Anti-Fascism square to be built at Jagannath University named after Biswajit Das

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Md Abdus Salam today announced the construction of an anti-fascism square named after slain Biswajit Das on the Jagannath University campus.

On December 9, 2012, Jagannath University Chhatra League activists chased and hacked tailor Bishwajit Das near Bahadur Shah Park in Old Dhaka after being mistaken for a blockade supporter during a BNP-led programme. He was taken to Mitford Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

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The announcement of building a square after his name came in response to a proposal submitted by Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Prof Md Rais Uddin.

Salam made the announcement while inaugurating the university's modernised central auditorium, renovated by the DSCC at a cost of around Tk 2.5 crore.

During the programme, he also announced that responsibility for the beautification and maintenance of the historic Bahadur Shah Park would be handed over to the university authorities and students.

“An important historical establishment tied to the memories of the Sepoy Mutiny like Bahadur Shah Park cannot be left in mismanagement and neglect,” he said. “The university authorities and students must come forward to preserve it with due dignity.”

Highlighting the need for students' physical and mental development, Salam said Dhupkhola ground would be properly allocated for their sports activities. He also called on Jagannath University to take the lead in promoting a cultural revival centred on Old Dhaka.

The DSCC administrator further urged students to play an active role in keeping the capital clean and preventing dengue.

The programme was chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof Rais Uddin. Dhaka-7 lawmaker Hamidur Rahman Hamid attended as special guest, alongside university teachers, students, officials and senior DSCC representatives.