Photo : BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, Aug 1, 2025 (BSS) - Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan today said that removing the portrait of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the July Uprising was a bold and difficult decision at the time.

"Though it may seem simple now, removing the portrait of fascist Hasina back then was no easy task," the VC said while addressing a mass rally on the campus, marking the observance of '36 July: Fall of Tyrant Hasina Day 2025'.

He praised Professor Dr Shamima Sultana for fulfilling the will of 180 million people by removing the portrait and called her act a symbol of courage. 

The VC further mentioned that Prof Md Jamal Uddin of the Environmental Sciences Department also took similar action, which served as an additional source of encouragement.

Calling for unity and dialogue in the post-uprising political atmosphere, Prof Kamrul said, "We may have differences in opinion, but we must not let hatred prevail. Otherwise, the defeated forces may return. All disputes must be resolved through dialogue."

The rally was chaired by Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam, acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and convener of the day's observance committee.

Prof Dr Shamima Sultana, director of the Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture; Prof Md Jamal Uddin, director of the Student Counselling and Guidance Centre and JU proctor Prof Dr A K M Rashidul Alam also addressed the rally, among others. 

Students Abdur Rashid Jitu, Touhid Md Siam and Md Sifatullah spoke at the event, which was moderated by Jahangirnagar University Journalists' Association President Mehedi Mamun.

Earlier in the morning, a symbolic 'July Marathon' and a daylong blood group testing campaign were launched at Mohuatala around 7:00am. 

Following the marathon, Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam distributed medals, certificates and prizes among the winners.