HSTU Correspondent
The 24th University Day of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) was celebrated in a grand and colorful manner throughout the day.

As part of the day’s events, at 9:00 AM, the national flag and the university flag were hoisted in front of the administrative building by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof  Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam Sikder.  Treasurer, Prof  Dr. M. Jahangir Kabir, along with senior faculty members, were  also present.

Following the flag hoisting, festoons and balloons were released and white doves, symbolizing peace, were set free into the sky.

A vibrant rally with the participation of students, teachers, officers, and staff then paraded through the university campus and the adjacent highway, concluding at the Central Shaheed Minar. There, floral tributes were paid to the memory of the martyrs. Afterward, the Vice-Chancellor’s message for the occasion was read and distributed.

In front of the TSC building, educational materials were distributed among students of Mojar School, a children’s art competition was inaugurated, and a celebratory cake was cut.

In the second phase of the program, the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Treasurer, along with teachers, officers, and staff, visited and paid homage at the grave of Hajee Mohammad Danesh beside the Gor-e-Shaheed field in Dinajpur. They also visited the grave of the late Minister of Women and Children Affairs, MP Khurshid Jahan Haque, at Faridpur Cemetery and offered their respects.

It is worth mentioning that the university was officially established by a government gazette issued on April 8, 2002, and the formal inauguration of its operations was conducted by the late Minister Khurshid Jahan Haque MP on April 16, 2002.

Following the tributes, a discussion meeting titled "The Role and Development of HSTU in Building a Merit-Based and Equitable Bangladesh" was held at Auditorium-1 to mark the 24th University Day.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Enamul Haque, delivered the keynote address as the chief guest. The founding Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Mosharraf Hossain Miah, was the chief discussant. Special guests included the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer, and Proctor.

Other speakers included Prof Dr. Md. Abu Hasan, President of the Nationalist Teachers’ Council, and Prof  Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman Bahadur, President of the Shada Dal (White Panel). The event was presided over by the Director of the Student Counseling and Guidance Department and hosted by Assistant Proctor Prof  Dr. Abul Kalam.

In his address, founding Vice-Chancellor Prof  Dr. Mosharraf Hossain Miah reminisced in detail about the early days of the university's journey. He expressed gratitude to the current administration for inviting him and acknowledged the contributions of then-Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and the late Minister Khurshid Jahan Haque in establishing the university.

He also urged everyone to fulfill their responsibilities with sincerity and dedication for the continued development and progress of higher education in the northern region.

In his speech, Vice-Chancellor Prof  Dr. Md. Enamul Haque said, “Until now, the history of the university’s establishment and its University Day has been distorted. A particular date was celebrated even though no law had been passed or gazette issued. The law clearly states that the university's journey begins from the day the gazette is issued. Accordingly, we are celebrating the University Day this year.”

He concluded by thanking everyone present.

Besides, on the occasion  a special prayer was held at the central mosque after Zuhr prayer, and decorative lighting was arranged in university buildings starting the evening of April 7.