The University of Dhaka observed the International Mother Language Day with due respect and solemnity in a peaceful, orderly and disciplined manner on Saturday.
The programmes were organised at the Central Shaheed Minar under the management of the university, according to a press release.
At the first hour of 21 February, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Niaz Ahmed Khan, welcomed guests arriving to pay homage to the language martyrs.
He was accompanied by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Convener of the Central Coordination Committee formed to observe Amar Ekushey Md Morshed Hasan Khan, Joint Convener and Dean of the Faculty of Science Abdus Salam, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Selim Reza, and Member-Secretary and Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, among other teachers.
At the first hour of Ekushey, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman separately paid homage to the language martyrs by placing wreaths at the Shaheed altar.
After paying tribute, Tarique offered special prayer for the departed souls of the language martyrs. He later paid homage along with members of the Cabinet, followed by wreath-laying with members of the BNP Standing Committee in his capacity as party chairman. He also paid tribute accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.
Following Tarique’s tribute, the chief justice and the chiefs of the three services placed wreaths at the Shaheed Minar.
Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman led fellow parliamentarians from the 11-party electoral alliance in paying tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar.
On behalf of the University of Dhaka, Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan placed a wreath at the Shaheed Minar in the first hour of Ekushey, in the presence of teachers, officers and employees.
Foreign ambassadors, high commissioners and diplomats stationed in Dhaka, the Election Commission, the Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Ducsu leaders, representatives of various political parties, socio-cultural organisations, and government and non-government institutions also paid tribute by placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar.
As part of the University of Dhaka’s programmes marking International Mother Language Day, a silent procession and morning procession were brought out at 6:30am on Saturday from the ‘Smriti Chirantan’ square to pay homage to the martyrs.
Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan led the procession, which passed through Udayan School and proceeded to the central Shaheed Minar, where wreaths were placed. Pro-Vice-Chancellors Saima Haque Bidisha and Mamun Ahmed, Proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, the Registrar, members of the Senate and Syndicate, deans of all faculties, provosts and wardens of halls and hostels, departmental chairpersons and institute directors, office heads, teachers, students, officers and employees participated in the programme.
Special prayers seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of the language martyrs will be offered after Asr prayer at the University of Dhaka Central Mosque, Masjidul Jamia, as well as at all hall mosques and mosques in residential areas.
Special prayers will also be held at other religious places of worship for the peace of the martyrs’ souls.
