Dhaka: Dhaka University Students’ Union (DUCSU) vice-president Nur has urged the Awami League government “not to smear” the "100 Years of Mujib" celebrations - Mujib Barsha by inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “communal rioter”.

“Communal rioter Modi can’t join his [Bangabandhu’s] birthday celebrations. And if he comes, the general students will prevent him even if they have to shed blood. We won’t allow [the government] to smear Banghabandhu’s birth centenary celebrations by bringing a communal person like Modi,” he said while addressing a rally against violent attacks on those protesting against India’s new citizenship law at Dhaka University campus, bdnews24 reported.

“The Father of the Nation is not only the leader of a political party. He is a leader of the Bengalis from all walks of life. He is a leader of the freedom-seeking people of the world,” Nur said.

He said the students would “salute a secular person” like former Indian president Pranab Mukherjee if he joins the Mujib Barsha celebrations. “Many Nobel laureates have also been invited. We will welcome such progressive and secular people,” he said.

Rashed Khan, a joint convenor of  Bangladesh Council to Protect General Students’ Rights, said, “India is our friend but not Modi. The students of Bangladesh will never condone the communal riot he has started in India.”

The Bangladesh government is inviting a number of heads of state and government to the opening ceremony. Modi has not been invited officially yet, but he is reportedly coming to Bangladesh to join the ceremony.