DU to observe Ekushey following hygiene rules

Keeping the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in mind, the Dhaka University (DU) authorities have decided to observe this year's Amar Ekushey programmes maintaining proper hygiene rules.

All who would come to the central Shaheed Minar, to celebrate the "Martyr's Day and International Mother Language Day 2021", have to wear facemasks, and no one would be allowed to enter DU campus without wearing masks, says a press release.

Moreover, maintaining social distance and following hygiene rules, maximum five delegates from each organisation and two persons at individual level would be allowed to place wreaths at the Shaheed Minar, the release adds.

The decisions were taken at a meeting on how to observe the Amar Ekushey programmes this year at Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on DU premises on Sunday. DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman presided over the meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, one minute's silence was observed paying homage to the language martyrs.

Professor Akhtaruzzaman emphasized observing Amar Ekushey programmes with due dignity and solemnity, following proper hygiene rules and maintaining social distance.

He said, "Considering the changed circumstances, this year, we have to create awareness about avoiding public gatherings while observing the day."

He also sought full cooperation of all concerned for smooth and successful implementation of all the programmes undertaken by DU authorities on the occasion of Amar Ekushey.

DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, Treasurer Professor Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, senate and syndicate members, registrar, president and general secretary of DU Teachers Association, deans of different faculties, provosts of different halls, chairmen of different departments, directors of different institutes under DU, proctors, representatives of concerned ministries, and representatives of employees associations attended the meeting.

The meeting formed an Amar Ekushey Celebration Central Coordinating Committee with Dhaka University Teachers' Association President Professor Dr Md Rahmat Ullah as coordinator. DUTA Vice-President Professor Sabita Rizwana Rahman and DUTA General Secretary Md Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan were made joint-coordinators of the committee while Proctor AKM Golam Rabbani was made the member-secretary.

Apart from the central coordinating committee, various sub-committees were also formed at the meeting to celebrate the Amar Ekushey programmes smoothly and peacefully.