Dr Dipu Siddiqui : Dhaka, March 25, 2025 – Royal University of Dhaka (RUD) commemorated the Great Independence Day 2025 with various events. The celebrations, held on Tuesday (March 25) in the university’s academic auditorium, included a discussion session, a cultural program, and an award ceremony.
The discussion session was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. A.N.M. Meshquat Uddin. In his speech, he remarked, “During the Liberation War, the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra served as a significant source of inspiration for the freedom fighters. Programs like ‘Charampatra’ by M.R. Akhter Mukul, ‘Jallader Darbar,’ and patriotic songs uplifted their morale.”
He vividly described the brutalities of the Pakistani rulers and stated, “Discrimination is never permanent. In 1971, the Bengali nation rose against all injustices and, inspired by the historic speech of March 7, joined the Liberation War.”
Dr. Meshquat Uddin paid deep tribute to the valiant freedom fighters and the martyrs of the infamous Black Night of March 25. He urged students to be driven by patriotism and contribute to the advancement of the university. Additionally, he emphasized the values of Ramadan in daily life, saying, “Fasting teaches us self-restraint. I encourage students to practice patience and discipline in all aspects of life.”
The special guest, Brigadier General (Retd.) A.S.M. Mushfiqur Rahman,
elaborated on the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and the historical discrimination faced by East Pakistan under Pakistani rule. He remarked, “The massacre of March 25, 1971, marked the peak of Pakistan’s autocratic oppression. However, history proves that no ruler can sustain power through discrimination, and Pakistan was no exception.”He further explained how the ruling
elites of West Pakistan, representing only 44% of the population, established an oligarchy, marginalizing not only East Pakistanis but also their own common people. He firmly stated, “Democracy never truly existed in Pakistan during its rule over East Bengal.” Brigadier General Rahman urged the younger generation to learn about the history of the Liberation War and embrace its spirit.
Professor Amir Ul Alam Khan, Controller of Examinations, provided an in-depth analysis of Bangladesh’s independence movement. The discussion was also enriched by the participation of Associate Professor Murad Hasan, Chairperson of the Business Administration Department, associate Professor Malay Sarkar, Chairperson, Hotel Management, and Tourism, associate Professor Jaharat Ara, Chairperson, English and Ms Umme Muslima, Chairperson, CSE.
Cultural Program: A Celebration of Patriotism
Prior to the discussion session, a mesmerizing cultural program took place. Yuki Barua, Lecturer of the English Department, and Bharati Tarafdar from the Human Resource Department recited patriotic poems. 
The event was graced by notable faculty members, includg Professor Dr. Dipu Siddiqui, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Ms.Shamima lecturer department of library and information management science, Md. Obaidur Rahman assistant professor Department of Business administration as well as other department heads, faculty members, students, officials, and staff.
Award Ceremony: Recognizing Creativity and Volunteering
Following the discussion session, winners of the Independence Day Photography Competition and outstanding volunteers were honored. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.N.M. Meshquat Uddin presented certificates and awards to the recipients.
The event was motodated by Assistant Professor Malobika Majumdar of the English Department.
