RAJSHAHI, Feb 17, 2019 (BSS) – Commemorating the 50th anniversary of
martyrdom of Dr Shamsuzzoha, the Rajshahi University (RU) authorities will
observe ‘Zoha Day’ as Teachers’ Day on the campus in a befitting manner
tomorrow, said RU sources here today.
On February 18, 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 across the then East Pakistan, leading to the
fall of autocratic Ayub regime. Dr Zoha is the country’s first Martyred
Intellectual.
Like the previous years, the RU authorities have chalked out elaborate
programmes like 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 marking the day.
Vice chancellor Prof Abdus Sobhan, Pro-VCs Prof Ananda Kumar Shaha and
Prof Chowdhury Jakaria, Treasurer Prof Mustafizur Rahman and Registrar Prof
Abdul Bari accompanied by other officials, teachers and students of the
university are likely to place wreaths at Dr Zoha’s grave and memorial plaque
in the morning.
RU Chemistry department in association with the university authorities
will organise the Zoha memorial lecture at the auditorium.
Progressive Teachers’ Society (PTS), Teachers’ and Officers’
associations, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), Rajshahi University
Journalists’ Association (RUJA) and different socio-cultural organizations
will hold discussions and offer special prayers in observance of the day.
Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Hall will also arrange a discussion. RU Chemistry
department will took out a silent procession on the campus to mark the day.
Shaheed Smrity Sangrahashala will remain open for all from 7 am to 5 pm
in observance of the day.