DHAKA, July 1, 2024 (BSS) - Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Maksud Kamal today expressed firm determination to transform Dhaka University into a top research-oriented university by 2035 and a research-led 'R1' (doctoral universities with high research activities) category university by 2045.

"To achieve the goals, 'Academic Master Plan' and 'Academic Development Plan' along with a number of other plans have already been introduced", DU VC told a discussion, marking the 104th Dhaka University Day at the auditorium of the university's teacher-student centre (TSC).

"Dhaka University will be made into a unique university and international-standard educational institution through research, innovation and skill acquisition with the cooperation of national leaders, intellectuals, academics, researchers, alumni and businessmen", said Maksud Kamal.

"Initiatives have already been taken to provide financial aid to first year's insolvent students with a view to ensuring a depression and anxiety-free educational life to them," he said, urging all concerned to extent their cooperation in implementing these goals.

"We want to make youths competent with skilled-based, modern, applied and people's welfare oriented education so that they can cope with future challenges," he added.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury as the chief guest was present at the discussion, addressed, among others, by DU Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr Mohammad Samad, Pro-VC (Academic) Prof. Dr. Sitesh Chandra Bachar, Benjir Ahmed MP, Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University Serajul Islam Choudhury, DU Alumni Association president Anwar-Ul Alam Chowdhury, DU Treasurer Prof Momtaj Uddin Ahmed and Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hussein.

Senate and syndicate members of the university, deans of various faculties, provosts of various halls, chairpersons of different departments along with teachers-students, alumni and officers-employees participated in the discussion.

Marking the day, earlier in the morning, teachers, students, officers and employees of the university, led by VC Dr Maksud Kamal brought out a colorful rally from the university's Smriti Chirantan Chatwar towards the Payra Chattar of the university's Teacher-Student Center (TSC).

Later, the university authorities celebrated the day with elaborate programmes, including singing national anthem and university theme song, hoisting of national, DU and hall flags, releasing of pigeons and balloons and cutting of cake on the premises of Payra Chattar.
At the beginning of the meeting, the cover of the second volume of the book titled 'Smaranika' and 'Dhaka University, History and Heritage' was unveiled.

Dhaka University started its academic activities on July 1, 1921, with 12 departments, three faculties, 60 teachers, 877 students, and three residential halls. It was built on about 600 acres of land.

The country's largest university now consists of 83 departments, 13 faculties, 12 institutes, 56 research bureaus and centres, 37018 students, and 1,992 teachers.

Since its inception, Dhaka University has made significant contributions to the development of the country.