The Dhaka University (DU) authorities observed the historic "Flag Hoisting Day" on the campus in a befitting manner on March 2.
DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the momentous day with the playing of the national anthem on the grounds of Bat-Tala in front of the Arts Building.
The first national flag of independent Bangladesh, with a yellow map of Bangladesh inside a red disc in a green background, was flown amid applause from students at a big assembly on the Dhaka University campus on March 2, 1971.
On behalf of Swadhin Bangla Chhatra Sangram Parishad, ASM Abdur Rab, then-Vice-President (VP) of Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), hoisted the national flag of independent Bangladesh on the historic "Bat-Tala" premises.
Paying glowing tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman said, “It is natural that the flag of Pakistan was hoisted on Pakistan Day. But Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lowered the flag of Pakistan and hoisted the flag of Bangladesh instead. That is the essence of our independence.”
The VC said, "There is no university in the world that prepares the ground for the establishment of a state. Dhaka University worked from the beginning of the state's foundation to its final victory. As a result, the role of this university differs from that of other universities around the world. "
"This university's social and state responsibilities were also distinct from those of many other universities around the world. Dhaka University students contributed to establishing the social, political, and cultural basis of a nation-state. Fortunately for us, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a Dhaka University alumnus, completed this big feat by leveraging the abilities, skills, and consciousness of the university's students," the VC added.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor (Administrative) Professor Dr Muhammad Samad presided over the programme
Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, Pro Vice-chancellor (academic), Professor Abdul Basir, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Treasurer Professor Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, DU Teachers Association President Prof Md RahmatUllah, General Secretary Prof Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan, and Registrar Prabir Kumar Sarkar were present in the event.