News Flash
DHAKA, July 1, 2026 (BSS) - Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Dhaka University (DU) Professor Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam today said DU has always played a pioneering role in fulfilling national expectations.
The university is inseparably linked with the history, democratic movements, Liberation War, and nation-building of Bangladesh, he said.
He noted that since its inception, the university has not only led every crucial movement and struggle of the country but has also made significant contributions to higher education, research, and human resource development.
The VC made the remarks while speaking at a discussion meeting titled "Restoration of Democracy and Dhaka University in Higher Education" held at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium, marking the Dhaka University Day.
Paying profound respect to the martyrs and activists of the Language Movement, the Great Liberation War, the anti-autocracy democratic movement of the nineties, and the July 2024 mass uprising, the Vice-Chancellor noted that during every crisis, DU has stood at the forefront to meet the nation's expectations.
He highlighted that DU's position in various international rankings is consistently improving. The significant progress in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2026, QS World University Rankings 2027, and QS Asia Rankings bears testimony to its academic excellence.
He also expressed hope that with necessary support and facilities, DU will soon rank among the world's top universities. He further mentioned that the "Dhaka University Academic Plan (2026-2046)" aims to build an inclusive, innovation-driven, and ethically led university, and sought cooperation from alumni to form separate funds for research and student welfare.
Presenting the keynote paper, Emeritus Prof Dr. A F Sirajul Islam Chowdhury said the history of DU is essentially the history of democracy, the pursuit of knowledge, and social progress.
He emphasized that the true strength of the university lies in the practice of free thought, non-communalism, equality, and democratic values, adding that to face future challenges, research, knowledge creation, mother-tongue-based education, and the democratic environment must be further strengthened.
Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr. Abdus Salam expressed commitment to bringing the university into the world's top 200 by increasing research investment, developing modern infrastructure, and expanding technology-driven education.
He also lauded the growing participation of female students and teachers, emphasizing merit-based teacher recruitment. Pro-VC (Admin) Prof Dr. Mohammed Almujaddade Alfasane emphasized that democracy and higher education are interrelated, stating that educational institutions cannot flourish desirably without a strong democratic state system.
Treasurer Prof Dr. M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury stressed the need for planned and effective initiatives to reach international standards in creating new knowledge and innovation.
Shamsuzzaman Dudu, convenor of the Dhaka University Alumni Association, also spoke on the occasion, urging alumni and students to contribute actively to the development and democratic values of the nation
Earlier, the day's programmes began at 9:30 AM with teachers, students, and officials gathering at the Smriti Chirantan premises from various halls and administrative buildings.
A colorful rally, led by the VC, paraded through the campus at 9:45 AM. The national flag, university flag, and hall flags were hoisted at the TSC at 10:00 AM, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony.
Teachers and students of the Music Department performed the national anthem, patriotic songs, and the university theme song, alongside a musical performance by international students.
As part of the celebrations, the Faculty of Social Sciences organised a panel discussion chaired by Dean Prof Dr. Mohammad Moinul Islam at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium in the afternoon.
Additionally, the DU Alumni Association organised a concert in front of the Raju Sculpture at 3:00 PM.
