Students and teachers of Dhaka University (DU) observed “Black Day” yesterday in memory of the attack on the university’s teachers, students and officials by the military forces in 2007.
All classes were suspended from 11:30am to 1pm and the staff and students all wore black badges to observe the day.
A discussion was also organised as a part of the day, which took place at the Nawab Nabab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building around 11:30am. Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, vice-chancellor of the university, addressed the event as chief guest.
Speaking at the discussion, Arefin said the forces who had assassinated Bangabandhu and his family in 1975, as well as killed the four leaders of the nation, wanted to try it again in 2007 to undermine the country’s largest democratic institution, but they failed as truth always wins.
“The same miscreants killed the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, many intellectuals and freedom fighters, and tortured teachers and students of Dhaka University,” he said.
He condemned the heinous attack on the university’s students and teachers and demanded punishment for people responsible for the attack.
The discussion was attended by Professor Dr Mohammad Kamal Uddin, DU treasurer, Professor Dr Farid Uddin Ahmed, president of DU Teachers’ Association, Professor Anwar Hossain, former vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, Md Ashraf Uddin, president of DU Officers’ Association, and Rezaul Islam, president of DU Staff Union as well, along with other officials and students.
In August 2007, a violent clash between some DU students and members of Bangladesh Army took place centring a football match, where the military members severely beat up the students. Following the clash, the army arrested four teachers and eight students of the university.
The attack sparked huge protest by the students against the army across the country.
The university observes the Black Day every year on August 23. However, this year it was observed on August 24 as August 23 fell on weekend.