Dhaka University observed Mourning Day on Thursday through various programmes commemorating those killed in a building collapse at Jagannath Hall in 1985.
Led by Vice-Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam, students, teachers, officers and employees of the university paid tribute by placing wreaths at the Jagannath Hall memorial at 7:30am.
Later, a discussion meeting was held at the Kishorilal Roy Chowdhury Auditorium of Jagannath Hall, chaired by VC Obaidul.
Paying deep tribute to the memory of the victims, the vice-chancellor said the tragic incident of 15 October, 1985, had united the people of Bangladesh regardless of religion, caste or creed.
He said this bond of unity must be strengthened further and spread throughout society.
He said the university was working to ensure the safety of its campus and wanted to create an environment where everyone could live safely and without hindrance in their respective residences, including residential halls.
The vice-chancellor said Dhaka University belonged to everyone and that everyone was part of the university. He sought the cooperation of all stakeholders, including teachers, students, officers and employees, in building a safe campus.
As part of the observance, black flags were hoisted at all university halls, hostels and major buildings, the university flag was flown at half-mast, and black badges were worn.
Prayer services for the peace of the souls of the deceased were held at Jagannath Hall for members of the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities.
A blood donation programme was also organised on the hall premises in the morning.
After Asr prayers, special prayers will be offered for the deceased at the university’s central mosque, Masjidul Jamia, and all hall mosques.
The portraits of the victims and related artefacts will be displayed on the Jagannath Hall premises until 6pm under the arrangement of the hall administration.
A programme of mourning songs and poetry recitation will be held at the hall’s place of worship at 6:30pm.
The Jagannath Hall administration will also organise the October Memorial Essay Competition and the October Memorial Art Competition.
Every year, the university observes the day in memory of those killed at Jagannath Hall on the night of 15 October, 1985.
A total of 40 people, including 26 students and 14 guests and employees, were killed in the incident, while numerous students and guests were injured.
At the discussion meeting, speakers included Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Mohammad Almojaddeddi Alfesani, Treasurer Professor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Jagannath Hall Provost Professor Debashish Pal, former Jagannath Hall Provost Professor Ajay Kumar Das, Jagannath Hall Alumni Association President Tapan Chandra Majumder, General Secretary Nibas Chandra Majhi, Dhaka University Chhatra Dal unit President Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon, and Acting Controller of Examinations Himadri Shekhar Chakraborty.
