Dhaka University (DU) observed Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day with due dignity in a solemn, peaceful and orderly manner at the Central Shaheed Minar.
On Saturday, Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan welcomed guests who came to pay tribute to the language martyrs in the early hours of February 21.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Sayma Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and other officials attended the event.
President Md Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman separately laid wreaths at Shaheed Altar in the early hours, paying deep respect to the language martyrs.
The Prime Minister offered prayers and dua for the martyrs after paying respects, then placed wreaths with cabinet members and BNP Standing Committee members in his capacity as party chairman.
He also paid tribute alongside his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman.
Following the Prime Minister's tribute, the Chief Justice and chiefs of the three services laid wreaths. Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman paid respects with newly elected parliamentarians representing the 11-party electoral alliance.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan laid a wreath on behalf of Dhaka University. Teachers, officials, and employees were present.
Ambassadors, high commissioners and diplomats from various countries posted in Dhaka, the Election Commission, Cabinet Secretary, Prime Minister's Principal Secretary, DUCSU leaders, various political parties, socio-cultural organisations, and representatives from government and private institutions also paid tribute by laying wreaths.
As part of the university's programme, a silent procession and Prabhat Pheri departed from Smriti Chirantan Square at 6:30 AM. Led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, the procession passed through Udayan School before reaching Central Shaheed Minar, where wreaths were laid.
Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha and Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, the Registrar, Senate and Syndicate members, all faculty deans, hall and hostel provosts and wardens, departmental chairmen, institute directors, office heads, teachers, students, officials and staff participated.
Coordination committee for Amar Ekushey celebration was led by Marketing Department Professor Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan as coordinator, with Science Faculty Dean Professor Dr Abdus Salam and Pharmacy Faculty Dean Professor Dr Selim Reza as joint coordinators and Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed as member-secretary.
Special prayers will be offered this afternoon at Masjidul Jamia, the university's central mosque, all hall mosques and residential area mosques seeking forgiveness for the language martyrs' souls. Other religious places of worship will also hold special prayers for peace of the martyrs' souls.
University public relations director Mohammad Rafiqul Islam signed the press release announcing the observance.
NRE/SH
