Professor Dr. Md. Shamsuzzoha, the first martyred intellectual in the country, laid down his life in an attempt to save his students from the Pakistani military force during the mass upsurge in 1969, which ultimately led to the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
Dr. Zoha also participated bravely in the Bengali Language Movement during his university life. He achieved BSc (honours) degree in Chemistry in 1953 and MSc in 1954 from Dhaka University.
In 1964, he obtained his PhD degree from Imperial College of London. At first, Shamsuzzoha joined Rajshahi University as a Development Officer in 1961 and he also became lecturer in the Department of Chemistry same year. Later, he was promoted as Reader of the Chemistry Department. On 1 May 1968, Dr. Zoha took had been given the charge of proctor of the university.
Protesting the murder of Sergeant Zahurul Haq, one of the accused of Agartala Conspiracy Case, the students of Rajshahi University became furious and started staging demonstration on 15 February 1969. Some students were injured by the then Pakistani police on February 18. On the same day, local administration imposed section 144 on Natore-Rajshahi Highway near the Rajshahi University campus.
When the enraged students violated the section, the Pakistani army was deployed to shoot the students. Prof Shamsuzzoha talked with them and urged them not to fire. He said, "Don't open fire; my students will go back now." However, he was refused. "Your bullets will pierce my heart first before they hit a single student!" - These were his last words. When the tension grew the army fired on Shamsuzzoha. He was taken to the hospital and died there.
Professor Shamsuzzoha was buried in front of the administration building of Rajshahi University. He was the first university teacher who embraced martyrdom for liberation of the country.
The great teacher along with his unforgettable sacrifice encourages and inspires the entire nation. For his great sacrifice in the way of country's independence, Dr. Zoha today is not only a name but also a legend in the history of liberation.
A male student hall of RU was named as Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Hall in commemoration of his highest sacrifice for the cause of the nation.
The Rajshshi University authorities already have finished construction of 'Zoha Chattar' centering the grave of Dr. Shamsuzzoha in front of the university administration building.
Earlier in 2012, "Sfulingo", a monument of Shaheed Professor Dr Shamsuzzoha was erected on the premises of Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Hall of the university.
Besides, February 18 has been commemorated at Rajshahi University as the "Teachers' Day" every year.
