Students of Jagannath University (JnU) have demanded that no political murals be erected on campus.
Following the fall of the Awami League government, the mural of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at JnU was defaced with black ink.
Simultaneously, a plaque and mural of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, who played a key role in elevating Jagannath to university status, are being constructed in front of the Vice-Chancellor's office.
While students support the installation of a plaque recognizing the university’s founder, they oppose any political murals.
This demand was made during a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor on Monday at 4pm.
The students voiced concerns that erecting another mural would further politicize the campus. They emphasized their desire for a campus free from party politics or political symbols.
“There is no objection to installing a plaque in Begum Khaleda Zia’s honor, but creating another mural will return the campus to an era of political exploitation,” said AKM Rakib, a student from the 13th batch.
Ivan Tahsib, a student from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, added: “We represent the general students, and we do not want any political murals on campus. A plaque for the founder is fine, but a mural will inevitably politicize the environment.”
In response to these concerns, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Rezaul Karim said: "A committee has been formed to oversee the matter. Since the committee decided to create the mural, I support it. However, addressing your concerns is the committee’s responsibility; I have no authority over it."
Students present at the meeting included Yasin Piyas, Swarna Riya, AKM Rakib, and Ivan Tahsib.
Social media reaction
The decision to install Khaleda Zia’s mural at Jagannath University has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, particularly on Facebook.
In the group "We Want JnUCSU," Ashfaq Sharif wrote: “We have great respect for Jagannath University’s founder, Begum Khaleda Zia. A plaque in her honor is appropriate, but we oppose the creation of a mural. It’s time to move beyond traditional political displays. Let JnU be free from the politics of images and sculptures.”
Samiul Islam Samim added: “I thought only a plaque was being planned, but now I hear about a mural. This is image-based politics all over again—another act of party loyalty.”
Tanvir Hossain Asif expressed his disappointment: “When the Chhatra League destroyed Khaleda Zia’s plaque, we condemned it. The university promised restoration, and I was happy to hear it was happening. But a permanent image? If a neutral survey were conducted, I doubt the people of this country would support permanent political murals. We will never forget Khaleda Zia’s struggle, and we should honor her on University Day. But installing an image seems unnecessary and disrespectful. We ask for a beautiful, eye-catching plaque and reconsideration of the mural plan.”
What authorities say
In response, Prof Dr Rais Uddin, the convenor of the coordination committee, said: “This is not a mural; it’s a plaque with a picture. Fascism tried to erase this part of history, and we are now preserving it.”
However, another committee member, history teacher Mohammad Bilal Hossain, had a different perspective.
He said: “A plaque and a mural are not the same. A plaque acknowledging the university’s founder is necessary, but I hope the administration will refrain from installing any new murals on campus. The name alone is enough to honor Khaleda Zia; a picture isn’t necessary. May Allah elevate the status of this oppressed leader.”