After two days of clashes, chases, counter-chases and rival programmes, leaders and activists of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal and Islami Chhatra Shibir appeared on the same stage at Begum Rokeya University in Rangpur. The August 5 July Mass Uprising Day programme was organised by the university administration and included a rally, tree planting and a discussion meeting. Leaders of both groups said they hoped to preserve peaceful coexistence on campus by avoiding violence and differences.

Despite rain, participants held an umbrella-carrying rally from the university’s main gate, passing Shaheed Abu Sayeed Square and Modern Mor before ending at the south gate of the administrative building. A tree-planting programme in memory of those killed in the July mass uprising followed, with the vice-chancellor and the presidents of both student groups taking part.

Shibir president Md. Abdur Rakib Murad said his organisation had not obstructed Chhatra Dal programmes and wanted a stable campus environment. Chhatra Dal president Rafael Imtiaz Yamin called for unity and rejection of disorder, violence and division. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Shawkat Ali said maintaining a peaceful environment was everyone’s responsibility at a university, which he described as a place for knowledge and free expression.