On March 26, the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) hosted a poignant discussion meeting to commemorate the 53rd Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. The event took place at the university’s Council Building, where the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Satya Prasad Majumder, graced the occasion as the chief guest, accompanied by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan, as the special guest.
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The meeting was well-attended by department heads, faculty, students, and staff, all gathered to reflect on BUET’s pivotal role during Bangladesh’s Liberation War and to pay tribute to the esteemed BUET educator, Dr. Nurul Ula. The speakers highlighted Dr. Ula’s brave act of capturing the harrowing footage of the Jagannath Hall massacre from his residence on the fateful morning of March 26, 1971. They also recounted the tale of the clandestine radio transmitter, ingeniously built in a BUET lab, which broadcasted the call for liberation.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Majumder recounted the legendary tale of Dr. Ula’s ingenuity in constructing a transmitter in a mere nine days at the behest of Bangabandhu. Although the transmitter was ultimately not deployed, Majumder emphasized that Dr. Ula’s unwavering commitment to his country and Bangabandhu shone through his efforts.
Majumder also underscored the enduring legacy of trust and excellence that BUET upholds, as exemplified by Dr. Ula. He noted that BUET’s expertise continues to be instrumental in national projects, including the iconic Padma Bridge, and called for sustained contributions to the nation’s development.
Echoing these sentiments, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Khan reminisced about the perils of 1971 when the mere act of approaching a window could invite gunfire. Amidst such dangers, Dr. Ula daringly filmed the atrocities at Jagannath Hall, his footage later becoming a crucial document of the Liberation War.
Khan stressed the importance of cultural preservation and social responsibility in maintaining independence. He urged the BUET community to embrace their role in shaping the future and to prepare for ambitious national endeavors.
The symposium concluded with a collective call to recognize March 25th as World Genocide Day.
