DHAKA, Dec 1, 2021 (BSS) - Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin 
Chaudhury today said the Dhaka University (DU) has been enlightening the 
people of the country from generation to generation with the light of 
knowledge as the leading academic institution since its inception.

   "The university has produced hundreds of academicians, researchers and 
politicians who are enlightened in their field and taking as well as 
performing responsibilities at different sectors in both national and 
international arena successfully," said speaker.

  She was addressing the inaugural ceremony of Dhaka University's centenary 
celebration at university's central field, with University Vice Chancellor Dr 
Md Akhtaruzzaman in the chair.

  Earlier, President M Abdul Hamid, also the chancellor of the university, 
virtually inaugurated the 16-day long festival at the central playground of 
the university.

  Education Minister Dipu Moni, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, 
University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr Kazi Shahidullah, 
president of Dhaka University Alumi Association, also addressed the opening 
session. 

   The president, also Chancellor of the university M Abdul Hamid unveiled 
special books, photography albums and websites on the centenary of the 
university virtually from Bangabhaban. 

   Terming the DU as a shining beacon of education, culture, history-
tradition, research-innovation, free-thinking practice, progressive thinking, 
nation-building and patriotism, the speaker said the university is a unique 
simple of hope and aspiration for Bangalees.

  Dhaka University was established with the vision that the university will 
be emerged as a unique institution for higher education as a new model of 
university 'teaching come residential university' with tutorial system.

   Recalling the memories of the university the speaker said, "The university 
taught us how to take and face the challenges, complexity of our 
surroundings, adopt the techniques to transform the negative things into 
positive changes, practicing free thinking, fostering creativity and critical 
thinking, help develop analytical power.

   The speaker said, "It (DU) has been home ground for generation of 
meritorious youth to enhance knowledge and equip and prepare themselves for 
future career and entering professional life."

   "We believe that education is the soul of a society as it passes one 
generation to another and universities are engines of transformations which 
make the leadership and future leader by spreading the light of knowledge 
from generation to generation," she added.

  "My knowledge, thinking, perspectives towards building a humanitarian 
society based on justice, values, practice of democracy, non-communal 
thinking, tolerance and creativity was gathered and developed by the 
university," she furthered.

   In the afternoon, another discussion was also held attended by the Vice-
Chancellor of Kolkata University Dr Sonali Chakravati Banerjee as the guest 
of honor, with National Professor Prof. Dr. Serajul Islam Chowdhury in the 
chair. 

   Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Advocate Anisul Haque, 
state Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, Former Vice President 
of DUCSU Mujahidul Islam Selim and Daily Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan 
Chowdhury addressed the discussion. 

   Besides, a cultural event was also organised in the evening tomorrow which 
will be performed by the prominent and renewed artists from Bangladesh and 
India. 

   Each day from December 2 to December 4, two discussions and a cultural 
event will be held on the occasion of the birth centenary of the country's 
oldest university.

  Meanwhile, a joyful atmosphere has been prevailing at every corner of the 
university campus as faculties, dormitories, streets and different key points 
of the campus has been decorated with colorful light, banner and pistons 
featuring university's logo. 

   On December 12, a colorful rally will be brought out by the students, 
teachers, and officials of the university, led by VC Dr MD Akhtaruzzaman from 
the premises of university's Aparajeo Bangla which will end at Central 
Shaheed Minar.

  On the Day of Independence, wreaths will be placed at the National Memorial 
at Savar by the students, teachers and officials of the university. 

   The 16 day celebration will end on this day with a concert at the central 
playground of the university. 

  Dhaka University, considered as the country's highest echelon for academic 
excellence, started its academic journey on July 1, 1921 with 12 departments, 
three faculties, 60 teachers, 877 students and three residential halls on 600 
acres of land. 

    Today the university has 84 departments, 13 faculties, 13 institutes, 60 
bureau and research centres, 19 residential halls, four hostels, 138 
affiliated colleges and institutions, 46,150 students and 2,008 teachers.