DU Correspondent :
Day-long centenary celebration of Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA) held on Saturday with elaborate programs including a photo exhibition, discussion, honouring dignitaries alumni, unveiling books and cultural program.
Around twelve thousand alumni of the university observed the centenary reunion at the central playground of Dhaka University. Alumni have recalled historical days and their educational life at the university. They also suggested to the university making a plan to enhance the quality of education of the university.
The inaugural function has begun at 10 am with the presentation of the national anthem and hoisting of the flag. Motiul Islam, the oldest living student of the university, was present as the chief guest at the inaugural session.
Pro-vice-chancellor (academic) Professor ASM Maksud Kamal, pro-vice-chancellor (administration) Professor Muhammad Samad, former DUAA president Rokib Uddin
Ahmad, DU hundreds years celebration Committee’s chairman Syed ManzurElahi were delivered speech presided over by DUAA President AK Azad.
The president of DU alumni AK Azad said, “we have not been able to reach in hundred years where our university was supposed to have arrived. We want to support our university to bring in hundreds of universities in the world. We want to support the university for increasing research, developing library and reconstructing the risky building.”
Professor ASM Maksud Kamal evokes on the alumnus for implementation of the works which they were promised to do that.
At 12.50 pm, a discussion was held titled “Dhaka University Alumni in the Progress of Bangladesh” chaired by emirates professor Serajul Islam Choudhury. Where Dipu Moni, Education Minister of the Republic of Bangladesh, Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, Bir Bikram and Adviser of Prime Minister, among others were present.
Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury called upon the alumni association to play a role in developing the university’s infrastructure as well as improving its quality.
“We need to do more research and it must be creative and beneficial. The translation of different foreign books is very important for our students but we couldn’t do this. We tried to introduce an education system through our mother tongue, but we could not. The best article, book and writing in the world need to be translated,” he added.
“The biggest achievement of Dhaka University are teaching secularism to the people of the country and empowering women. Dhaka University has taught secularism even when the Indian subcontinent is being divided based on religion,” he also said.
Expressing regret over the absence of DUCSU at present he said, “I was treasurer of DUCSU for nine years during the military rule of the country. But, when the democratic system came, it is surprising that the election activities of DUCSU have stopped since then. The election of the Student Parliament was an annual festival.”
Dipu Moni request to think next 100 years of the university to the university administration and its alumni.
“It is necessary to prepare an academic masterplan with a physical masterplan for Dhaka University.
At the same time students should be admitted considering the number of accommodations to solve the housing crisis,” she added.
Moreover, 100 dignitaries alumni of the university have honoured posthumously on this occasion and the reunion have terminated through the vibrant cultural programme from 5:30 pm to 10 pm.
