Dhaka University (DU) marked its 106th founding anniversary on Wednesday with a procession, flag-raising ceremony and discussion highlighting democracy and higher education, as Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam pointed to the university's steady rise in global rankings and outlined a 20-year academic vision.
Speaking at a seminar titled "Democracy Restoration and Dhaka University in Higher Education" at the TSC auditorium, the vice-chancellor said the university had been an integral part of every major chapter of Bangladesh's history, from the Language Movement and the Liberation War to the 1990 mass uprising and the July 2024 mass uprising.
"At every moment of crisis, Dhaka University has played a leading role in meeting the nation's expectations," he said.
Prof Islam said the university had steadily improved its position in major international rankings, citing the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, QS World University Rankings 2027 and QS Asia University Rankings as evidence of its growing academic recognition.
He said the university had undertaken an academic master plan for 2026�"2046 aimed at building an inclusive, innovation-driven institution. He also called on alumni and other stakeholders to contribute to separate research and student welfare funds.
Delivering the keynote address, Emeritus Prof Dr AF Sirajul Islam Chowdhury of the English Department said the university's greatest strength lay in its commitment to free thought, secularism, equality and democratic values.
He said greater emphasis on research, knowledge production, mother-tongue-based education and a stronger democratic environment would be essential to addressing future challenges.
Among those present were Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Abdus Salam, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane, Treasurer Prof Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, DUCSU Vice-President Shadik Kayem, teachers, students and university officials.
Earlier in the day, a colourful procession led by the vice-chancellor set off from Smriti Chirantan Chottor at 9:45am. Flags were hoisted and a cake was cut at the TSC grounds at 10:00am, followed by the national anthem, patriotic songs and the university's theme song performed by the Department of Music.
The celebrations concluded with a concert near Raju Sculpture organised by the DU Alumni Association, followed by a cycling rally and stunt show arranged by the university's cycling club.
