RAJSHAHI, Feb 18, 2019 (BSS) – Commemorating the 50th anniversary of
martyrdom of Dr Shamsuzzoha, Rajshahi University (RU) authorities observed
‘Zoha Day’ as Teachers’ Day on the campus in a befitting manner today.
On this day in 1969, Dr Shamsuzzoha was shot dead by 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 autocratic Ayub regime. Dr Zoha is the country’s first Martyred
Intellectual.
Marking the day, the RU authorities chalked out elaborate programmes like
mourning procession, hoisting of black flag atop all dormitories,
administrative and academic buildings, placing of wreaths at Zoha’s grave and
offering special prayers and holding doa mahfil at the central mosque.
Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Abdus Sobhan, Pro-VCs Prof Ananda Kumar Shaha and
Prof Chowdhury Md Jakaria, Proctor Prof Lutfor Rahman and Registrar Prof
Abdul Bari accompanied by other officials, teachers and students of the
university placed wreaths on Dr Zoha’s grave and memorial plaque.
To mark the day, Zoha Memorial Lecture was held at Senate Building with
Chairman of Department of Chemistry Prof Belayet Hossain Hawlader in the
chair. Prof Shaymal Chakravarty from Department of Chemistry in Kolkata
University was the keynote speaker of the lecture. RU VC Prof Abdus Sobhan
and Pro-VCs Prof Ananda Kumar Shaha and Prof Chowdhury Md Jakaria also spoke
on the occasion.
Progressive Teachers’ Society (PTS), teachers’ and 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 7 am to 5 pm in
observance of the day.