Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been conferred an honorary 'Doctor of Laws' degree (posthumous) by the premier Dhaka University (DU) as a token of respect at a special convocation ceremony. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina attended the ceremony as the convocation speaker also received the award on behalf of her father at the university's central playground on Saturday (Oct 29), local media reported.
After receiving the degree, Sheikh Hasina signed the acknowledgement paper on behalf of her Father, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
As Bangabandhu was a student of the university's Law Department, the university authorities had made all the preparations to hold its convocation on the morning of Aug 15, 1975, where the country's then president Bangabandhu was scheduled to attend.
But before the dawn broke, Bangabandhu, along with most of his family members, were brutally murdered by a band of disgruntled army officers.
DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman adorned Bangabandhu with the honorary degree and also inaugurated the special convocation as a chair while Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni addressed as special guest.
Jatiyo Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation Barrister Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, Lawmakers, teachers, University Alumni Members, registered graduate representatives, senate and syndicate members, among others, attended the ceremony with amid much enthusiasm and festivity.
DU Vice-Chancellor (Education) Dr A S M Maksud Kamal read out the citation on the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree conferred on the Father of the Nation while DU Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr Muhammad Samad and Treasurer Prof Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed addressed as special guests at the function, moderated by DU Registrar Prabir Kumer Sarker.
At the outset of the programme, the national anthem was played while one minute of silence was observed to show respect to Bangabandhu.
Cultural events and a documentary reflecting Bangabandhu's contributions in leading the nation to freedom and rebuilding a war-torn country were also staged in the grand ceremony started with the national anthem followed by recitation from the holy religious scriptures followed.
Earlier, the students, teachers, administrative body and Alumni of the university carried out a convocation rally from Carzon Hall to the convocation venue led by DU Vice-Chancellor.
