Teachers’ Network Calls on Shibir to Issue Public Apology

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 7th August 2025, 11:39 AM

Teachers’ Network Calls on Shibir to Issue Public Apology

Photo: Collected

In response to the display of photographs of convicted war criminals at the University of Dhaka during the first anniversary of the July Uprising, the organisation University Teachers’ Network has condemned the act and demanded an unconditional apology from Islami Chhatra Shibir, as well as the resignation of the university proctor.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, 6 August, the organisation remarked:

“To commemorate the anniversary using images of those who committed genocide against teachers, students, and staff of Dhaka University during the Liberation War of 1971 is both deeply insulting and reprehensible.”

They further stated that while debates persist over the judicial shortcomings and political bias during the war crimes trials conducted by the ruling Awami League, no one can be absolved from the responsibility of the atrocities committed in 1971:

“The burden of genocide committed in 1971 is permanent in the pages of history, and no group can distance itself from it.”

Calling for the immediate resignation of the university’s proctor, the statement added:

“The occurrence of such an incident on an important date like 5 August reflects a profound failure of duty and incompetence on the part of the proctor. The university administration has a constitutional obligation not only to ensure campus security but also to uphold the dignity of the Liberation War. It has once again failed in that responsibility.”

The Teachers’ Network also criticised those who, under the guise of the ’24 Movement’, allegedly aim to distort the history of 1971:

“Those who attempt to trivialise the Liberation War by invoking the 2024 student movement are betraying the legacy of both struggles. The act of showcasing war criminals’ images is a grave insult to the martyrs of 1971 and the sacrifices made during the July movement — a betrayal that cannot be tolerated.”

The Five-Point Charter of Demands from the Teachers’ Network:

No.	Demands
1	Islami Chhatra Shibir must issue an unconditional public apology and pledge never to rehabilitate or glorify convicted war criminals again.
2	The University Administration must formally express regret over the incident and issue clear guidelines to prevent any such recurrence.
3	The University Proctor must resign immediately due to gross negligence and failure in performing constitutional duties.
4	Strict action must be taken against any organisations or groups involved in the online harassment of women.
5	A permanent initiative must be launched to promote the history of the Liberation War on campus, including the preservation of memorials and
	structures containing the names of martyrs such as Smriti-Chironton (Eternal Memory).

The statement from the Teachers’ Network underscores the growing concern within academic circles regarding historical revisionism and the institutional responsibilities tied to preserving the sanctity of the Liberation War’s legacy.