Staff Reporter:
The University of Dhaka has finalized all preparations to celebrate its 106th founding anniversary today with a series of programs.
This year’s theme is ‘Restoration of democracy and higher education at Dhaka University’.
On the eve of the day, DU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Obaidul Islam extended his warm greet-ings to current and former teachers, students, researchers, guardians, and staff.
He sought the proactive cooperation of all to sustain the academic advancement of the university and modernize its legacy.
Established on July 1, 1921, as a premier unitary residential seat of higher learning, the university emerged as the nerve center of all major democratic and rights-based movements in this region.
It was the epicentre of the historic 1952 Language Movement (Bhasha Andolan), where its students sac-rificed their lives to establish Bangla as a state language.
In 1969, the university spearheaded the historic mass upsurge against military dictatorship, paving the way for the Liberation War of 1971.
On March 2, 1971, student leaders proudly hoisted the first flag of an independent Bangladesh at the DU Arts Faculty building.
The university paid a heavy price during the genocide unleashed by the Pakistani occupation forces on the night of March 25, 1971, losing numerous illustrious faculty members and students.
In keeping with its historic tradition of resisting tyranny, Dhaka University (DU) served as the birthplace and primary epicenter of the historic July Uprising in 2024.
Programs:
To mark the 106th anniversary, a series of colorful programs will take place across the campus today.
The day’s events will kick off at 9:30 AM as teachers, students, officers, and staff from all residential halls assembles at the ‘Smriti Chirantan’ (Eternal Memory) square.
Following the assembly, Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam will lead a grand rally across the campus at 9:45 AM, joined by alumni, faculty, and students.
The formal inaugural ceremony will commence at 10:00 AM at the Payra Square in front of the Teach-er-Student Centre (TSC). During this opening event, the national flag, university flag, and respective hall flags will be hoisted, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting.
Teachers and students of the Department of Music will perform the National Anthem, the University Theme Song, as well as Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Sangeet, alongside a special musical performance presented by international students.
Later at 10:30 AM, a central keynote discussion session on the theme ‘Restoration of Democracy and Higher Education at Dhaka University’ will take place at the TSC Auditorium.
Renowned public intellectual and Prof Emeritus Dr. SF Serajul Islam Choudhury will present the key-note paper while the Vice-Chancellor will preside over the session.
To facilitate these morning celebrations, all academic classes will remain suspended from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, though scheduled examinations will proceed without disruption.
As part of the day’s schedule, the Faculty of Social Sciences will host a specialized panel discussion at 3:00 PM at the Prof Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium.
To chaired by the Dean of Social Sciences, Prof Dr. Mohammad Moinul Islam, the event will feature Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr. Abdus Salam as the chief guest.
Former Prof of Economics Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud and former Prof of Development Studies Dr. Mahbub Ullah will speak as the designated panel experts.
To ensure foolproof security and seamless movement of the rallies, vehicular entry to the campus will be strictly regulated from 2:30 PM to 10:00 PM today.
Only vehicles bearing authorized university stickers and emergency services (including ambulances, doc-tors, patients, journalists, ride-sharing vehicles, food delivery, and government emergency vehicles) will be permitted entry through Shahbagh, Doel Chattar, Shibbari Crossing, Fuller Road and Nilkhet entry points.
The main public thoroughfare connecting Palashi to the High Court Intersection via Doel Chattar will remain open, however, mass public transport and heavy commercial vehicles remain restricted.
