Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), Gazipur observed Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2026 on Saturday with due respect and solemnity.
At 12:01am, led by the Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Mohammad Zainal Abedin, floral wreaths were placed at the university’s Shaheed Minar in tribute to the language martyrs, reads a press release.
The Vice-Chancellor was accompanied by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, deans, heads of departments and directors.
Subsequently, students from various residential halls under the leadership of the provosts, followed by the Teachers’ Association, the Office of the Director (Student Welfare), the Officers’ Association and the Employees’ Association, also paid homage to the martyrs by placing wreaths.
Earlier, at 11:30pm on Friday night, a special discussion meeting highlighting the significance of Martyrs’ Day was held at the Shaheed Minar premises.
The meeting was attended as chief guest by the Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Zainal Abedin, while the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Md Arefin Kawsar was present as special guest.
The programme was chaired by the Director (Student Welfare), Utpal Kumar Das, and the welcome address was delivered by the President of the Teachers’ Association, Md Khosru Mia.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor paid deep tribute to all martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the historic Language Movement of 1952 and prayed for eternal peace of their departed souls.
He said that through the historic sacrifices of 1952, Bengalis established the dignity of Bangla as a state language, creating a unique example in world history by securing linguistic rights through the highest form of sacrifice.
He noted that upholding the ideals of that sacrifice led to subsequent movements and struggles, culminating in the Liberation War of 1971 and the achievement of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh.
Continuing that journey, he said, democracy was re-established in the country in 2024 through a long struggle to restore democratic values, people’s rights and justice by ending fascism.
The Vice-Chancellor further said that the nation has repeatedly proven it does not bow to injustice and knows how to stand united to realise its rights and demands by breaking all conspiracies.
Embracing the spirit of struggle and the ideals of the martyrs, he expressed confidence that DUET would be established as a discrimination-free and just university, creating a unique example in national and global history.
At the same time, he called upon everyone to be inspired by the martyrs’ sacrifices and dedicate themselves to nation-building.
He also sought sincere cooperation from teachers, students, officers, employees and all concerned to further accelerate DUET’s progress in effective education, sustainable research culture and innovation to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and prepare for the Fifth Industrial Revolution.
Speaking as special guest, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Md Arefin Kawsar also paid deep tribute to the language martyrs and prayed for eternal peace of their souls.
He said that to keep the memories of the martyrs alive, everyone must come forward spontaneously from their respective positions to build the country of their dreams.
Highlighting the significance and history of Martyrs’ Day, he emphasised the importance of practising the Bangla language in education, research, science, technology and the economy, among other sectors.
The programme was attended by deans of all faculties, heads of departments, directors, provosts, office heads, as well as teachers, students, officers and employees of the university.
As part of the observance of the Martyrs’ Day, the national flag was kept at half-mast from sunrise.
Other programmes included special prayers after Zuhr at the university central mosque seeking forgiveness for the souls of the language martyrs, special prayers for peace at temples and other places of worship, and a drawing competition organised by the Dhaka Engineering University School.
