DU holds condolence conference in memory of Khaleda Zia

Bangla Press Desk: Dhaka University (DU) held a condolence conference on Sunday to pay tribute to former prime minister Khaleda Zia, remembering her as a symbol of national unity and a key figure in the country’s democratic journey.

The conference took place at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on Sunday, with DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan presiding over the programme.

Convener of the organising committee and Pro-Vice Chancellor (education) Prof Mamun Ahmed delivered the opening speech and placed the condolence motion, which the meeting unanimously adopted.

Among those who spoke at the programme were former DU vice-chancellor and University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof SMA Faiz, former vice-chancellors Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury and Prof AFM Yusuf Haider, Pro-Vice Chancellor (administration) Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha, Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, economist Prof Mahbub Ullah, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University Prof ABM Obaidul Islam, Pro-Vice Chancellor of National University Prof Md Lutfar Rahman, former PSC chairman and former DU pro-vice chancellor Prof ZN Tahmida Begum, DU Alumni Association convener Shamsuzzaman Dudu, DUCSU Vice-President Sadiq Kayem, and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal DU unit president Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas.

Vice-chancellors of various universities, deans of different faculties, syndicate and senate members, hall provosts, departmental chairmen, institute directors, teachers, students, officers, employees and Chhatra Dal leaders were also present.

The programme began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a minute’s silence and special prayers seeking forgiveness for the departed soul.

A documentary titled ‘Khaleda Zia in Education and National Unity’ was later screened.

Prof Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, dean of the Faculty of Arts, moderated the condolence meeting.

Earlier, UGC Chairman Prof SMA Faiz inaugurated a condolence book outside the Senate Bhaban auditorium. The book will remain open for the next three days at the Abdul Matin Chowdhury Virtual Classroom for signatures from teachers, students, officers and employees of the university.

In his speech, Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan said Begum Khaleda Zia was a rare example of national unity.

He noted that her journey from a housewife to a statesman inspired millions and that the massive public participation in her funeral stood as historical evidence of her unifying influence.

He also said the university would seriously consider proposals for academic research, literary works and institutional initiatives on her life and contributions.

In his introductory remarks, Prof Mamun Ahmed described Begum Khaleda Zia as a unique statesman of post-independence Bangladesh.

He said her uncompromising leadership in safeguarding democracy, people’s rights, constitutional rule, independence and sovereignty would be remembered forever, alongside her contributions to education, women’s empowerment and the anti-dictatorship movement.

UGC Chairman Prof SMA Faiz said Begum Khaleda Zia had secured a permanent place in the hearts of the people through her steadfast leadership.

Recalling her special sympathy for Dhaka University and the teaching community, he prayed for the eternal peace of her soul.

Former vice-chancellor Prof Anwarullah Chowdhury said she symbolised national unity and remained firmly committed to democracy, adding that parliamentary democracy was restored and education expanded under her leadership.

Former vice-chancellor Prof AFM Yusuf Haider recalled that she re-established parliamentary democracy and ensured people’s voting rights as the country’s first female prime minister in 1991.

He proposed introducing the “Begum Khaleda Zia Memorial Award for Academic Excellence.”

Economist Prof Mahbub Ullah highlighted her role in protecting Bangladesh’s interests internationally, formulating Vision-2030 and taking responsible decisions during national crises.

Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Saima Haque Bidisha said Begum Khaleda Zia’s contributions to economic development, poverty reduction and women’s education and empowerment were particularly significant, praising her government’s law to prevent acid attacks.

Treasurer Prof M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said parliamentary democracy, women’s education and economic progress advanced under her leadership, noting her transformation from a housewife to a national leader.

Other speakers paid deep tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, recalling her patriotism, honesty, humanitarian leadership and role in preserving democracy and national unity, and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

BP/SP