Teachers, students, employees and various social, political and cultural organisations of Rajshahi University on Monday observed National Teachers’ Day on campus in honor of the sacrifice of Shaheed Professor Shamsuzzoha, the county’s first martyred intellectual during the 1969 mass uprising.
Professor Shamsuzzoha, the then proctor of the university and a teacher of chemistry department, was shot dead by Pakistani military in front of the main gate of the university on February 18, 1969 while he rushed to the university main gate to protect the students who brought out procession by breaking section 144.
His death accelerated the mass uprising against Pakistani junta for withdrawal of historic Agartala Conspiracy Case. The agitation started in Rajshahi and elsewhere in the country on February 15, 1969 when Sergeant Zahurul Haque, an accused in the case, was killed by Pakistan army after his arrest.
Commemorating the day, the university authorities chalked out several functions including placing of wreaths at the grave and monument of Zoha, Quran Khatam, holding discussion and candle light vigil. Black flags were hoisted at the administrative building, the VC House and library as well as all departments and the halls of residence.
The university vice-chancellor M Abdus Sobhan placed wreaths on the grave Shasuzzoha in front of the administrative building and the university main entrance. Various cultural, voluntary and political organizations also placed wreaths at his grave in the morning.
Later, a memorial speech was held at the university Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad senate building. The chemistry department in association with the university administration also arranged the discussion meeting to commemorate Zoha’s heroic sacrifice. Calcutta University chemistry professor Syamal Chakrabarti gave the memorial lecture.
Vice-chancellor M Abdus Sobhan, pro-vice chancellors Ananda Kumar Saha and Choudhury M Zakaria, and Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology vice-chancellor Rafiqul Alam Sheikh also spoke at the programme. Presence of the university teachers was thin at the memorial lecture. A special prayer was also said after zohr prayers at the university central mosque.
Source: Newage
