Dhaka University (DU) marked the independence and national day with a series of ceremonies on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, demonstrating profound respect for the nation's liberation struggle.
Key university leadership, including vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, spearheaded comprehensive commemorative events that blended solemnity with national pride.
The day's proceedings commenced at crack of dawn, with the national flag hoisted across central university buildings and residential halls at precisely 6 AM. A pivotal moment unfolded as university stakeholders, comprising teachers, students, officials, employees, and alumni, congregated at Smriti Chirantan Square. Led by Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, the academic community then proceeded to the National Martyrs' Memorial to pay homage to the nation's fallen heroes.
During the wreath-laying ceremony, top university officials including Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha and Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, alongside Treasurer Professor Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Proctor Associate Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, stood in collective remembrance. The ceremony represented a powerful display of institutional unity and national commitment.
Religious observances formed a crucial component of the day's commemorations. A special prayer held after Zuhr prayer at Masjidul Jamiya, the university's central mosque, sought divine forgiveness for martyred intellectuals. Similar prayers were conducted in various religious venues, underscoring the inclusive spirit of national remembrance.
The cultural significance of the day was further amplified through symbolic gestures. Iconic university landmarks such as Curzon Hall and the Student-Teacher Center (TSC) were illuminated, creating a visual spectacle of national pride. A heartwarming touch was added with the distribution of sweets among children of university employees, symbolising hope and continuity.
A preparatory discussion meeting titled "The significance of the great Independence and National Day" was held on Tuesday, March 25, at TSC auditorium. Presided over by Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, the session provided critical insights into the historical importance of the national celebrations.
DU meticulously planned observances demonstrated how academic institutions can serve as custodians of national memory, bridging historical sacrifice with contemporary aspirations.
NRE/SH
