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Commemorating the 55th anniversary of martyrdom of Dr Shamsuzzoha, the Rajshahi University (RU) authorities today observed ‘Zoha Day’ as ‘Teachers’ Day’ on the campus in a befitting manner.
On this day in 1969, Dr Shamsuzzoha was shot dead by the then Pakistani military junta in front of the RU main gate as he rushed there to protect the students marching towards the town violating Section 144.
Zoha was the RU proctor and a teacher of the Chemistry Department. His death sparked violent protests throughout the then East Pakistan, leading to the fall of the autocratic Ayub regime. Dr Zoha is the country’s first Martyred Intellectual.
The RU authorities chalked out elaborate programmes, including hoisting of black flag atop all dormitories, administrative and academic buildings, placing of wreaths at Zoha’s grave, Zoha Memorial Lecture and offering special prayers and holding doa mahfil at the central mosque, marking the day.
Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar, Pro-VCs Prof Sultan-Ul-Islam and Prof Humayun Kabir, and Treasurer Prof Obaidur Rahman Pramanik accompanied by other officials, teachers and students of the university placed wreaths on Dr Zoha’s grave and memorial plaque.
The Zoha Memorial Lecture was held at Senate Bhaban with the title of ‘Our Education Thinking’. Former Education Secretary and Curator of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum Nazrul Islam Khan addressed the lecture as focal person with Chairman of the Department of Chemistry Prof Chowdhury Muhammad Jakaria in the chair.
RU VC Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar addressed the lecture session as chief guest, while Pro-VCs Prof Sultan-Ul-Islam and Prof Humayun Kabir spoke as special guests.
Rajshahi University Teachers Association (RUTA), Progressive Teachers’ Society (PTS), officers’ associations, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), Rajshahi University Journalists’ Association (Ruja) and different socio-cultural organisations held discussions and offered special prayers in observance of the day.
Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Hall also arranged a discussion. RU Chemistry Department brought out a silent procession on the campus to mark the day.
Shaheed Smrity Sangrahashala remained open for all from 8 am to 5 pm in observance of the day.