Mourning Day observed at DU

The Dhaka University (DU) authorities yesterday observed Mourning Day, commemorating the tragic deaths of students, employees and guests in a building collapse at the university's Jagannath Hall in 1985.

A total of 39 people, including 26 students, died as the roof of the auditorium of the then Assembly Building (now October Smriti Bhaban) collapsed on this day in 1985.

To mark the day, university authorities organised various programmes and hoisted black flags atop all student dormitories and kept the university flag at half-mast.

Students, teachers, officials and employees of the university brought out a mourning procession from Aparajeyo Bangla in the morning that marched up to the October Memorial Building at Jagannath Hall. A discussion was held there at 8:00am.

Speaking at the programme, DU Vice Chancellor Prof Md. Akhtaruzzaman said the university authority will not compromise when it comes to security concerns on the campus.

“We will initiate a master plan to construct buildings on the university campus to avoid risks and would ask all to vacate buildings at risk,” he added.

Among others, Pro VC (Administration) Prof Mohammad Samad, Treasurer Prof Kamal Uddin, Teachers' Association President Prof ASM Maksud Kamal and Hall Provost Prof Asim Sarker took part in the discussion.

Special prayers were also offered at Jagannath Hall and the university mosques. The museum of October tragedy at the hall remained open to all from 9:00am to 6:30pm.

The Jagannath Hall authorities also organised a blood donation programme at the hall premises.