Chittagong University (CU) reopened on Sunday, three months after it was shut down following the student movement.
Students returned to classes following a prayer ceremony at the university’s Shaheed Minar, honouring the martyrs of the Anti-Discrimination Movement.
Teachers, staff, and students gathered at the Shaheed Minar, wearing red badges as a symbol of remembrance.
The ceremony was led by Associate Professor Shahidul Haque from the Department of Communication and Journalism.
Addressing the gathering, CU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Yeahia Akhter said: “The students have paved the way for unprecedented reforms through the anti-discrimination movement. We must seize this opportunity to advance the university, particularly in the field of education. Today (Sunday), we resume academic activities by honoring the courageous martyrs.”
Rasel Ahmed, the central coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said: “We have assembled here to remember the martyrs, whose sacrifices paved the way for a new, independent Bangladesh. This ceremony serves as a tribute to them as we resume our academic journey.”
The university had been closed since July 1, initially due to a teachers' and staff strike demanding the cancellation of the pension scheme.
On July 17, the authorities declared the closure of the university following violent escalations in the quota reform movement. Students were instructed to vacate the dormitories, and all academic activities were suspended.
