DU Correspondent :
Dhaka University (DU) authorities on Monday observed “Black Day” protesting the crackdown on teachers and students of the university by the then military-backed caretaker government on August 23, 2007.
This year the day was observed on September 3, eleven days later as the DU was closed due to the Eid-ul-Azha.
The protesters wore black badges and held different programmes, including discussion and rally on the campus, demanding punishment of the culprits.
A discussion was held at the Teacher- Student Center of DU around 11:00am in observance of the day.
DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Akhtaruzzaman chaired the function, while Pro-VC Professor Muhammad Samad,
Treasurer Professor Kamal Uddin, DU Teachers’ Association President Professor ASM Maksud Kamal and General Secretary Professor Shibli Rubayetul Islam spoke on the occasion, among others.
DU Registrar (acting) Enamuzzaman conducted the function. In his speech, the DU VC said, the young generation should learn about the history properly. On this day in 2007 DU teachers and students were attacked by the then army-backed caretaker government with a trifling issue centering a football match.
“They also arrested several teachers and students. We do not expect attack on any institution like this,” the VC said.
Meanwhile, a protest rally was also held marking the day in front of Aparajeyo Bangla. Professor Muhammad Samad, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the university spoke at the rally as the chief guest.
DU Teachers’ Association President Professor Maksud Kamal, Social Science Faculty Dean Professor Sadeka Halim and Sir AF Rahman Hall Provost Saiful Islam also spoke, among others.
On August 20, 2007, students of the university were engaged in a heated argument with some members of the army following a football match, which escalated among the students being physically assaulted. This triggered a widespread agitation by both teachers and students.
On the night of August 23, 2007, the military arrested four teachers and eight students of the university and allegedly tortured them. The incident sparked clashes between police and students, spreading from Dhaka University to all other educational institutions in the country. One person was killed in Rajshahi and several hundred were injured during the clashes.
A total of 59 cases were filed against 84,000 unnamed students on charges of their involvement in the violence.
Several teachers of Dhaka and Rajshahi Universities were also arrested and placed on remand on charges of instigating the violence. After spending five months in prison, four Dhaka University teachers were released after being granted presidential clemency on January 22, 2008.
Eight DU students were also released over several phases. The then government also withdrew a number of cases against the teachers and students. From then, the university observes August 23 as Black Day every year.
Dhaka University (DU) authorities on Monday observed “Black Day” protesting the crackdown on teachers and students of the university by the then military-backed caretaker government on August 23, 2007.
This year the day was observed on September 3, eleven days later as the DU was closed due to the Eid-ul-Azha.
The protesters wore black badges and held different programmes, including discussion and rally on the campus, demanding punishment of the culprits.
A discussion was held at the Teacher- Student Center of DU around 11:00am in observance of the day.
DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Akhtaruzzaman chaired the function, while Pro-VC Professor Muhammad Samad,
Treasurer Professor Kamal Uddin, DU Teachers’ Association President Professor ASM Maksud Kamal and General Secretary Professor Shibli Rubayetul Islam spoke on the occasion, among others.
DU Registrar (acting) Enamuzzaman conducted the function. In his speech, the DU VC said, the young generation should learn about the history properly. On this day in 2007 DU teachers and students were attacked by the then army-backed caretaker government with a trifling issue centering a football match.
“They also arrested several teachers and students. We do not expect attack on any institution like this,” the VC said.
Meanwhile, a protest rally was also held marking the day in front of Aparajeyo Bangla. Professor Muhammad Samad, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the university spoke at the rally as the chief guest.
DU Teachers’ Association President Professor Maksud Kamal, Social Science Faculty Dean Professor Sadeka Halim and Sir AF Rahman Hall Provost Saiful Islam also spoke, among others.
On August 20, 2007, students of the university were engaged in a heated argument with some members of the army following a football match, which escalated among the students being physically assaulted. This triggered a widespread agitation by both teachers and students.
On the night of August 23, 2007, the military arrested four teachers and eight students of the university and allegedly tortured them. The incident sparked clashes between police and students, spreading from Dhaka University to all other educational institutions in the country. One person was killed in Rajshahi and several hundred were injured during the clashes.
A total of 59 cases were filed against 84,000 unnamed students on charges of their involvement in the violence.
Several teachers of Dhaka and Rajshahi Universities were also arrested and placed on remand on charges of instigating the violence. After spending five months in prison, four Dhaka University teachers were released after being granted presidential clemency on January 22, 2008.
Eight DU students were also released over several phases. The then government also withdrew a number of cases against the teachers and students. From then, the university observes August 23 as Black Day every year.
