered widespread outrage across student communities and social media, ultimately prompting the DU proctorial team to intervene and remove the images.

In a joint press release, the Bangladesh Nationalist Chatra Dal (Chatra Dal) and Students Federation DU branch denounced the exhibition, accusing Shibir of attempting to rewrite history and undermine the legacy of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Chatra Dal: Attempt to Pit 1971 Against 2024

Chatra Dal DU branch president Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas and general secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon said in their statement:

“Displaying images of genocidal Razakars and convicted war criminals—including Nizami, Mujahid, and Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury—at DU, the birthplace of the Liberation War, is a sinister attempt to bring the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 Mass Uprising into false contradiction.”

They further alleged that Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury, a convicted war criminal, was a victim of political vendetta and criticized the Shahbagh movement of 2013, calling it a “mob justice campaign created by the allies of Awami fascism.”

Students Federation: Desecration of DU’s Legacy

Leaders of the Students Federation DU branch—Convener Armanul Haque and Secretary Sakibur Roni—also issued a strong condemnation:

“Dhaka University is sacred ground, soaked in the blood of martyrs from movements such as the 1952 Language Movement, the 1969 Mass Uprising, the 1971 Liberation War, and the 1990 and 2024 uprisings. Displaying photos of Nizami, Mujahid, and Quader Molla—key figures behind the 1971 genocide—is a direct insult to the legacy of these sacrifices.”

They accused Shibir of trying to normalize genocide and tarnish DU’s historical sanctity, stating that the university administration also bears responsibility for allowing the exhibition to proceed.

“By approving this disgraceful event, the DU administration has committed a heinous act and must be held accountable,” the Students Federation added.

Incident and Aftermath

The controversy began during an event titled ‘Judicial Murder’, organized by Islami Chatra Shibir’s DU branch. When images of individuals convicted of crimes against humanity during the Liberation War were displayed, intense backlash followed both on campus and online. Protests from students led to the removal of the images by the university’s proctorial team.

This latest development adds to growing tensions on campus, where student activism remains central to the evolving political discourse following the July Uprising of 2024.

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