Dhaka University (DU) on Monday commemorated the students and guests who tragically died when the university’s Jagannath Hall collapsed in 1985.
On October 15, 1985, the roof of the dilapidated Jagannath Hall building’s TV room collapsed, killing 40 people and injuring 300 others. The deceased included 26 students and 14 guests of the university.
To mark the day, DU authorities chalked out various programs on Monday, including a mourning procession, the placing of wreaths at the memorial on the Jagannath Hall premises, the hoisting of black flags at all buildings of the university, and special prayer services.
In the TV room of Jagannath Hall, student and hall resident Manan Adhikari was among the actors in a performance of popular drama ‘Shuktara,’ which was being screened on BTV in 1985. The TV room was packed to capacity with those wishing to see the performance.
The mourning procession began at the foot of the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture at 7am. A discussion was arranged at the October Memorial Building at 8:00am.
Addressing the discussion, DU Vice Chancellor Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said the university authorities would never compromise matters of safety on the campus.
“We will need to take up a master plan for construction on the campus to avoid any risk. Risky buildings have to be vacated,” he added.
DU Pro VC (Administration) Prof Mohammad Samad, Treasurer Prof Kamal Uddin, Teachers Association President Prof ASM Prof Maksud Kamal, and hall provost Prof Asim Sarker also addressed the discussion.
A blood donation drive was arranged at the Jagannath Hall premises, and a painting exhibition was organized at the hall dormitories.
In the evening, a devotional song and poetry recitation session was held at the prayer room of Jagannath Hall. Throughout the month, the hall authorities are going to arrange the October Memorial Essay Competition and the October Memorial Painting Competition.
