Rajshahi University students host controversial feast following controversial animal sacrifice event
Photo Collected
RAJSHAHI, Bangladesh — A controversial event dubbed the “July Feast” took place on the Rajshahi University campus on Saturday, organized by Salahuddin Ammar, the General Secretary of the Rajshahi University Central Students’ Union (RUCSU). The event, which involved the slaughter of a cow, drew sharp criticism from students and campus observers.
The feast was held on the premises of the university’s central mosque. Participants were required to register via an online form and pay a fee of 15 BDT each. According to organizers, approximately 750 students participated in the event, with 650 served beef and others provided alternative meals.
Leading up to the event, Ammar announced his plans via social media, stating that the cow had been named “Bakshal”—the acronym for the political alliance formed by the Awami League in 1975. Ammar, who referred to himself as “Major Salahuddin Ammar” in his posts, described the slaughter as a celebration of the downfall of that political entity and the two-year anniversary of the July mass uprising.
While initial social media promotions suggested the feast was an official RUCSU initiative, it was later clarified that the union as a body was not involved. Ammar later confirmed that the event was not an official RUCSU undertaking, stating that a supporter had donated the animal and that not all members of the student union had reached a consensus regarding the project.
The event sparked significant backlash among the student body. Critics questioned the priorities of their student leaders, highlighting that while such events are being organized, students continue to face systemic issues including poor dormitory meal quality, unreliable internet services, and unresolved residential problems. One student noted that the activities were a disappointing reflection of the student union’s efforts 35 years after its formation.
On the day of the event, organizers displayed banners at the central mosque featuring slogans such as “Mujibism Murdabad” (Down with Mujibism) and “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long Live the Revolution). While male students gathered on the mosque grounds, female students were reportedly provided with food packages at the RUCSU building instead.
0%
0%
0%
0%
