A citation that DU could not render on Bangabandhu
Dhaka University yesterday corrected a “historic mistake” it made 62 years ago by expelling one of its best-known students Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, but the premier university could not pay its ceremonial tributes it had planned for the leader on August 15, 1975.
On 15th August 1975, Dhaka University prepared a citation to be conferred upon Bangabandhu at a special convocation ceremony, which could never happen as Bangabandhu was killed along with most of his family members in a predawn putsch on that very day.
The then vice chancellor Prof Dr Abdul Matin Chowdhury was supposed to render it on behalf of the teachers, students and employees the university conveying their support for the success of the “Second Revolution”.
Bangabandhu also was scheduled to deliver a speech before the teachers, students and employees of the university and exchange views with them at the programme at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).
The full translated text of the citation, which was supposed to be read out by the then, Dhaka University vice chancellor was as follows:
“The following is a citation to show respect to the founder of the nation, the Honorable President of the Peoples' Republic of Bangladesh, Honorable Chancellor of Dhaka University Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on behalf of all the teachers, students and employees of this university” Honorable Chancellor, We are glad that you have come to the University of Dhaka for the first time as its honorable Chancellor. We are proud that you are the first Chancellor to visit this university in 54 years of its history. We warmly welcome you. You know the glorious heritage of this university and its contributions to students' mass movement. We remember with due respect on this auspicious occasion those teachers, employees and students who sacrificed their lives in our struggle for Independence and all other struggles. We are grateful to you for your gracious help to this university.
Honorable Chancellor,
A second revolution under your leadership has begun across the country. We congratulate you for initiating this second groundbreaking revolution. This university will support and materialise this second revolution like the first one. Your arrival at Dhaka University at a time of revolutionary change is indeed a memorable event.
Honorable Chancellor,
You know the problems of Dhaka University. There is no need to tell you about the problems again. In fact the university has problems and all of them cannot be solved. We firmly believe that facing problems with courage and trying to solve them are the main signs of development. There were 7000 students in this university before our Independence and now there are 15000 students. As a result we have to face the problems of residence, classroom shortage, lack of resources in the library and seminars etc. Teachers and employees have some problems too. We know that all the problems cannot be solved overnight. Initiatives to solve the problems should be taken in the light of overall situation of the country. Despite the fact, we have to remember that Dhaka University is the oldest, biggest and according to people the best university in Bangladesh. I have discussed the problems of this university with you many times before. You said that you wanted to turn Dhaka University into the national university. We want your kind sympathy, goodwill and consideration in this regard.
Honorable Chancellor,
No individual or institution is eternal. But this university will exist as long as Bangladesh exists. And according to our belief, this university will determine the political, social, economic and cultural future and way of life in Bangladesh. So we hope for special consideration of you, your government and the people of Bangladesh for this university.
Honorable Chancellor,
We extend our heartiest thanks to you on behalf of the teachers, administration and employees of this university for your arrival despite having busy schedule. This university is yours, mine and ours. We want to assure you that we will work hard to materialise the second revolution announced by you. We pray to the Almighty for the success of the second revolution, because it has no alternatives.
The second revolution is the only way to freedom for the oppressed people of Bangladesh. We express our allegiance and gratefulness to you again. We also pray to the almighty for your good health and long life.
Long live Bangla (Joy Bangla), long live Bangabandhu (Joy Bangabandhu), and long live Dhaka University (Joy Dhaka Biswabidyalaya).
August 15, 1975
Yours obedient,
On behalf of all the teachers, employees and Students of
Dhaka University
Abdul Matin Chowdhury
Vice-Chancellor
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