Staff Reporter:
The upcoming convocation of Dhaka University (DU) is likely to be held in January next year, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to attend the ceremony as the chief guest.
During a high-level meeting, the prime minister also pledged to grant special status to the university, support major development projects, and provide comprehensive assistance to enhance education and research standards.
The assurances came during a meeting between the prime minister and DU Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam at the secretariat on Thursday.
The university’s public relations office later confirmed the matter in an official press release.
Md Morshed Hasan Khan, convener of the DU Sada Dal, syndicate member, and professor in the marketing department, was also present at the meeting.
During the discussion, VC Obaidul Islam briefed the prime minister on the overall security situation across the campus, the progress of ongoing development projects, and the university’s proposed 20-year academic master plan.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including joint educational and research ventures with leading global universities, steps to strengthen industry-academia collaboration, expanded alumni networking, and recent student welfare measures.
The vice-chancellor recalled DU’s historical contributions to the nation’s democratic movements, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the 2024 Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, seeking official recognition through special status for the university.
He further urged the government to increase research funding and support internship opportunities for students across various industrial sectors.
The meeting focused on broadening research and academic activities in modern, emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, biology, biotechnology, and third-language studies.
Additionally, the vice-chancellor stressed the importance of strengthening co-curricular activities in residential halls, departments, and institutes to foster creativity, morality, tolerance, and human values among students.
In response, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assured the government’s full cooperation in executing major development ventures, granting special status, and boosting research quality.
He emphasised the need for collective efforts to elevate Dhaka University’s standing in international rankings and advised the university administration to actively engage its global alumni network to achieve this goal.
At the end of the meeting, the VC formally invited Tarique Rahman to the university’s convocation scheduled for January, and the prime minister accepted the invitation and confirmed his participation.
