Bangladesh: Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) today demanded the immediate removal of a portrait of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah from the museum of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), stating that its display has tarnished the image and heritage of the university. The Dhaka University unit of JCD, the student wing of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), also warned of initiating a tougher movement on the campus if the portrait is not removed promptly.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a delegation of DU JCD leaders, led by its President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahos and General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, presented their demand during a meeting with Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Obaidul Haque at his office this afternoon. Speaking to reporters post-meeting, Nahiduzzaman Shipon accused a specific student organisation at the university of engaging in 'double standards and hypocrisy.'
Describing the display of Jinnah's portrait at the DUCSU museum as a 'disgraceful act,' Shipon stated it undermined the history, glory, and heritage of Dhaka University, often referred to as the 'Oxford of the East.' He asserted, 'There is no relation between Jinnah and Dhaka University. Displaying his portrait at DUCSU has tarnished the image of Dhaka University. The portrait must be removed at the earliest.'
The JCD leaders emphasized their stance against anything that contradicts the history and heritage of Dhaka University and the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War. They reiterated their readiness to launch a more vigorous movement on campus if the portrait is not taken down.