RAJSHAHI, Feb 18, 2022 (BSS) - Commemorating the 53rd 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.

   Marking the day, 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.

   Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar, Pro-VCs Prof Chowdhury Md
Jakaria and Prof Sultan-Ul-Islam, Registrar Prof Abdus Salam 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 the department of chemistry. VC of
Rabindranath University Prof Shah Azam Santunu addressed the lecture as focal
person with RU VC Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar in the chair. Pro-VCs Prof
Chowdhury Md Jakaria and Prof Sultan-Ul-Islam also spoke on the occasion.

   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.