Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam said no one has been able, or will be able, to endure after unjustly wielding power over the university. He made the remarks on Sunday at a discussion marking “Black Day,” commemorating the repression, arrests and alleged torture of teachers and students in August 2007. Teachers, students, officers and employees wore black badges, followed by a memorial and discussion programme at the TSC auditorium.

The vice-chancellor said the university has never compromised with injustice and that suppressing it cannot stop democratic movements. Recalling the events after 20 August 2007, he said teachers and officials involved in the movement faced pressure, harassment and torture, while some teachers were jailed. He called on the university community to speak out against any future injustice, repression or persecution.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Almojaddedi Alfechani said the violence from 20 to 23 August 2007 aimed to suppress the university and weaken democratic movements. Former dean Professor Dr Sadrul Amin said the crisis created unprecedented unity, proposing that 23 August also be observed as a day of harmony and solidarity.