Bangladesh Open University (BOU) observed Martyred Intellectuals Day on Sunday, 14 December 2025, with solemn respect and a series of commemorative programs to honor the intellectuals martyred during the Liberation War of 1971.
The day’s observance began with floral wreaths laid at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur at 8am and at the Rayerbazar Killing Field Memorial at 9am. These tributes were led by BOU’s Honorable Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam, who was accompanied by other senior university officials, including Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Sayeed Ferdous and Registrar (Additional Charge) Professor Md Anisur Rahman.
Deans, Directors of various schools and divisions, faculty members, officers, and staff of the university also attended the ceremonies.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam reflected on the sacrifices made by the intellectuals, stating, “The martyred intellectuals were the conscience and finest sons of the nation.
The Pakistani regime carried out a planned attempt to eliminate the country’s brightest minds to cripple the nation intellectually. We achieved our final victory through their sacrifice and fresh blood. Protecting our land, people, and national flag is our collective moral responsibility.
Fulfilling the dream of a discrimination-free and justice-based democratic state, for which intellectuals and people from all walks of life fought in the Liberation War, will be the true tribute to them.”
The day’s programs commenced at 6:31am, with the national flag flown at half-mast and black flags raised at the BOU main campus in Gazipur, marking the solemnity of the occasion. Teachers, officers, and staff gathered for the morning observance.
In addition, a special prayer was offered after the Zuhr prayer at the Central Jame Mosque of the Gazipur campus, seeking eternal peace and forgiveness for the souls of the martyred intellectuals.
The observance was also extended to BOU’s Regional and Sub-regional centers across the country, where similar programs were held under the leadership of the respective center heads, coordinated with local administrations.
