Commemorating the 51st anniversary of Dr Shamsuzzoha’s martyrdom, the Rajshahi University (RU) authorities today observed ‘Zoha Day’ as ‘Teachers’ Day’ on the campus in a befitting manner, reports BSS. 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, Zoha Memorial Lecture 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. The Zoha Memorial Lecture was held at Senate Building with Chairman of Department of Chemistry Prof Belayet Hossain Hawlader in the chair. Former Vice-chancellor of RU Prof Sayedur Rahman Khan addressed the lecture as chief guest.
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.
