The Jatiyatabadi Teachers' Forum at Chittagong University has strongly protested the remarks made by the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Shamim Uddin Khan, alleging he attempted to "distort the history" of the Liberation War.

In a press release issued late last night (December 16), the forum said comments made by Prof Shamim during a discussion marking Martyred Intellectuals Day, along with his subsequent actions, constituted "a deliberate effort to misrepresent the history of the Liberation War."

The forum said that the Liberation War is the foundation of Bangladesh's existence and that "any attempt to belittle this historical truth, provide misleading interpretations or distort history for political purposes is unacceptable," particularly from someone in a key administrative position at a leading educational institution.

The statement further said that misleading explanations have recently been circulated by the Chittagong University administration and that around 10 teachers were encouraged to engage in the distortion of history. Such actions, the forum said, not only undermine the dignity of the university but also risk misleading future generations with false historical narratives.

The organisation maintained that the Liberation War is not a matter of personal interpretation but a unanimously acknowledged national history, adding that any attempt to distort it is tantamount to taking a position against the spirit of the nation.

The organisation demanded the immediate public and unconditional withdrawal of the pro vice-chancellor's remarks, an apology to the nation, and a commitment to refrain from such statements in the future. It also called on authorities to take appropriate action against activities that create confusion regarding the history of the Liberation War.

The press release was signed by Prof Dr Mohammad Al-Amin, president, and Prof Mohammad Jahedur Rahman Chowdhury, acting general secretary of the forum.