A photo exhibition was organized at the University of Dhaka to commemorate the glorious history of the Liberation War on the occasion of National Flag Hoisting Day. The exhibition was arranged by a platform named Bangla Records.
The exhibition, titled “Revolution and Glory in the Flag,” was inaugurated at 11:00 am on Sunday at the foot of Aparajeyo Bangla on the university campus. On this day in 1971, defying the threats of the Pakistani rulers, the red and green flag of Bangladesh was hoisted under the banyan tree in front of the Arts Building of the university. On that historic occasion, then student leader A. S. M. Abdur Rab first raised the national flag. The flag, designed by Shib Narayan Das, featured a map of Bangladesh at its center.
Present at the inauguration ceremony were Professor Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Dhaka; former DUCSU General Secretary Mahbub Zaman; University Librarian Professor Kazi Mostak Gausul Haq; and the event’s chairperson, Jafar Raja Chowdhury.
Later, at a discussion meeting held at the Bot Tala premises, speakers highlighted the history of the national flag and the spirit of the Liberation War.
Former DUCSU General Secretary Mahbub Zaman said, “We may not remain for long. We have handed over to you a flag earned in exchange for an ocean of blood. We will depart, but you must uphold this flag.” He urged that such commemorative programs continue in every department of the university in honor of the freedom fighters.
Professor Kazi Mostak Gausul Haq said, “The national flag did not emerge suddenly; behind it lies a long history and the labor, sweat, and sacrifice of countless people. Our heritage, spirit, beliefs, and identity are intertwined with this flag.” He cautioned against any attempt to undermine the glory of the Liberation War and added, “The sacrifice of three million people is linked to our great Liberation War. If we forget this, the very foundation of the state will lose its meaning.”
Dean Siddiqur Rahman Khan, in his speech, referred to the contemporary political context and expressed hope for building a society free from exploitation and corruption.
Amanullah Aman, Organizational Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, also spoke at the event.