Dhaka University, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the subcontinent widely known as the Oxford of the East, celebrated its 105th founding anniversary on Wednesday (July 1). This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Democracy restoration and higher education at Dhaka University.”
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued a message on Tuesday (June 30) wishing success for all programs organized for Dhaka University Day. Extending greetings to teachers, parents, and current and former students, the prime minister said: “Many Dhaka University alumni are making significant contributions in knowledge, science, economics, and various professional fields at universities and institutions both at home and abroad. There is an opportunity to engage these established alumni in the university’s education and research development. In many countries including the United Kingdom, university alumni sponsor and support research and innovation activities. I call on Dhaka University alumni to become more actively involved in research and innovation.”
A colorful procession was set to depart from the Smriti Chirantan square adjacent to the vice-chancellor’s residence at 9:45 a.m., led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam. The inaugural program at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) courtyard at 10 a.m. was to include the hoisting of the national flag and university and hall flags, cake cutting, the national anthem, the university theme song, and performances of Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet. International students were also to participate in the cultural program.
A discussion chaired by the vice-chancellor was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the TSC auditorium, featuring a keynote paper titled “Democracy restoration and higher education at Dhaka University” presented by Emeritus Professor Dr. AF Sirajul Islam Chowdhury of the English department. A panel discussion at 3 p.m. at the Professor Mozaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences, was to be attended by Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Dr. Abdus Salam as chief guest. Panelists included former Economics department Professor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud and former Development Studies department Professor Dr. Mahbub Ullah.
Dhaka University was founded in 1921 to expand higher education opportunities in what was then East Bengal. Overcoming numerous obstacles from its inception, the institution has produced the country’s foremost educators, scientists, literary figures, artists, administrators, and statesmen. It has also played a role in the Language Movement, the 1969 mass uprising, the Liberation War, the anti-authoritarian movement, and more recent democratic movements.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report