RU Administration Removes Billboard Featuring Convicted War Criminals Amid Student Protests

The Rajshahi University (RU) administration has removed a controversial billboard featuring images of convicted 1971 war criminals displayed on Paris Road following persistent demonstrations and demands from students.

The removal followed multiple rounds of discussions between protesting students and the university proctor on Sunday, extending late into the night. Following further consultations with the university’s two Pro-Vice Chancellors, the administration agreed to remove or cover the disputed content.

Revisions to the Display

By Monday afternoon, the original billboard titled "Judicial Killing" was replaced with a modified version. The revised display removed images of six individuals convicted of crimes against humanity during the 1971 Liberation War, replacing them with images of Sukharanjan Bali and retired Major Bazlul Huda.

The initial billboard was put up by an organization named 'Novoculture', directed by Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) General Secretary Salauddin Ammar. Labeling the execution of convicted 1971 war criminals as "Judicial Killing," the display triggered significant controversy on campus and drew sharp criticism across social media.

Except for former BNP Standing Committee member Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, the individuals pictured were senior Jamaat-e-Islami figures, including former Jamaat Ameer Motiur Rahman Nizami, Nayeb-e-Ameer Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, former Assistant Secretary General Abdul Quader Mollah, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujaheed, and Mir Quasem Ali. The poster also included retired Major Bazlul Huda, convicted in the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assassination case, alongside text alleging irregular execution, as well as images of missing witness Sukharanjan Bali and Justice Manik Miah.

Student Reactions and Administrative Action

Student organizations voiced strong objections to the placement and content of the display near significant campus landmarks.

"The issue of 1971 was settled long ago. Displaying photos of Razakars near the grave of Martyr Dr. Shamsuzzoha cannot be accepted under any circumstances. Under the banner of Novoculture, an attempt was made to normalize identified Razakars and their crimes. Progressive student organizations and general students submitted a memorandum to the university administration, and following discussions, the administration assured us the images would be removed. We have temporarily suspended our movement based on this assurance," stated Al Shahriar Shuvo, General Secretary of RU Chhatra Odhikar Parishad.

Foyad Ratul, Convener of the RU Democratic Students' Alliance, added that while the 2024 mass uprising is a key historic event, it should not be used to rehabilitate or glorify 1971 anti-liberation figures like Golam Azam, which conflicts with core state principles.

Addressing the situation, RU Proctor Professor Mahbubur Rahman explained the administration's intervention:

"The billboard featuring images of these individuals created widespread discontent among students. I initially requested Novoculture Director and RUCSU GS Salauddin Ammar to remove it. When Novoculture expressed hesitation, the university administration directly stepped in to remove the controversial names and images from the billboard."