Inspired by Martyrs’ Sacrifice, We Must Build the Country: DUET VC

Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) in Gazipur observed Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2026 with due dignity and solemnity on Saturday (21 February).

At 12:01am, DUET Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Joynal Abedin led university officials in paying tribute to the language martyrs by placing wreaths at the university’s Shaheed Minar. Vice-chancellors, deans, department heads, and directors joined the tribute, followed by students from different halls, the Teachers’ Association, the Office of Student Welfare, and officers’ and employees’ associations.

Earlier, a discussion meeting was held at the Shaheed Minar premises on Friday night. The programme was chaired by Utpal Kumar Das, with a welcome address by Teachers’ Association president Md. Khasru Mia. DUET Deputy Vice-Chancellor Md. Arefin Kawsar attended as special guest.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Joynal Abedin paid deep respect to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement and prayed for the peace of their souls. He said the recognition of Bangla as the state language came through supreme sacrifice, setting a unique example in world history.

He noted that the spirit of 1952 later inspired the Liberation War of 1971 and continued democratic struggles. “Inspired by the martyrs’ sacrifice, we must dedicate ourselves to building the country,” he said, urging unity against injustice and commitment to democratic values.

The vice-chancellor also called for collective efforts to develop DUET as a non-discriminatory and just institution. He sought cooperation from teachers, students, officials, and employees to strengthen education, research, and innovation, and to prepare for the challenges of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Md. Arefin Kawsar also paid tribute to the language martyrs and stressed the importance of using Bangla in education, research, science, technology, and the economy. He urged everyone to work from their respective positions to build a prosperous Bangladesh while keeping the martyrs’ ideals alive.

Teachers, students, officials, and employees from all faculties were present at the programmes.

As part of the observance, the national flag was flown at half-mast from sunrise. Special prayers were offered after Zuhr at the central mosque, along with prayers at temples and other places of worship. A painting competition was also organised by the DUET school.