Shaheed Dr Zoha Day today

Shaheed Dr. Zoha Day is being observed today (February 18) across the country in memory of Rajshahi University chemistry department Professor Dr. Shamsuzzoha, who was killed by Pakistani army on this day in 1969 during a protest of students opposing military rule.

Dr Shamsuzzoha, then proctor and a professor of chemistry at University of Rajshahi, was shot dead by Pakistani troops on February 18, 1969 while trying to protect students during protests. He is recognised as the country’s first martyred intellectual.

The day is also observed as “Teachers’ Day” at the University of Rajshahi.

During the 1969 mass movement, protests spread across the country demanding the withdrawal of the Agartala Conspiracy Case and the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Students of Rajshahi University actively joined the movemnet.

On the morning of 18 February, students brought out a procession defying Section 144, which had banned public gatherings. As tensions rose near the university’s main gate, Dr. Shamsuzzoha rushed to the scene in his role as proctor to calm the students.

When a Pakistani army officer ordered troops to open fire, he reportedly stood in front of the students and urged the soldiers not to shoot. He was shot moments later and later died from his injuries.

His death intensified the mass uprising across the country. Under growing public pressure, the government eventually released Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other political leaders.

Dr. Shamsuzzoha was buried in front of the university’s administrative building, a place now known as “Zoha Square.” A residential hall at the university has also been named after him.

Born in 1934 in West Bengal, India, Dr. Shamsuzzoha studied chemistry at University of Dhaka and later pursued higher studies at Imperial College London and the University of London. He joined Rajshahi University in 1961. He left behind his wife and a daughter.