Brac University arranged a live webinar titled ‘Osomapto Smritikotha’ marking the National Mourning Day and the 46th martyrdom anniversary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due respect and solemnity.
The webinar commemorated the tragedy which occurred on 15 August 1975 leading to the death of Bangabandhu and most of his family members. The speakers discussed different aspects of the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his heroic role in liberating the country.
Professor Vincent Chang, Vice-Chancellor of Brac University, Dr. Akbar Ali khan, Former Adviser of Caretaker Government and Professor, Graduate School of Management (GSM), Brac University, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Former Governor of the Bangladesh Bank and Professor, Graduate School of Management (GSM), Brac University, Professor Mohammad Mahboob Rahman, Treasurer of Brac University, Dr. Samia Haque, Professor of Economics and Social Sciences and Dean of General Education, Brac University, and Dr. David Dowland, Registrar of Brac University was among the distinguished speakers on the occasion.
At the beginning of the webinar, a minute's silence was observed in honor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members, who were martyred on that fateful night. Then a documentary on various aspects of the life of The Father of The Nation was screened.
“As the Vice-Chancellor of Brac University, I urge all our students to own the indominable positive spirit of Bangabandhu and do the best to contribute into the process of nation building,” said Professor Vincent Chang. "The university will do everything possible to promote an education system that would facilitate the creation of the Bangbandhu’s ‘Sonar Bangla’," Professor Chang added.
Dr. Akbar Ali Khan shared his personal memory with Bangabandhu, when he was a government employee after the liberation war of Bangladesh. He highlighted Bangabandhu’s extra ordinary leadership qualities and his great ability to accommodate difference of opinions.
Dr. Saheluddin Ahmed mentioned about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s direct participation in all the movements from 1952 to 1971. He highlighted that Bangabandhu has brought political independence and economic liberation to Bangladesh. The economic foundation of independent Bangladesh was laid by him and Bangladesh is moving forward along the path shown by him, Dr. Salehuddin added.
“As we enjoy our freedom and success today and look forward to entering the next 50 years with our heads held high, no man deserves more recognition for this historic establishment for the Bangladeshi People than Jatir pita Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujubur Rahman,” said Professor Mohammad Mahboob Rahman.
Dr. Samia Haque said, “In a changing Bangladesh, Bangabandhu will be an example for all of us. His contribution as a secular and modern leader is exemplary to the world. She urged everyone to be inspired by the ideals and spirit of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujubur Rahman.
Dr. David Dowland also emphasized that everyone in Brac University should take inspiration from the life of Bangabandhu to build an inclusive diverse community and to serve the society.
Dr. Nemai Chandra Mondal, Head of the Department of Bangla Language and Literature recited a poem in to commemorate life and works Bangabandhu. A student of Brac University Anik Shuvro Bala also recited Rafiq Azad's poem ‘Ei Shiri’ written in memory of Bangabandhu. The webinar was hosted by Istiaque Hossain Molla, Lecturer, School of General Education, and Marjan Habib Shefa, a student from the Department of English and Humanities.