Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), observed Martyred Intellectuals Day 2025 with due respect and solemnity on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

In the morning, a mourning rally was held at the Damdama Killing Ground in Rangpur city, followed by the laying of wreaths in memory of the martyred intellectuals. The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Md. Showkat Ali, paid tribute on behalf of the university. Subsequently, various departments and offices of the university also placed wreaths to honor the martyrs.

On the occasion, a discussion meeting and prayer session were organized on the third floor of the university cafeteria in the morning. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Showkat Ali, attended the discussion as the chief guest. In his speech, he paid deep respect to the nation’s finest sons on Martyred Intellectuals Day. He said that not only teachers but people from various professions sacrificed their lives for the independence of Bangladesh. He also mentioned that during the July movement, many young students, including martyr Abu Sayeed, played a leading role in building a discrimination-free Bangladesh.

Professor Dr. Showkat Ali further stated that on December 14, 1971, intellectual killings took place at Dhaka University and in different parts of the country. Many intellectuals in the Rangpur region were also tortured, martyred, or went missing. Local history, personal memories, and research-based evidence clearly testify to their sacrifices. He emphasized that inspired by the sacrifices of the intellectuals, everyone must work together to build Begum Rokeya University as the leading center of higher education in northern Bangladesh.

The discussion meeting was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Ilias Pramanik, Convener of the Martyred Intellectuals Day 2025 Observance Committee. Special guests included Professor Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology; Professor Dr. Md. Emdadul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences; and Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Additional Registrar Agriculturist Khandaker Golam Mostafa and student Khokon Islam of the Department of Statistics also spoke at the event.

After the discussion, a doa mahfil was held seeking eternal peace for the souls of the martyrs. The prayer was conducted by Dr. Rakib Uddin Ahammed, Khatib of the BRUR Central Mosque. Following the discussion and prayer session, a debate competition was organized with the participation of students.