A group of Dhaka University (DU) students has restored the graffiti of Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women’s empowerment and a formidable Muslim feminist who championed women’s rights and education in South Asia.
The graffiti, located near DU's Shamsun Nahar Hall, was defaced on Tuesday when a female resident student allegedly sprayed black paint over the face of the artwork.
The incident quickly surfaced on social media, drawing widespread criticism from DU students and the public.
Pranto Chowdhury, a student of DU, wrote on Facebook: “Without Rokeya, would the women of this country even cross primary school, let alone enter a university? What’s the issue with Rokeya?”
In response to the backlash, Hall Provost Nasrin Sultana addressed the incident, saying: “We summoned the student and spoke to her in the presence of a psychologist. Some of her statements seemed inconsistent. After the discussion, she realized her mistake, apologized, and assured us she would not repeat such actions. She also promised to restore the graffiti to its original state.”
The graffiti, painted after August 5th, symbolizes the spirit of the July mass uprising and inclusivity beyond cultural and gender barriers.
On Wednesday, DU students took the initiative to restore the artwork, reaffirming their commitment to preserving the legacy of Begum Rokeya and advocating for women's rights and empowerment.