Rajshahi University (RU), the country’s second largest public university, celebrated its 72nd founding anniversary on July 6 in a festive atmosphere.
The day’s programmes began in front of the administrative building at 10:30 am with the national anthem, hoisting of the national, university and hall flags, and releasing of colourful balloons, festoons and pigeons. Education Adviser Prof Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, Vice-chancellor Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib and senior officials attended the colourful event.
To mark the day, tree saplings were also planted on the campus.
Speaking on the occasion, VC Prof Saleh Hassan Naquib said the university has played a vital role in creating skilled and enlightened human resources since its founding. He mentioned that many of its graduates are contributing significantly in different fields both at home and abroad.
“We are working hard to uplift the university to an international standard seat of higher learning by resolving existing issues in student meals, accommodation, research and healthcare,” he added.
Marking the day, teachers, students and officials brought out a jubilant rally that paraded different streets of the campus. A discussion was also held at the Senate Building with the VC in the chair.
Rajshahi University started its journey on July 6, 1953, with only 161 students and 68 teachers in six departments under three faculties. At present, RU has over 1,050 teachers in 58 departments under 12 faculties, six research institutes and around 38,000 students, including 26 foreign students.
The university has 18 residential halls, including six for female students, and one international dormitory named after Shaheed Mir Abdul Kayyum. It currently has 47 PhD, 116 MPhil fellows and 149 researchers.
Professor Itrat Hossain Zuberi was the first vice-chancellor of the university.
