Rajshahi University removes controversial painting depicting July uprising over alleged disrespect to 1971 Liberation War

RAJSHAHI — A painting displayed at an exhibition at Rajshahi University has been removed following intense backlash from students and faculty who alleged the artwork attempted to diminish the significance of the 1971 Liberation War in favor of the 2024 mass uprising.

The three-day exhibition, titled “July Mass Uprising: Free Homeland in Colors,” opened Sunday at the university’s Senate Building premises to mark the July Mass Uprising Day. The event, organized by the university administration, features 80 artworks and is scheduled to conclude Tuesday evening.

The controversy centers on a painting depicting a clenched hand holding a balance scale. One side of the scale, labeled “71” in red, was depicted as being outweighed by the other side, labeled “24” in dark colors. Observers argued that the visual representation implied the 2024 movement held greater weight or significance than the country’s founding war for independence.

Student leaders across the political spectrum voiced strong disapproval. Fuad Ratul, convener of the university branch of the Socialist Student Front, stated that the comparison serves the narrative of the ousted Awami League and attempts to pit two historical events against each other. Sultan Ahmed Rahi, president of the Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal campus unit, called the artwork a sign of disrespect toward national history, asserting that 1971 represents a glorious chapter of sacrifice that cannot be sidelined to elevate the 2024 uprising. Hafiz Mehedi Hasan, secretary of the campus Islami Chhatra Shibir, urged the university community to draw inspiration from both events without creating unnecessary conflict.

The artist, who requested anonymity, defended the piece as a stylistic choice rather than a political statement. The artist explained that the scale was intended to be metaphorical and that the “24” side appeared heavier due to the inclusion of small pebbles, denying any intent to undermine the 1971 Liberation War.

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Administrative officials expressed concern over the lack of oversight regarding the exhibition’s content. Professor Ariful Islam, who authorized the display in the absence of the faculty dean, admitted that he signed off on the event without personally vetting the individual artworks.

University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Alim emphasized that the two movements are fundamentally different. “1971 was a battle for our sovereignty and existence, while 2024 was a fight against a fascist government,” he noted.

By Monday, the controversial piece was removed from the venue. Professor S.M. Kamruzzaman, the university’s public relations administrator, confirmed the removal and stated that the event was primarily supervised by the Faculty of Fine Arts. He reiterated that the university administration would not tolerate the promotion of any controversial or divisive material.