Md. Zillur Rahaman :
Dhaka University (DU) was founded on July 1, 1921 and as such, this famous university has turned 100 on June 30, 2021. DU was set up with a goal of developing independent nationalism and that’s why people call it the ‘Oxford of the East’. From the language movement in 1952 to the war of independence in 1971 and all subsequent movements and struggles, this university has played a glorious role. Starting on July 1, 1921 and completing 99 years, dear DU is entering the house of the century. It is undoubtedly a big achievement and a source of pride and joy for all involved.
The famous DU, once called Oxford in the East, is undoubtedly the oldest university in Bangladesh. Located in the heart of the capital city of Dhaka, the university has maintained a strong position in education, research and national contribution since its inception, but it has not been able to maintain its desired position in the international arena as well. DU is constantly lagging behind in the international rankings and this is certainly not good news for us and a painful matters for the alumnus. Many scholars, luminaries, artists, writers, scientists, researchers and politicians of the country have been born from this university. Besides, this beloved university has mostly contributed in all the fields of the country including the history of independence, language movement, anti-authoritarian movement. we are really proud and delighted to be a student of DU in this historic moment of the century. At the same time, we respectfully remember Syed Nawab Ali Chowdhury, Nawab Sir Salimullah, Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Haque, the nation is also gratefully remembering these brave souls, the founding members of DU, for their contribution, sacrifice, talent and hard struggle.
DU has a glorious past of student politics and movement, in particular, the language movement of 1952, the united front election of ’54, the movement against the infamous Hamidur Rahman Education Commission of ’62, the historic 6-points and 11-points of ’66, the mass uprising of ’69, the election of ’70, the student politics and movement of DU in’ 71 has played a leading role in every historic democratic victory, including the great war of liberation. The students have started a positive movement in DU also has a glorious historical role in the mass uprisings and anti-authoritarian movements of the ’90s in Bangladesh.
In fact, after independence, student politics has become dependent on money, weapons and muscle power. Political parties also started using student politics for their own benefit; as a result, student politics lost its focus and glory. Not only political parties but also businessmen and industrialists are using them. Due to this, the student politics of DU is quite controversial in the intelligentsia and due to the tailwind activities of the political parties, it is not creating any more glamour and interest as like before. The last Student Union (DUCSU) election was held on 11 March 2019 in DU after 28 long years but there are also debates and criticisms about it. Its term has already expired but there are no signs of a new DUCSU election. DUCSU is said to be the epitome of student politics across the country. The value, reputation and inspiration that it had all over the country is no longer visible.
Although DU initially started as an autonomous free-thinking institution, the scope of that free-thinking practice has gradually shrunk. With the change of government, the administration of the whole university changed rapidly. Only by increasing researces for the production of new knowledge and opening up the range of declining free-thinking practices will DU be able to establish itself as a research university. DU has not become a research university in 100 years, which is its biggest failure.
The thought, consciousness and values with which DU started its initiative have faded away in recent times. The DU, which was once the center of knowledge science across the country, is now witnessing a business spirit. The basic research that was talked about here has been lost for a long time. Kit was supposed to play a major role in the genome sequence across the country during this COVID-19 pandemic, but dear DU has completely failed to meet that expectation. So, we hope that DU students will realize this and take part in the ongoing initiative to implement the education system that Bangladesh should have in the true sense of the word, and we can bring back what Oxford in the East said was a place of pride.
DU was established with the aim of expanding education and research, developing free thinking thought and creating new and basic knowledge through creative activities. This organization is celebrating its centenary in 2021 and the golden jubilee of our great independence of Bangladesh is also coincidentally being celebrated in the same year. Therefore, the year is a year of special dignity, respect, passion and memory for us.
(The author is a life member of Dhaka University Alumni Association).
