Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said, the language movement, the great liberation war, the mass uprising of 1969, the anti-dictatorship movement of 1990 and the mass uprising of 2024 - these historical chapters complement each other. We will resist any attempt to pit them against each other. These movements are part of our pride and our identity.
However, we must remember that, in addition to playing a major political role, we are also responsible for improving the quality of education. Those who gave their blood and lives in the mass uprising have left some responsibilities and duties on our shoulders. That responsibility is to ensure a learning environment for students, to keep the bond of trust and cooperation between teachers and students intact.
He said these in his speech as the president at a discussion meeting organized at the TSC Auditorium on the occasion of Dhaka University Day on Tuesday.
At the beginning of the discussion meeting, the cover of the 'Memorial' published on the occasion of the day was unveiled.
At this time, the Vice Chancellor also said, the journey of Dhaka University started with only 60 teachers and 877 students. Today, that institution has become the largest higher education institution in the country. Currently, the number of students in the university is about 40 thousand and the number of teachers is about 2 thousand. Apart from this, there are 200 institutions associated with the university. Where the number of students studying is about 150,000. Undoubtedly, this is a matter of pride for us.
Stating that the journey of Dhaka University was never limited to the academic sphere, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan said, this university has played a significant role shoulder to shoulder with society at important junctures in history. We must always remember that this journey has been colored with a lot of labor, sweat and blood. Dhaka University's contribution to every movement of 1952, 1969, 1971 and 1990 is proudly mentioned in history. In that continuity, the mass uprising of 2024 is a new chapter in our struggle. Because the people of the country have placed their trust in Dhaka University, they have responded to the call of this university in every crisis, taken to the streets, protested and achieved their rights. This has been possible because of the people's immense faith in the university.
He said, "We have taken the initiative to academically evaluate the 2024 uprising. As part of this, our Department of Peace and Conflict Studies has started joint academic activities with Kent State University in the United States. Kent University has an important place in history, especially the role of their students in the anti-Vietnam War movement. These events have a historical similarity with our 24 uprising."
The Vice Chancellor said that students will be at their desks, and teachers will go to the classroom with generosity and tolerance, and only then will we be able to move forward on the path of building a democratic, humane and conscious nation. We have limitations. Yet we are a replica of a national institution. A university cannot move forward with the help of the government alone. We have to walk the path with the society. For that purpose, community outreach is our commitment.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof Dr. S. M. A. Faiz, Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC).
He said, on this glorious day on July 1, 2025, we stand on the threshold of a century and four years of glorious history. Dhaka University is not just an educational institution, it is a symbol of the nation's identity, the roots of civilization and the awakening story of independence. The theme of the day we are celebrating today is - 'Dhaka University in building a non-discriminatory and inclusive society'. This is not just a slogan, it is our sense, our moral responsibility and the promise of the future that stands before us.
Prof Dr. S. M. A. Faiz said, "this university was born with the aim of eliminating inequality. Therefore, today's theme is as logical as it is historical continuity, and it is also very appropriate in the current times."
He said, the greatest achievement of Dhaka University is its inclusive nature. Here, rich and poor, urban and rural, men and women, and majority and minority, all have equal status. Here, every voice has value, every dream has the right to be realized.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Admin) Prof Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Education) Prof Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Treasurer Prof Dr. M. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury and Convener of Dhaka University Alumni Association Shamsuzzaman Dudu also participated in the discussion. Acting Registrar Munshi Shams Uddin Ahmed moderated the meeting.
Earlier, at 9:30 am, teachers, students, officers and employees from all the halls, hostels and administrative buildings of the university gathered at Smriti Chirantan Chattar in a procession. From there, at 9:45 am, a colorful procession was taken out on the campus under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan. At 10 am, the national flag, university and hall flags were hoisted and a cake was cut in the inaugural ceremony at Payra Chattar in front of the Student-Teacher Center. During this, the national anthem and inspiring patriotic songs were performed with the participation of teachers and students of the music department. In addition, another song was performed with the participation of foreign students.
To celebrate the day, various important structures and roads, including the Vice-Chancellor's Building, Curzon Hall, Kala Bhavan, and the Student-Teacher Center, were illuminated. A special seminar was organized by the Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences to mark the day.
