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Vice-chancellor of Dhaka University Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan at a discussion on Monday said that as the events of 1969, 1971, 1990 and 2024 were interconnected, any attempt to use them for dishonest purposes would be resisted.

‘We must not allow political polarisation or hostility to undermine it. The events of 1969, 1971, 1990, and 2024 are interconnected. Any attempt to use them for dishonest purposes will be resisted,’ he said.

He made the remark at the discussion at the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union cafeteria following the inaugural ceremony the July Memorial Archive on the second floor of the DUCSU building.

In memory of the people killed and injured in the July-August mass uprising in the past year, DU authorities inaugurated the July Memorial Archive.

Presided over by the Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan, the event was attended by education adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar as chief guest.

Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar thanked the university authorities for undertaking what he termed a sustainable initiative to preserve the spirit of the uprising.

‘Today’s event is part of a broader effort. The martyrs sacrificed their lives to end injustice. Their blood strengthened the movement and inspired people across the country,’ he said.

Referring to the university’s role in democratic movements, he said, ‘The July uprising is a continuation of that legacy. We can now speak freely, and for that, we owe a lifelong debt to their families.’

Martyred Farhan Faiyaz’s father Shahidul Islam Bhuiyan said, ‘My only son had no interest in a government job. Yet he joined the movement against injustice. The fascist regime targeted him and shot him in the chest.’

Wasim Akram’s father Shafi Alam said, ‘He did not join the movement for personal gain. We want a country free of discrimination.’

Mir Mostafizur Rahman, father of martyr Mugdho, said, ‘My son was not just handing out water and biscuits that day; he worked to stop the police from disappearing the bodies of the dead.’

Martyr Abu Sayed’s brother Abu Hossain said, ‘Their sacrifices inspired the people of the country.’

Their dream of a just and equal Bangladesh must be fulfilled, he added.

Pro-VC for administration and convener of the archive committee, Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha delivered welcome address at the event, which was conducted by Professor Robayet Ferdous of the department of mass communication and journalism.