DU celebrates 106th founding anniv

The Dhaka University (DU) celebrated its 106th founding anniversary on Wednesday with a series of colourful programmes, including a grand rally, flag hoisting, cake-cutting ceremony, discussion sessions, cultural performances and concert. Teachers, students, officers, employees and alumni took part in the day-long celebrations across the campus.
The festivities began at 9:30 am when teachers, students, officers and employees from all residential halls, hostels and administrative buildings assembled at the Smriti Chirantan square. At 9:45 am, DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam led a colourful procession that marched through the campus.
At 10:00 am, an inaugural ceremony was held at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) grounds, where the national flag was hoisted. A commemorative cake was also cut to mark the occasion. Teachers and students from the Department of Music performed the national anthem, patriotic songs and the university's theme song.
A discussion, titled "Restoring Democracy and Higher Education: The University of Dhaka", was held later at the TSC auditorium. The programme began with the unveiling of a commemorative publication (Smaranika) released to mark the anniversary, followed by the screening of a documentary.
Speaking at the discussion, the DU VC said the university is giving top priority to research, innovation, international collaboration and student welfare in its ongoing development initiatives. He noted that the implementation of the University of Dhaka Academic Plan (2026-2046) aims to build an inclusive, innovation-driven institution that nurtures ethical leadership. He also called on alumni and other stakeholders to support the establishment of dedicated funds for research and student welfare.
The keynote paper was presented by Emeritus Professor Dr. A. F. Sirajul Islam Chowdhury of the Department of English. He said the history of DU is fundamentally the history of democracy, intellectual pursuit and social progress in Bangladesh. Since its establishment, the university has played a leading role in every major democratic movement in the country, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the Anti-Autocracy Movement, and the July Uprising.
Highlighting DU's contributions to higher education, research, women's education and development of the country's educated middle class, he stressed the need to further strengthen research, knowledge creation, mother tongue-based education, and a democratic academic environment to meet future challenges.
He expressed optimism that the university would continue to guide the nation through its commitment to knowledge, human values and social responsibility.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the Faculty of Social Sciences organised a panel discussion at 3:00 pm, which was chaired by Dean Professor Dr. Mohammad Moinul Islam.
The Dhaka University Alumni Association also organised a concert in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at 3:00 pm, while the DU Cycling Club held a bicycle rally and stunt show at 4:00 pm.

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