Dhaka University on Wednesday observed its Mourning Day, remembering the victims of Jagannath Hall tragedy.
Marking the day, vice-chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmad Khan led teachers, students, officers and employees in placing floral wreaths at the Jagannath Hall Memorial at about 7:30am.
Different student organisations also placed floral wreaths at the memorial, commemorating the victims who died as the roof of a dilapidated building in the residential hall鈥檚 compound collapsed on October 15 in 1985.
On Wednesday, a discussion meeting was also held at the 鈥楾V room鈥� of the October Memorial Building at Jagannath Hall with the vice-chancellor in chair.
Pro-vice-chancellor (administration) Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha, treasurer Professor M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, proctor Saifuddin Ahmed, Jagannath Hall provost Debashis Pal, Dhaka University Central Student Union vice-president Abu Shadik Kayem, general secretary SM Farhad, Jagannath Hall Students鈥� Union vice-president Pallab Kumar Barman, university unit Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal president Ganesh Chandra Roy Sahas, as well as leaders of the DU Officers鈥� Association, Employees鈥� Association, Technical Employees鈥� Association and Class IV Employees鈥� Union,聽 among others, spoke at the event.
Acting registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed conducted the programme while deans of different faculties, hall provosts, teachers, officials, employees and alumni attended the event.
Paying homage to the victims, vice-chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan said that the tragedy united the entire nation beyond religion, caste and creed, adding that this bond of unity should be further strengthened and spread across society.
To mark the day, black flags were hoisted atop all halls, hostels and major buildings, while the university flag was kept at half-mast and teachers, students and staff wore black badges.
Prayer sessions were held on Jagannath Hall premises, seeking peace for the departed souls, participated by Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities.
The hall administration also arranged exhibitions of portraits and documents of the victims.
On the night of October 15, 1985, 40 people, of whom 26 were students and 14 guests and employees, died while many others were injured in the roof collapse at Jagannath Hall.
