August 23 to be observed as 'Black Day' at Dhaka University

Dhaka University authorities will observe August 23 as 'Black Day' to commemorate the attacks and torture on teachers, students, officials and employees of the university between August 20 and 23, 2007.

The information was provided in a press release from the university's Public Relations Office on Friday (August 21).

On the day, teachers, students, officials and employees of the university will wear black badges. Additionally, a discussion meeting has been organised at 11am at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam will preside over the event, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Mohammad Almozadded Al Fesani and Treasurer Professor Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury attending as distinguished guests.

It may be mentioned that between August 20 and 23, 2007, during the tenure of the then army-backed caretaker government, clashes, attacks and torture occurred against students, teachers, officials and employees of Dhaka University. In protest and remembrance of those incidents, the university authorities have since been observing August 23 as 'Black Day'.

The day will be observed with various programmes, as is done every year. The main purpose of the day is to preserve the memory of the incidents and to pay respect and protest against the incidents that took place against the university community.