A discussion titled "The significance of the great Independence and National Day" was held at the University of Dhaka.
The event took place on Sunday around 1 pm at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium.
In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam said that Bangladesh's independence stands as the nation's greatest source of pride. The true purpose of that independence, he noted, was to eliminate social inequality and secure economic, social, and democratic freedom. He added that the spirit of independence will only be fully realized when every citizen enjoys equal rights, justice, and freedom of expression.
Vice-Chancellor further remarked that Dhaka University has played a pivotal role in every landmark moment in the nation's history — from the Language Movement to the Liberation War and the struggle against autocracy. He recalled that the massacre of March 25, 1971, left an indelible mark of barbarity on the university and across the country.
He paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and prayed for the peace of their souls. He also honored those who sacrificed their lives in the country's various democratic movements.
The Vice-Chancellor observed that even after more than five decades of independence, a gap remains between what was envisioned and what has been achieved. He called on everyone to work together toward building a society free of discrimination — one grounded in democratic values and human dignity.
Stressing the importance of collective effort among faculty, students, and staff, he described the administration of the university as a shared responsibility. Referring to himself as a "facilitator," he pledged that the rights and welfare of students would be upheld through broad participation.
He expressed hope that no form of discrimination or authoritarianism would take root again, and that the new generation — armed with a true understanding of history — would build a better, more just Bangladesh.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha attended the event as a guest of honor. Faculty representative Professor Dr Md Selim Reza, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, and Ducsu General Secretary SM Farhad, representing the students, also addressed the gathering. Acting Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed served as the master of ceremonies.
Leaders from the Dhaka University Officers' Association, Third Class Employees' Association, Technical Employees' Association, Fourth Class Employees' Union, Freedom Fighters' Institutional Unit Command, and the Dhaka University Martyrs' Families Welfare Association also spoke at the event.
It is worth noting that on March 26, 2026, the national flag was hoisted at all central buildings and residential halls of the university at 6:00 am to mark Independence and National Day.
Teachers, students, staff, and alumni gathered at the Smriti Chirantan Square at dawn. At 6:15 am, a procession led by the Vice-Chancellor set off for the National Martyrs' Memorial, where wreaths were later laid in tribute. That same day, following Zuhr prayers, a special supplication was held at the university’s central mosque Masjidul Jami'a, seeking God's mercy for the souls of the martyred intellectuals. Special prayers were also offered at other religious establishments on campus. In addition, a cultural programme was organized at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium.
