The Raju Memorial at Dhaka University's Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) has long been a focal point of student movements. Yet, many remain unaware of the tragic event that led to its construction. Some mistakenly believe it commemorates the Liberation War, but its true history is often overlooked. This is the story of Moin Hossain Raju, the student leader whose sacrifice gave birth to this symbol of defiance.
On March 13, 1992, a peaceful anti-terrorism rally turned into a bloodbath when armed attackers opened fire. Moin Hossain Raju, a central leader of the Bangladesh Students' Union, was at the forefront of the demonstration. As he led chants against campus violence, a bullet struck him in the forehead. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, but it was too late. Raju died at just 22, becoming a martyr in the fight against terror-driven politics.
Raju was a student of Soil Science at Dhaka University and a passionate activist. Dedicated to socialist ideals, he envisioned an education system free from fear. Despite his busy schedule balancing studies and activism, he remained deeply committed to the cause. His family-his mother, elder brother, and sister-saw little of him, as he spent most of his time at Shahidullah Hall, where he lived in Room 122.
On his shoulder, Raju had carried a bag. Inside were handwritten notes of Jibanananda Das's poetry, a set of paintbrushes and a hockey stick. His bloodstained shirt and bag remain preserved to this day in the archives of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU).
It was a Friday in the month of Ramadan-March 13, 1992. That afternoon, Raju and a few fellow Student Union activists were discussing their university entrance coaching initiative on the green lawns of TSC. Suddenly, clashes erupted between activists of Chhatra League and Chhatra Dal, with gunfire breaking out. Hundreds of general students found themselves trapped at TSC. Despite the heavy presence of law enforcement, the police did nothing but watch.
Raju was the first to protest against this inaction. He demanded that the police arrest the armed attackers. Though pressured by the protesters, the police ultimately sided with the ruling party's supporters, providing them protection while targeting the opposition with tear gas. The situation quickly escalated, engulfing the entire TSC in chaos, leaving many students stranded.
In response, Raju and his comrades immediately took to the streets in protest. Members of leftist student organizations under the Democratic Student Unity banner joined the march. As they circled the TSC intersection, chanting slogans such as "Weapons and education cannot coexist!" and "Unite against terrorism!", a volley of bullets was fired at them from in front of the Faculty of Business Studies. One of those bullets struck Raju on the forehead.
