The 100th founding anniversary of Dhaka University (DU) was celebrated on Thursday through a symbolic programme as a prelude to the main event considering the ongoing Corona epidemic situation.
The program of the day began with the playing of national anthem, hoisting of national flag and Dhaka University flag and releasing balloon in the air at the premises of Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban. The Centennial tree planting program and a virtual conference were organised to mark the day.
The colorful and glorious main event of the centenary will be held on Pahela November, 2021. The President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and Chancellor of Dhaka University Md Abdul Hamid graced the occasion as the chief guest to inaugurate the event of the centenary celebrations.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman spoke at the programme. He extended his heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all including the teachers, students, officers and employees of the university, alumni, parents and well-wishers.
While speaking on the occasion he said, “This beloved educational institution of ours has passed a hundred year with the glory of acquiring and distributing knowledge. Due to the ongoing novel Coronavirus epidemic, the day has to be celebrated today through a symbolic program as a prelude to the main event.”
Md Akhtaruzzaman also inaugurated the Centennial Tree Planting Program of the University by planting a coconut tree sapling on the premises of Curzon Hall. Later, one hundred trees were planted at DU campus marking hundred years of the institution.
On this occasion, a virtual conference was held at the Professor Abdul Matin Chowdhury virtual classroom. Eminent linguist, columnist and intellectual Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury spoke as the keynote speaker.
He presented the main article titled 'Centenary of Dhaka University: Looking Back'. He mentioned about the intellectuals (alumni of the university) who hold high reputation for the nation.
He said, "Dhaka University enriched the nation and country since its birth. The university has gifted a nation-state to Bangali nation and transformed the Bengali language into the state language. From the beginning of the twentieth century to the present, the students and teachers of the University played a vital role to enrich Bengali language too. The contribution of this university to the Bengali renaissance since the beginning of the twentieth century is undeniable. In the thirties of last century, "freedom of intellect movement (Buddhir Mukti Andolon) by students and teachers of the university has taken the country to a unique height in education and culture."
Pro-VC Prof. Md. Maksud Kamal said that Dhaka University freed the nation through liberation movement. And enlighten the nation through creativity and inventions.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof. Muhammad Samad, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) Prof. ASM Maksud Kamal, Treasurer Prof. Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed, Deans of different faculties, Provost of different halls, Proctors, President and General Secretary of Dhaka University Teachers Association and a limited number of teachers, officers and staff were present at the symbolic program.
