RU to pay tribute to Dr Zoha today
Commemorating the 41st anniversary of martyrdom of Dr Shamsuzzoha, the Rajshahi University authorities will observe 'Zoha Day' today. On the occasion, the authorities have chalked out elaborate programmes on the campus including placing of wreaths at the grave and monument of Dr Zoha, hoisting of black flag, rally, quran khwani and memorial speech. Prof Dr Shamsuzzoha was shot dead by Pakistani military junta in front of the main gate of Rajshahi University (RU) on February 18, 1969. On the day, Dr Zoha rushed to the university main gate to protect the students who marched towards the town by breaking Section 144. His martyrdom accelerated the ongoing mass movement against Pakistan army 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 personnel after his arrest. According to Prof Abdul Khaleque, former vice chancellor and a witness to the incident, Dr Zoha was talking with two Pakistani army officers, Captain Hadi and Lt Khadem Shah. He requested them not to go for action against the students. At one stage of hot exchange of words, Lt Khadem ordered a Bangalee army personnel to shoot him but they refused to comply with his order. An agitated Shah then killed Zoha using his own revolver. Dr Zoha was the then proctor of the university and a teacher of chemistry department. His death sparked violent protests across the then East Pakistan leading to fall of the Ayub regime. Since then, the day is being observed as Zoha Day. RU vice-chancellor and staff, Progressive Teachers' Society (PTS), teachers' and officers' associations, Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), Rajshahi University Journalists' Association (RUJA) and different socio-cultural organisations will hold discussions and offer prayers for the martyred soul. RU chemistry department in association with university administration will organise Zoha Memorial Speech with department chairman Prof Dr Basudev Kumar Das in the chair. Former member of the caretaker government and executive director of Ain O Salish Kendro Advocate Sultana Kamal will read out the keynote paper at Kazi Nazrul Islam auditorium of the university. RU vice-chancellor (VC) Prof Abdus Sobhan and pro-vice chancellor Prof Muhammad Nurullah will attend the programme as chief and special guests. Chemistry department will also bring out a silent procession on the campus to mark the day. Black flag will be hoisted atop all administrative buildings, VC's residence, library, chemistry department and student halls.
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