DU pays tribute to martyred intellectuals

Dhaka University on Sunday paid homage to the nation’s martyred intellectuals, with Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan calling for national unity to confront multifaceted challenges at home and abroad.

In the morning, Niaz laid a wreath at the Rayerbazar Martyred Intellectuals Memorial.

Speaking after the tribute, he said the nation is passing through a difficult and critical time and emphasised that national unity is essential to face various forms of hostility both domestically and internationally.

Since early morning, political, social and cultural organisations paid homage at the Rayerbazar memorial.

The presence of school and college students and general people outnumbered that of political leaders and activists.

After paying tribute, the vice-chancellor said the martyred intellectuals inspired the nation through their ultimate sacrifice, adding that the same courage was reflected in the mass movements of 1990 and 2024.

He urged the nation to move forward by upholding this historical spirit.

He further said that the events of 1952, 1969, 1971, 1990 and 2024 are not contradictory, but together have shaped the national identity and history of Bangladesh.

He cautioned against political attempts to create divisions by setting these historic milestones against one another and called for vigilance and unity.

Niaz made these remarks while presiding over a discussion meeting organised at the Student-Teacher Center (TSC) auditorium on the occasion of Martyred Intellectuals Day.

The programme began with a minute of silence in memory of the martyred intellectuals.

The meeting was attended by Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Prof Sajeda Banu, younger sister of Shaheed Gias Uddin Ahmed, convening committee convener of the Dhaka University Alumni Association Shamsuzzaman Dudu, and DUCSU Vice-President Abu Sadiq Kayem.

Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed moderated the discussion.

Deans of various faculties, departmental chairmen, institute directors, proctors, provosts, teachers, officers and employees were also present.

Addressing the programme, the vice-chancellor said the sacrifice of the martyred intellectuals is not merely a chapter of history but the foundation of national unity, identity and existence.

He noted that as long as this sacrifice remains alive in collective memory, the nation’s unity will remain intact.

He also said Martyred Intellectuals Day is not a ceremonial observance but a reminder to accept the responsibility of sacrifice, adding that teachers, doctors, journalists and all professionals can repay their debt to the martyrs by performing their duties with honesty and dedication.

Marking the day, black flags were hoisted at important university establishments, including the Vice-Chancellor’s building.

Under the supervision of the vice-chancellor, wreaths were placed at the cemetery near the University Central Mosque, the memorial at Jagannath Hall, memorials in residential halls, and the martyred intellectuals’ memorials in Mirpur and Rayerbazar.

Special prayers were also held at the University Central Mosque and other places of worship, seeking forgiveness for the souls of the martyred intellectuals.