Jagannath University Central Students’ Union, or JAKSU, held a symbolic programme on Monday, 3 August, at the university campus to remember those killed and injured in the July mass uprising. Titled “The place of authoritarianism is in the dustbin,” the event protested authoritarianism, violence and anti-democratic politics and was attended by JAKSU leaders, activists and general students.

Participants took a position against authoritarianism, enforced disappearances, killings, corruption, extortion, stuntmanship, violence and partisan politics in educational institutions. The programme was initiated by JAKSU Liberation War and Democracy Secretary Md Nur Nabi. He said it was organised in memory of the uprising’s martyrs and injured people, adding that authoritarianism, corruption, extortion, violence and partisan campus politics have no place in educational institutions.

Nur Nabi called for support for democracy, accountability and the rule of law, saying JAKSU would work for democracy, justice and people’s rights. JAKSU said the initiative also aimed to convey symbolic rejection of repression and anti-democratic politics and raise student awareness to prevent any future rise of authoritarianism. Several JAKSU office-bearers and students attended.