Rangpur: The Martyred Intellectuals Day-2025 was commemorated with solemnity at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR) as tributes were paid to the martyred intellectuals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the observance began with a condolence rally at the Domdoma massacre site in Rangpur city, where the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali, laid wreaths in honor of the martyrs. Following this, various faculties, departments, offices, and residential halls of the university also offered their tributes.
The day was further marked by a discussion held on the second floor of the campus cafeteria. The event was chaired by Professor Dr. Md Ilias Pramanik, the convener of the Martyr Intellectuals Day-2025 observance committee, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali as the chief guest.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor reflected on the sacrifices made by the nation’s intellectuals and others, emphasizing that independence was achieved at the cost of many lives. He spoke of the significant role played by young students, like Shaheed Abu Sayeed, in the July Revolution, striving for an independent Bangladesh.
Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali also recounted the tragic events of December 14, 1971, when intellectuals were murdered across the country, including at Dhaka University. He highlighted the torture and martyrdom suffered by intellectuals in the Rangpur region, noting that local history and research provide evidence of their sacrifices.
The Vice-Chancellor concluded by urging everyone to contribute to the development of BRUR, aspiring to make it the best university in North Bengal. The discussion saw contributions from special guests including Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Professor Dr. Md Mizanur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Earth Science Professor Dr. Md Emdadul Haque, and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Professor Dr. Md Nazrul Islam.
The observance concluded with a prayer mahfil for the eternal peace of the martyred souls, conducted by Dr. Rakib Uddin Ahmed, Khatib of the BRUR Central Mosque.