Rajshahi, July 16 (V7N) - Professor Dr. S.M. Abdur Razzak, Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET), emphasized the importance of carrying forward the values of the July uprising to establish a corruption-free and equitable society. He spoke on Tuesday, July 15, at the inaugural session of the “Reviving the July Mass Uprising” program held in the university’s main hall.

The event commenced at 10:30 a.m. in the administrative building premises, followed by a photo exhibition on the July uprising and a documentary on the July 24 genocide.

At the start of his speech, the Vice-Chancellor paid tribute to the martyrs of the July uprising and remembered the injured and participants with deep respect.

He underscored that victory does not come from protest alone, referencing French revolutionary Napoleon Bonaparte’s warning: those who remain silent in the face of injustice suffer more than the oppressors. He stressed that oppressive regimes grow bolder when good people stay quiet. Over the past 15 years, authoritarian rule persisted partly due to an inability to organize collective resentment. He noted that the youth-led movement filled a leadership void, and it was their bravery that secured victory. “To establish a society free of corruption and inequality, we must embrace the mission and values of the July uprising,” he declared.

The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Robiul Islam Sorkar, Director of Student Welfare and President of the July Uprising Revival Committee. Speakers included engineering faculty deans and July uprising participants such as Professor Dr. Md. Nurul Islam (Dean, Mechanical Engineering), Professor Dr. Bashir Ahmed (Dean, Electrical & Computer Science), Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Kader Jilani (Dean, Applied Sciences & Humanities), and Professor Dr. H.M. Russell (Director, Planning & Development), alongside faculty, students, and administrative staff.

Also present were Acting Registrar Arif Ahmed Chowdhury, various deans, departmental heads, program directors, and staff.

On Thursday, July 17, the second day of the program will feature Quran recitation at 11 a.m., followed by a July 24 genocide remembrance session where guests, faculty, and students will share memories, and educational assistance will be provided to injured freedom fighters.

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