Language, Legacy, and Learning: CUET Observes Shaheed Day with Daylong Programs
Through various arrangements and programs, Chittagong University of Engineering & Technology (CUET) observed “Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day” on campus. Marking the occasion, the daylong program began in the first hours of 21 February, Saturday, at 8:20 am with a prabhat pheri (mourning procession at dawn) from the North Roundabout of the campus to the Central Shaheed Minar.
The prabhat pheri was led by CUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahmood Abdul Matin Bhuiyan. In addition, the national flag was flown at half-mast in front of the CUET Central Shaheed Minar. Later, floral wreaths were placed at the Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to the language martyrs. A discussion meeting was also held marking Great Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. Subsequently, a milad and doa mahfil (religious remembrance and prayer gathering) was organized in memory of the martyrs, along with an essay competition for university students, a drawing competition with participation of children and adolescents, a beautiful handwriting competition, rhyme and poetry recitation, an extempore speech competition, and a prize-giving ceremony.
Later, a discussion program on “Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day” was held at the university’s Academic Council Room. In his speech as chief guest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahmood Abdul Matin Bhuiyan said, “Ekushey means self-respect, Ekushey means inspiration for self-sacrifice, Ekushey means an uncompromising stance against injustice. The blood that was shed for the language—let the protection and development of that language be our pledge. Let this victorious journey of the language be eternal and indestructible.”
He further stated that the Bengali language must be enriched as an effective medium for science, technology, and higher education within the country’s education system. The use of Bangla needs to be expanded in research, innovation, knowledge and science, and creative practices. Establishing Bangla as a language of science, technology, literature, arts, and commerce would be the true implementation of the spirit of Ekushey. Ensuring the practice of correct and standard Bangla at all levels is the genuine way to pay respect to the language martyrs.
The program was chaired by CUET Director of Student Welfare Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubul Alam. Special guests included Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Dr. Kazi Delowar Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Dr. Asiful Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology Professor Dr. Mohammad Abu Kawser, and Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning Professor Dr. Muhammad Rashidul Hasan.
On behalf of the Teachers’ Association, its President Professor Dr. Mohammad Ahsan Ullah delivered remarks. On behalf of the Officers’ Association, its President Syed Mohammad Ekram spoke. Representing the Employees’ Association, its General Secretary Priyotosh Chakraborty addressed the audience. On behalf of the students, Asahab Labib, a student of the 20th batch of the Civil Engineering Department, delivered a speech.
A series of programs were conducted by Deputy Director (Public Relations) Mohammad Fazlur Rahman and Assistant Librarian Sharmin Sultana Toma.
DBTech/AIM/EK/OR
