The sacrifice of Rajshahi University teacher Dr Mohammad Shamsuzzoha during the mass uprising of 1969 gave momentum to the Independence Movement, said speakers at a memorial event.
The event was organized on Monday morning at Rajshahi University’s Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Senate Bhaban on the occasion of the martyr’s 50th death anniversary.
Kolkata University Professor Syamal Chakrabarti, who gave the memorial lecture at the event, remarked that Shamsuzzoha sacrificed his life and showed the nation that it could not live with a weak backbone.
Rajshahi University Vice-Chancellor, M Abdus Sobhan, said: “Not everybody had the dedication Dr Zoha showed towards students. His death sparked our movement for independence.
“His sacrifice was not in vain. It had an impact on all democratic movements that followed,” he said.
Other senior teachers also spoke at the event. Both students and teachers were present in the audience.
At the campus, the anniversary was observed by hoisting black flags at sunrise. Various departments and student and teacher organizations laid floral wreaths at Zoha’s mausoleum.
Dr Shamsuzzoha was shot dead by the Pakistani army on February 17, 1969, while trying to dissuade soldiers from firing on protesting students.
‘Make Feb 18 National Teachers’ Day’
Author and academic, Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal, urged the government to declare February 18, 'National Teachers' Day,' to pay homage to the country's first martyred intellectual, Dr Shamsuzzoha.
He made the demand, addressing a commemorative meeting on Dr Zoha at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology in Sylhet.
Calling Dr Zoha an ideal teacher, Prof Zafar said: “He embraced martyrdom while protecting his students. If any day is to be called National Teachers' Day, the day of his death should be it.”
Earlier, the writer paid respects to the martyred intellectual placing a wreath at his portrait installed in front of the Central Public Library.
