RAJSHAHI: Rajshahi University authorities yesterday celebrated the university's 62nd founding anniversary amid festivity and fanfare on the campus with a vow to establishing a violence-free campus, reports BSS.
RU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin inaugurated the programmes at 10 am in front of the administrative building by hoisting the national flag along with university flag and releasing pigeons.
The university organised colourful processions, discussions, colourful events and slide show to mark the day.
The university's administrative building, senate building and Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium were decorated with dazzling lights.
Over a thousand teachers, students and staff brought out a colourful procession led by university's Vice-chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin that marched around the campus.
Addressing a post-rally discussion at the senate building, the VC said the aim of the Liberation War is yet to be achieved, adding that the histories of the country and the university are intertwined. The students should try to enrich their potential through quality education and building a modern country, he observed.
He also recalled the memory of Prof Shamsuzzoha, who was shot dead by the Pakistani army in 1969 during the movement against oppressive Pakistani rulers.
RU VC sought help from teachers, students and staffs to run the university’s research and other academic activities smoothly for the better future of students and nation.
Prof Mizan said since its inception in 1953, the university always came forward during important movements in the interest of the nation.
He emphasised the importance of upholding the tradition of the university and urged the students to play a greater role in promoting the spirit of the Liberation War and free thinking.
Among others, Pro VC Prof Sarwar Jahan, Treasurer Pro Sayen Uddin, Registrar Prof Entajul Haque, Students Adviser Prof Sadequl Arefin and Proctor Professor Tariqul Hassan addressed the programme.
The university started its journey on July 6, 1953 with only 161 students and 68 teachers in six departments under three faculties with Prof Itrat Hossain Zuberi as the founding VC.
At present, the university has over 1,200 teachers in 50 departments under 9 faculties, along with 5 research institutes and 18 residential halls - 11 for male students and 5 for female - and around 33,000 students.