Dhaka University Embraces Its Son: DU Vice-Chancellor

By Dhaka Correspondent, Bangladesh

After the burial of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, said that Dhaka University has embraced its son. “A mother has regained her child. We pray for him,” he said.

He made these remarks in a brief speech following the burial proceedings on Saturday at the premises of the Dhaka University Central Jame Mosque.

The Vice-Chancellor said that Dhaka University considers the family of Shaheed Hadi as part of its extended family. “From today, we believe his family is an integral part of the larger Dhaka University family. We are grateful to them for the patience, courage, and cooperation they have shown during this difficult time,” he added.

He further said that the graveyard adjacent to the Dhaka University Central Jame Mosque is not merely a burial ground; rather, it is a symbol of the highest honor bestowed by the university.

“You are aware that the grave of the Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is located here. Several members of the Dhaka University family who sacrificed their lives during the Great Liberation War are also buried here. By burying Shaheed Hadi at this site, Dhaka University has paid due respect to its son,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also informed that an emergency meeting of the university’s highest policy-making body, the Syndicate, was held on Friday night at 10:30 pm regarding Hadi’s burial. At the meeting, it was unanimously decided, with the consent of the family, that Shaheed Hadi would be buried at this graveyard. He said the Syndicate paid tribute to him with deep emotion and heartfelt sympathy. He also thanked all those concerned who assisted in the burial process.

The Vice-Chancellor said that, from an Islamic perspective, martyrs hold a distinct status. “We have felt the reflection of the special honor accorded to martyrs, as mentioned in the Hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in today’s arrangements as well,” he said.

Earlier on Saturday, following the funeral prayer at 3:30 pm, Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi was laid to rest on the northern side of the Dhaka University Central Jame Mosque and on the southern side of the grave of the Rebel Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. The funeral prayer was led by his elder brother, Abu Bakar Siddiq.

Present at the burial were Amar Desh Editor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman and Amar Desh Managing Editor Zahed Chowdhury. Senior officials of the Dhaka University administration, DUCSU representatives, and national-level leaders from various political parties were also present.

Earlier, the second funeral prayer of Shaheed Hadi was held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building. After the prayer, his body was brought to the premises of the Dhaka University Central Jame Mosque for burial.

Although the burial of Shaheed Sharif Osman Hadi has laid to rest a courageous voice of the July Mass Uprising, his spirit of protest and memories of struggle will remain forever alive in the hearts of the people of the country.

Shaheed Sharif Osman bin Hadi completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the Department of Political Science at the University of Dhaka. He taught at a private university in Dhaka and was also associated as a teacher with an English language coaching center. In addition, he served as the spokesperson of the Inqilab Manch.