Students at Cumilla University criticized what they described as a limited observance of the second anniversary of the July mass uprising on August 5. The university administration began its programme with a rally at 10:30am on Wednesday, followed by a discussion at the Business Studies Faculty conference room. Abdul Kaiyum, described as the university’s sole martyr of the uprising, received a posthumous honor. Prayers and tabarruk distribution for the martyrs were also arranged at the central mosque after Zuhr.

Students said the campus lacked lighting, feast meals, cultural events, exhibitions and other participatory activities they said were held at many public universities. They also alleged that tabarruk was insufficient, leaving some students without it. Students Jubayer Hasan Rafat and Md Iqbal said the administration should translate its “Student First” policy into more inclusive and dignified arrangements.

Chhatra Shakti organizer Naim Bhuiyan called for larger future observances that honor the uprising’s spirit and cultural dimension. Chhatra Shibir president Mozammel Hossain Abir questioned the programme’s scale and criticized the lack of visible action against those accused of attacks on students during the movement. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M. M. Shariful Karim said the administration would continue initiatives to preserve martyrs’ memories and present their sacrifices to new generations.