Dhaka University vice-chancellor professor Niaz Ahmed Khan announced Tuesday that the DU authorities would establish a ‘July Revolution Corner’ to honour the student-led uprising of July-August 2024.
The university also plans to host academic conferences and workshops centred on the events of the uprising.
Professor Niaz shared the initiative during a meeting with students and coordinators of the student movement at DU’s Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury senate building.
United Nations high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk attended the event alongside DU proctor associate professor Saifuddin Ahmed and officials from the UN resident coordinator’s office in Dhaka.
Before the meeting, Volker Turk viewed graffiti created by students on the DU campus during the July uprising.
In his remarks, VC Niaz Ahmed said that they aspired to build a new Bangladesh together with the coordinators and students of the movement.
He also confirmed that DU had established a committee to investigate the violent incidents of August. ‘This committee will fully cooperate with the UN’s fact-finding team to bring the perpetrators to justice.’
High commissioner Volker Turk highlighted the need to address human rights issues in Bangladesh, stating that Bangladesh had a unique opportunity to confront human rights violations and to introduce reforms within its core institutions.
He expressed the UN’s commitment to supporting the interim government in rebuilding institutions, reinstating civil rights, promoting accountability, and implementing processes for a smooth transition.