Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA) celebrated the centenary of Dhaka University at the central playground of the university on Saturday amid great enthusiasm.
The celebrations also included the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the Golden Jubilee of Independence.
Around 10,000 alumni, including their spouses, participated in the celebration. Alumni and guests entered the central playground of the university at 8:30am. The inaugural function began at 10:00am with the national anthem and hoisting of the national flag. Mohammed Matiul Islam, the first Finance Secretary of Bangladesh and also the oldest living student of the university, spoke as the chief guest at the inaugural session.
DUAA President AK Azad presided over the programme. Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Professor Dr Mohammad Samad and Pro-Vice Chancellor (academic) Professor Dr ASM Maksud Kamal spoke at the event.
A discussion was also held titled “Dhaka University Alumni in the Progress of Bangladesh”, presided over by Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury.
Reminiscing about the university life, Mohammed Matiul Islam said, “This event, organised on the occasion of the centenary of Dhaka University and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has great significance. Thinking about this significance, I am saying that the country has given me more than I have given to the country. I thank and appreciate everyone for making me the chief guest.” Professor Dr ASM Maksud Kamal said, “We hope DUAA will work for the implementation of the initiatives of the university.”
Professor Dr Mohammad Samad said, “The University will be successful if it can coordinate with the departments of the university, reduce the seat of unsuitable departments, rein in evening courses, fix the residential crisis, and raise the standard of living for students in the residential hall.”
AK Azad said, “We want to support the university for developing library, increasing research and reconstructing the risky buildings. We have a plan to create a fund of TK 100 crore for the overall development of the university. We have already collected several funds, and the rest of the funds are expected to be collected in one or two years.”
