DU celebrates historic Flag Hoisting Day

Bangla Press Desk:  Dhaka University celebrated the historic Flag Hoisting Day on Monday morning at the Battala premises adjacent to the Arts Building, recalling the momentous raising of the national flag on 2 March 1971 and renewing its pledge to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan inaugurated the programme by hoisting the national flag and addressed the gathering as chief guest.He said the national flag is not an ordinary piece of cloth but a symbol of a nation’s identity, unity and awakening.

“Every milestone in history plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of a nation,” he said.

Referring to the hoisting of the flag at the Kala Bhaban premises of DU on 2 March 1971, he described it as a historic turning point in the freedom movement and a lasting symbol of the nation’s spirit, courage and sacrifice.

The vice-chancellor paid deep respect to the martyrs and freedom fighters who contributed to the country’s independence and said the debt of their sacrifice can never be repaid.

Emphasising national unity, he added, “There is no alternative to national unity; it is a question of our existence. I hope the national flag will keep us united.”

He also said that as a national institution, DU has always stood by the country and its people and will continue to do so in the future.

He expressed gratitude to the people of the country for supporting the university during times of crisis.

Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha, pro-vice-chancellor (administration), presided over the event.

In her remarks, she said the historical context of the flag hoisting reminds the nation of the beginning of the freedom struggle.

She explained that the green symbolises the nature, youth and potential of Bangladesh, while the red reflects the blood and sacrifice of the martyrs.

She said the national flag inspires people to stand against injustice and unites the nation in times of adversity.

Prof Mamun Ahmed, pro-vice-chancellor (education), said the freedom movement took an organised form with the formation of the Student Struggle Council on 1 March 1971 and the hoisting of the historic flag on 2 March at the Kala Bhaban premises.

He noted that the flag, bearing a red disc and a golden map on a green background, symbolised the Liberation War and the conviction for an independent Bangladesh.

He added that the national flag not only represents sovereignty but also embodies the patriotism of the youth, equality, human dignity and the commitment to democracy.

He called for united efforts to build a happy, prosperous and democratic Bangladesh.

Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhhury said the conviction of independence declared through the brave hoisting of the flag in 1971 culminated in the great victory on December 16.

However, he stressed that Flag Day should not remain confined to formal observance; rather, the struggle must continue to establish a sovereign, prosperous, democratic and inclusive Bangladesh.

Prof Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, dean of the Faculty of Arts and coordinator of the programme, delivered the welcome address.

He said the red-green flag stands as a visible symbol of Bangladesh’s existence, its bloody history of independence and the sacrifices of its people.

He added that DU has played a leading role in every national struggle, from the Language Movement to the Liberation War and recent democratic movements.

Acting registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed conducted the programme.The university proctor, deans of various faculties, provosts of halls, departmental chairmen, directors of institutes, teachers, students, officers and employees attended the event.

ASM Abdur Rab was invited as guest of honour but could not attend due to illness.

Students from the university’s music and dance departments performed the national anthem, patriotic songs and dances at the end of the programme.Source: daily Sun

BP/SP