Teachers’ Day observed at RU

City Desk :

Commemorating the 54th anniversary of martyrdom of Dr Shamsuzzoha, the Rajshahi University (RU) authorities recently 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, reports BSS.
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, 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.
Deputy Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Shamsul Haque and VC of Rabindra University Prof Shah Azam Shantunu also placed wreaths on Dr Zoha’s grave and memorial plaque paying rich tribute to him.
The Zoha Memorial Lecture was held at Senate Bhaban with the title of Science Education in Bangladesh. Former VC of Islamic University Prof Lutfor Rahman addressed the lecture as focal person with Chairman of the Department of Chemistry Prof Hasan Ahmed in the chair.
Jatiya Sangsad Deputy Speaker Shamsul Haque addressed the lecture session as chief guest, while RU VC Prof Golam Sabbir Sattar and 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.