UTAB pays tribute at graves of Khaleda and Ziaur Rahman

The University Teachers Association of Bangladesh (UTAB) on Friday paid tribute to late president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia by visiting their graves, placing wreaths and offering prayers at Zia Udyan in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Prof Mohammad Chabirul Islam Howlader of the Arabic Department at Rajshahi University led the Fateha and special prayers during the programme.

Speaking after the homage, UTAB president prof ABM Obaidul Islam described Begum Khaleda Zia as the “mother of Bangladesh’s democracy” and an uncompromising national leader.

He said her death was an irreparable loss for the country.

“She sacrificed everything for Bangladesh. She lost her husband, children and home. She was imprisoned five times and even deprived of proper medical treatment. Doctors advised treatment abroad, but she refused, saying she had no land or soil outside Bangladesh. The soil of this country is her only place,” he said.

He added that Khaleda Zia spent her entire life fighting for democracy and people’s rights. “She reached a unique position in the hearts of people, but unfortunately she could not see the restoration of democracy.

We pray to Allah to grant her Jannatul Ferdous and hope her dream of democracy will soon be realised. Fascism must not rise again in Bangladesh,” he said.

UTAB secretary general prof Md Morshed Hasan Khan said Khaleda Zia had approved UTAB with her own signature in 2012, marking the beginning of the organisation’s journey.

 “She realised the need for a teachers’ organisation that believes in nationalist ideology and the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Under her leadership, UTAB stood beside her in all major movements,” he said.

He also expressed hope that the BNP, led by Tarique Rahman, would win the upcoming elections through a fair and impartial process. “Madam fought for democracy until her last breath. Now it is our responsibility to move forward on the path of democracy,” he added.

Among others present were UTAB treasurer and DU White Panel joint convener prof Md Abul Kalam Sarkar, DU White Panel joint convener prof Abdus Salam, National University pro-vice chancellor prof Md Lutfar Rahman, and a large number of teachers from different universities across the country.

More than a hundred teachers joined the programme to pay their respects and offer prayers.