SHAHEED SHAMSUZZOHA - an educationalist and professor of Rajshahi University, was the first Bangladeshi teacher to embrace martyrdom for the sake of freedom from Pakistani oppression and exploitation.
The professor laid down his life in an attempt to save his university students during the mass uprisings of 1969. In a desperate attempt to save his beloved students, he urged upon the Pakistani police: "Please, don't open fire; my students will go back now!" However, he was refused. "Your bullets will pierce my heart first before they hit a single student!" - These were his last words. The great teacher along with his unforgettable sacrifice encourages and inspires the entire nation.
Toufik Ahmed Noyon
Department of International Relations,
University of Rajshahi
