Dhaka University (DU), country’s oldest university celebrated its 98th founding day on Monday in a befitting manner. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages on the eve of the day.
In his message, President Abdul Hamid said, “The Dhaka University (DU) is a glittering example of the country. I express sincere greetings to the current and former students, teachers, guardians and the staffs on the 98th founding anniversary of the university, which is promoting knowledge for a long time.”
“A knowledge based society is a pre-requisite to establish a developed Bangladesh within 2041. Everybody hopes that Dhaka University will play a key role in creating knowledge through providing quality education and research. I urge the DU authorities to introduce all concerned with innovations in the era of globalization, spread the field of research and utilise the knowledge for the welfare of the people and the country.” In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her greetings to the members of DU family on the 98th anniversary of DU. “Now, Bangladesh is synonymous with the journey of continuous development and the Dhaka University with its world-class excellence is one of the main associates of advancing Bangladesh,” said Sheikh Hasina. “The theme of this year’s DU Day is “Qualitative Education, Barriers and Solution”. I appreciate the DU authority to select such a timely theme. It is praiseworthy the way DU is working to achieve the expected quality of education,” said the Prime Minister.
The university authority has chalked out elaborate programmes to celebrate the day amid festivity and fanfare.
DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Akhtaruzzaman announced a day-long programme to mark the day.
“We have taken elaborate initiatives to ensure the educational quality and environment on the eve of ‘Mujib Barsho’ (Mujib Year) and the centenary of the university,” the VC said.
A discussion meeting titled “Qualitative Education, Barriers and Solution” was held at the TSC auditorium where Emeritus Professor Dr Serajul Islam Choudhury will present the keynote speech. Arts Faculty building, Curzon Hall, TSC building and other important infrastructures of the university have been illuminated displaying dazzling lights. Rare manuscripts were exhibited at the university central library from 10am to 1pm on that day.
Moreover, a friendly cricket match was held between Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and DU Journalists’ Association (DUJA) at 3:00 pm on the university central field.
The day was observed to mark the launching of academic activities
by the university on July 1, 1921.
Starting off with just 877 students in three faculties and 12 departments in 1921, the university has grown to accommodate over 43,385 students and 2,010 teachers in 84 departments and 13 institutes presently. The DU has played a vital role in Bangladesh history. Its students and teachers had sacrificed their lives in the Language Movement in 1952, the Mass Upsurge in 1969 and the Liberation War in 1971. Even the national flag of Bangladesh was first hoisted at Bot Tola on the DU campus on March 2, 1971.
