Rajshahi University (RU) observed ‘July Women’s Day’ to commemorate the contribution of women in the July Uprising.
The discussion session was held at the university’s Senate Bhaban on Monday morning, marking the occasion.
In his speech as chief guest, Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Saleh Hasan Naqib said, “During the July uprising, people from all parties and views took to the streets, united to claim their rights and protest against injustice.”
“This revolution did not happen because of a single person; it succeeded through the collective participation of people from all walks of life, where women marched alongside their male counterparts at the same pace,” he added.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Main Uddin chaired the event.
Speaking as a discussant, Dr Raihana Shams Islam said, “For me, July represents a mass awakening, and at the heart of that uprising were our women. They didn’t just chant slogans — they marched shoulder to shoulder with the men, continuing the protests for hours even in pouring rain.”
University Registrar Professor Dr Iftikharul Alam Masud said, “In July, we witnessed many instances of oppression by fascist forces in our university halls. That July was not merely a political event — it was a full-fledged mass uprising.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) Dr Moha Farid Uddin Khan and Treasurer Professor Dr Matiur Rahman were present as special guests at the event.
As discussants, Professor Dr Raihana Shams Islam from the Department of Physics and Professor Dr Fouzia Edib Flora from the Department of Fisheries also spoke at the programme.
