With the theme “Higher Education for Inclusive Development”, Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday celebrated its 97th founding anniversary amid festivity and fanfare.
President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave separate messages on the eve of the 97th founding anniversary of the university and wished success of all programmes of the day.
They also urged the university teachers, students and researchers to devote themselves to welfare of the people to build Sonar Bangla utilizing their merits, wisdom and values.
Dhaka University, which is considered the country’s highest echelon for academic excellence started its academic activities on July 1, 1921 with 12 departments, 3 faculties, 60 teachers, 877 students, 3 residential halls and about 600 acres of land.
The country’s largest university now consists of 84 departments, 13 faculties, 12 institutes, 54 research bureaus and centres, 39,496 students, 1,999 teachers and 23 residential halls and 275.083 acres of land.
The day-long programmes started in the morning through hoisting national and university flags at the university’s administrative building premises, releasing balloons and cutting cake.
Teachers, students and university staffs brought out a colourful procession. Key structures on the campus were illuminated with colourful lights.
A discussion was held at Teacher-Student Center (TSC) auditorium at 11:00am with DU VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman in the chair.
While addressing the programme, National Professor Anisuzzaman said, “On this day, we have to think about our responsibility to our university and enhance its glory. Teachers, students and staffs have to bring back the glorious history of the university.”
DU VC Prof Akhtaruzzaman remembered Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with due solemnity.
He also remembered Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury and Nawab Sir Khwaja Salimullah for their unprecedented roles for the establishment of DU.
“A comprehensive development is very much necessary for Dhaka University. DU has to exercise its affiliation power to oversee its affiliated colleges and institutions through a proper way,” said Prof Akhtaruzzaman.
