Prof Zoha's sacrifice accelerated 1969 Mass Upsurge

Prof Shamsuzzoha's martyrdom accelerated the 1969 Mass Upsurge that led to the fall of autocratic Ayub regime, said Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu yesterday.

His sacrifice also encouraged the Bangalee nation during the 1971 Liberation War, he said.

Inu was addressing a programme titled "Dr Zoha Memorial Speech" on the Rajshahi University campus, marking the 47th martyrdom of the professor.

At the programme, RU teachers reiterated their demand that February 18 be declared as "National Teachers' Day".

On February 18, 1969, Prof Shamsuzzoha, the then RU proctor and a teacher of the chemistry department, was shot dead by the Pakistani military junta in front of its main gate when he tried to convince them not to fire at students who were protesting the murder of Sergeant Zahurul Haque.

Since then, RU has been observing the day as Dr Zoha Day.

Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin delivered welcome speech at the programme chaired by Prof Nazrul Islam, chairman of the department.

The university authorities chalked out elaborate programmes on the campus that included hoisting of a black flag, a Quranhwani and a discussion.