In an unprecedented happening, the elected vice presidents of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), Chittagong University Central Students' Union (CUCSU), and Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) shared the same stage at the 'Freshers' Reception' 2025' programme organised by Islami Chhatra Shibir at Rajshahi University (RU) on Saturday.
The event, held at Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium, drew a large turnout of new students, where the student leaders from various political backgrounds offered greetings, reflections on campus politics, and guidance for the incoming batch.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers revisited the history of student activism, RU's legacy of protests, and the current political climate. They called for a democratic and just academic environment, urging newcomers to uphold honesty, unity, and principled leadership.
CUCSU VP Ibrahim Rony recalled the organisation's past, drawing attention to the incidents of March 11, 1982.
"Many of you know what happened that day. Shibir's welcome programme was violently disrupted, leading to the martyrdom of our four brothers-Sabbir, Hamid, Ayub, and Jobbar," he said. Rony also reflected on the 1969 anti-Ayub movement and the sacrifice of RU's martyred proctor Shamsuzzoha.
Rony criticised the post-student union election environment, saying, "We expected that after the elections, campuses would transform into safe, democratic spaces. But the reality is different. University administrations-and even the state-continue to create obstacles for elected student representatives."
RACSU VP Mostakur Rahman Jahid echoed the sentiments, describing the 1982 event as "a painful chapter of injustice."
"Today the situation has changed," he said. "Where our brothers once became martyrs for organising a freshers' reception, we are now able to host this programme peacefully on campus. For that, we are grateful."
Speaking at the event, DUCSU VP Abu Shadik Kayem delivered a sharply critical address targeting the former Awami League government, accusing it of suppressing Islami Chhatra Shibir.
"Even after attempts to ban Shibir, the organisation remained in people's hearts," he said, adding "Those responsible for past repression must face justice."
He went on to call the Awami League "a terrorist group" and urged the interim government to bring its leaders to trial.
The DUCSU VP also criticised the country's education system and urged first-year students to stay united: "If you remain united, no new form of authoritarianism will rise again."
mahmudbijoyru@gmail.com
