DU celebrates its centenary on limited scale

Dhaka University (DU) has celebrated its birth centenary on a limited scale considering the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

However, the day was celebrated through some online and symbolic programmes but no physical event was held on the campus marking the day, said a press release.

DU Vice-chancellor (VC) Professor Md Akhtaruzzaman inaugurated the centenary celebration through tree plantation on the premises of Curzon Hall.

The programmes of the day started with the performance of national anthem, hoisting of national flag and university flag and balloon flying on the premises of Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the university.

DU pro-vice-chancellor (administration) Muhammad Samad, pro-VC (Academic) ASM Maksud Kamal, treasurer Momtaz Uddin, Proctor Professor AKM Golam Rabbani, Deans, DU Teachers Association (DUTA) President Professor Rahmat Ullah, General Secretary Professor Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan and teachers from different faculty attended the symbolic programme.

DU VC greeted all including teachers, students, officers-employees, alumni and well-wishers of the university.

"Our beloved educational institution has crossed the centenary with the glory of acquiring and distributing the light of knowledge," said Prof Akhtaruzzaman.

"It is a matter of sorrow that we cannot celebrate the day as much we expected. We have a plan to hold a gala function on next November 1," he added.

In the afternoon, an online discussion was held with Prof Md Akhtaruzzaman in the chair.

Prominent Language Movement hero, columnist and intellectual Abdul Gaffar Choudhury delivered keynote speech on "Dhaka University Centenary: Retracing" at the discussion.

Besides, marking the day, a total of six thematic webinar series were held throughout the year with one in every month following the first one - Science for Society in February 2021, followed by Arts, Literature and Culture in March 2021, Business in April 2021, Social Sciences in May 2021 and Futures of Higher Education in June 2021.

President Md Abdul Hamid, also the chancellor of the university, is expected to inaugurate the grand ceremony of the centenary celebrations.

Source: BSS