JUST vice-chancellor calls for a united and humane Bangladesh in the spirit of 7 November
National unity, solidarity, patriotism and mutual respect are the core lessons of 7 November, said Professor Dr Earul Kabir, vice-chancellor of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST).
He made the remark as chief guest at a discussion meeting organised at the university on Saturday (7 November) on the occasion of the historic National Revolution and Solidarity Day.
The vice-chancellor said the historic unity of soldiers and people on 7 November 1975 had opened a new horizon for national politics and liberation. Drawing the right lessons from history, he said, a democratic, prosperous, discrimination-free and humane Bangladesh must be built.
Highlighting the importance of education, research and skilled human resources for national development, he said national progress does not depend on political change alone. Knowledge, science, education, research and skilled human resources are essential for it, he added.
Patriotism, ethics and responsible citizenship must be developed among the young generation, the vice-chancellor said, adding that JUST is working to build a knowledge-based, science-minded and technology-driven Bangladesh.
In his speech as special guest, the university's pro-vice-chancellor, Professor Sheikh Mahmudul Hasan, said martyred president Ziaur Rahman played an important role in protecting the country's independence and sovereignty. He was freed from captivity through the historic soldiers-people's revolution of 7 November 1975, he said.
The correct history of the day must be presented to the new generation, the pro-vice-chancellor said. He added that Ziaur Rahman had presented the distinct identity and philosophy of 'Bangladeshi nationalism' before the people of the country.
He also called on everyone to rise above party ideology and work together to face national crises and protect sovereignty.
Earlier, the day's programme began at sunrise with the hoisting of the national and university flags in front of the administrative building. At 9:30 in the morning, the vice-chancellor inaugurated a day-long free physiotherapy camp and blood donation programme at the Dr M R Khan Medical Centre.
Later, at 10 in the morning, a colourful rally started from the university's main gate. It went around the university's main road and ended in front of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Academic Building.
A discussion meeting titled 'Martyred President Ziaur Rahman and his philosophy of education: in the context of 7 November' was later held at the Professor Mohammad Sharif Hossain Gallery. The university's treasurer, Professor Dr Mohammad Faruk Hasan, presented the keynote paper, outlining the historic background of 7 November 1975, Ziaur Rahman's political and educational philosophy, and his thoughts on education and social development.
The discussion was chaired by Professor Dr Md Ziaul Amin. Students Salek Khan and Aleya Joarder also spoke at the meeting, which was conducted by Associate Professor Dr Farhana Yasmin of the Department of English.
As part of the programme, after the Zuhr prayers, a special prayer was held at the university's central Jame mosque seeking forgiveness for the souls of martyred president Ziaur Rahman, former prime minister Khaleda Zia and other martyrs. The prayer was led by the mosque's senior Pesh Imam, Maulana Md Akramul Islam.
Deans of different faculties, department chairmen, office heads, teachers, students, officers and employees of the university were present at the programme.
