The University of Dhaka: A Legacy of Education, Activism, and Notable Alumni
Introduction
The University of Dhaka (DU), also known as Dhaka University, stands as a prominent public research university in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 1921 under the Dacca University Act 1920, it has played a pivotal role in the region's academic and socio-political landscape. From its contributions to the Language Movement of 1952 to its role in the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971, the university has been at the forefront of progress and development.
Historical Overview
Early Years and Establishment
The establishment of the University of Dhaka can be traced back to the British government's requisition of 600 acres of land in 1905, following the formation of East Bengal and Assam, with Dhaka as its capital. This initiative was part of a broader effort to establish a center of excellence in the region.
The annulment of the 1905 Partition of Bengal, which had created a Muslim-majority province, led to demands for compensation. A Muslim delegation, led by Nawab Sir Khwaja Salimullah Bahadur, advocated for the establishment of a university in Dhaka. Lord Curzon agreed to this proposal, recognizing the need to appease the Muslim population of East Bengal.
In 1913, public opinion was sought to finalize the university scheme, leading to the establishment of the University of Dhaka in 1921. Modelled after British universities, the institution quickly became a hub for intellectual and cultural activities. Lord Ronaldshay, the Governor of Bengal, served as its first chancellor, and Nawaab Syed Shamsul Huda was designated a life member.
Role in the Language Movement
The University of Dhaka played a crucial role in the Language Movement of 1952, which sought the recognition of Bangla as the state language. Students, teachers, and employees of the university sacrificed their lives for this cause, contributing significantly to the movement's ultimate success. The site where the Shaheed Minar stands today marks the location where several students were killed during these protests.
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Post-Independence Development
Following the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971, a new phase began for the University of Dhaka. The government proclaimed the University of Dhaka Order 1973, which integrated democratic norms and autonomy into the institution. This period saw development, expansion, and consolidation of earlier achievements, solidifying the university's central role in the academic pursuits of the region. Throughout this order, the word "Dhaka" was substituted for the word "Dacca" by section 2 of the University Laws (Amendment) Act, 1987.
Current Structure and Facilities
Faculties, Departments, and Institutes
At present, the University of Dhaka comprises 13 faculties, 71 departments, 10 institutes, 17 dormitories, three hostels, and more than 38 research centers. This extensive structure supports a wide range of academic disciplines and research activities.
University Library
The University Library, spread across three different buildings, is the largest in Bangladesh, comprising 617,000 volumes. It also houses a collection of over 30,000 manuscripts in various languages, along with microfilms, microfiche, and CDs. The library is divided into the administrative building, the main library building, and the science library building.
The Faculty of Business Studies also features an e-library, which is one of the largest of its kind in Asia. Connected to 35 internationally renowned libraries and publication houses, this e-library, built in collaboration with Robi Axiata Limited, can accommodate around 1,400 students.
Medical Centre
The University of Dhaka operates a medical center near the Science Annex Building, providing free medical services and pathological examinations to students, teachers, staff, and their family members. The center offers round-the-clock service, with 30 doctors working in shifts, and includes a dental unit, eye unit, X-Ray department, and two ambulances.
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Other Facilities
The university campus includes several cafeterias, some of which hold historical and architectural significance. The Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) has its own cafeteria, and another cafeteria is located on the Dhaka University Snacks (DUS) Chattar. Additionally, there is a snack and lunch spot named DU Hut in front of the Department of Sociology.
Academic and Research Activities
Faculty of Business Studies (FBS)
Established in 1970 as the Faculty of Commerce, the FBS began with the Department of Accounting and the Department of Management. The semester system was introduced in the 1977-1978 session, and the B.Com and M.Com degrees were renamed BBA and MBA, respectively, during the 1994-1995 session. Currently, the faculty has nearly 153 teachers, 10 officers, 58 employees, and approximately 6,100 students.
Dhaka Viswavidyalay Patrika
The Dhaka Viswavidyalay Patrika is an open-access, peer-reviewed academic research journal published since 1973. It features research articles in Bengali on various subjects, including literature, history, religion, philosophy, fine arts, music, business, law, science, social science, biology, economics, and politics. The journal publishes articles based on reviews by subject experts.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities
The University of Dhaka organizes various sports and extracurricular activities. The University of Dhaka Ground serves as the official stadium, hosting inter-departmental and inter-hall tournaments, athletics, and inter-university games.
Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU)
The Dhaka University Central Students' Union is the official students' union, representing students in university decision-making and acting as a voice for students in national higher education policy debates. Established in 1922-23, DUCSU aims to provide direct services to the student body. The last DUCSU election took place in 2019, after a hiatus of 29 years.
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Rankings and Recognition
In 2011-12, the University of Dhaka was included in the list of 'Top World Universities' by QS World University Rankings. The university has consistently been recognized as a leading educational institution in Bangladesh and Asia.
Notable Alumni
The University of Dhaka boasts a distinguished list of alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. Here are some notable individuals:
Muhammad Yunus: An economist, businessman, and politician, Yunus is renowned for founding the Grameen Bank and pioneering microcredit and microfinance. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 and has received numerous other national and international honors.
Fazlur Rahman Khan: A Bangladeshi-American structural engineer and architect, Khan is considered the "father of tubular designs" for high-rises. He designed the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) and the John Hancock Center.
Humayun Ahmed: A novelist, dramatist, screenwriter, filmmaker, songwriter, scholar, and academic, Ahmed was one of the most popular authors and filmmakers in post-independence Bangladesh.
Hussain Muhammad Ershad: A military officer and politician, Ershad served as the president of Bangladesh from 1982 to 1990.
M. A. Wazed Miah: A physicist and writer, Miah was a former chairman of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and the husband of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Tarique Rahman: A politician and businessman, Rahman is the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Tahsan Rahman Khan: A musician, actor, and television presenter, Khan is known for his work with the band Black and his solo career.
Rafiath Rashid Mithila: An actress, singer, and development worker, Mithila is the head of the Early Childhood Development programme in BRAC International.
Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad: A politician who assumed the presidency of Bangladesh after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.
Chanchal Chowdhury: An actor, Chowdhury has gained recognition for his television and film roles, receiving several accolades, including National Film Awards and Meril Prothom Alo Awards.
Abdul Hamid: A politician who served as the President of Bangladesh from 2013 to 2023.
Obaidul Quader: A Bangladesh Awami League politician, Quader has served as the General Secretary of the party and the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges.
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal: A science fiction author, physicist, academic, and activist, Iqbal is a former professor at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST).
Lotay Tshering: A Bhutanese politician and surgeon who served as the prime minister of Bhutan from 2018 to 2023.
Sheikh Kamal: A politician, athlete, and military personnel, Kamal was the eldest son of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Ferdous Ahmed: A film actor, producer, and politician, Ahmed has served as an MP representing the Dhaka-10 constituency.
Zahir Raihan: A novelist, writer, and filmmaker, Raihan is known for his documentary "Stop Genocide" (1971).
Fakhruddin Ahmed: An economist, civil servant, and former governor of the Bangladesh Bank, Ahmed also served as the Chief Adviser of the Caretaker government of Bangladesh.
Zillur Rahman: A politician who served as the President of Bangladesh from 2009 until his death in 2013.
Fazle Hasan Abed: The founder of BRAC, one of the world's largest non-governmental organizations.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir: A politician and the secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Asif Nazrul: A writer, novelist, columnist, political commentator, and a professor of law at the University of Dhaka.
Ilias Kanchan: An actor and activist, Kanchan has appeared in numerous films and is a road safety activist in Bangladesh.
Shamsur Rahman: A poet, columnist, and journalist, Rahman is considered a key figure in Bengali literature.
Ahmed Akbar Sobhan: A business magnate and the founder of Bashundhara Group.
Iajuddin Ahmed: A politician, university teacher, and diplomat who served as the President of Bangladesh from 2002 to 2009.
Sabina Yasmin: A singer known for her playback singing in Bengali cinema, Yasmin has won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer a record 14 times.
Shahabuddin Ahmed: A politician who served as the president of Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001 and the chief justice of Bangladesh from 1990 to 1995.
Ghulam Azam: A politician who served as the Ameer of the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
Suborna Mustafa: A television, film, and stage actress, Mustafa is a former Jatiya Sangsad member.
Ahmed Sofa: A writer, thinker, novelist, poet, philosopher, and public intellectual.
Syed Nazrul Islam: A politician and a senior leader of the Awami League, who served as the Acting President during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Humayun Azad: A poet, novelist, short-story writer, critic, linguist, columnist, and professor of Dhaka University.
Salimullah Khan: A writer, academic, teacher, and public intellectual.
tags: #Dhaka #Central #University #history #and #notable
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