Historical Significance
Dhaka University was founded as a part of the reforms following the Partition of Bengal in 1905. Its establishment was aimed at providing higher education to the people of East Bengal and Assam, regions that were educationally underdeveloped compared to other parts of British India. The university began with only three faculties: Arts, Science, and Law, but over the years, it has grown to include numerous faculties, institutes, and research centers.
The university played a critical role in the Language Movement of 1952, which eventually led to the recognition of Bengali as a state language of Pakistan and later became a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s national identity. Many of the leaders of the Liberation War of 1971, which resulted in the independence of Bangladesh, were also students or faculty members of Dhaka University. The campus was a site of major political activities during the war, and it witnessed tragic events, including the killing of teachers and students during Operation Searchlight by the Pakistani military.
Academic Structure
Today, Dhaka University boasts a wide range of disciplines and programs. It has 13 faculties and 83 departments, encompassing fields such as Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business, Engineering, Medicine, and Fine Arts. In addition, there are several research institutes and centers affiliated with the university, including the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), the Institute of Modern Languages (IML), and the Centre for Advanced Research in Sciences (CARS).
Campus and Student Life
Dhaka University’s main campus is located in the heart of the city of Dhaka, covering an area of over 600 acres. The campus is dotted with historic buildings, lush greenery, and modern academic and administrative structures. The Curzon Hall, named after Lord Curzon, a Viceroy of India, is an iconic building and a prominent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
Student life at Dhaka University is vibrant, with numerous cultural, literary, and political organizations active on campus. The university hosts various cultural events, including the famous Pohela Boishakh celebrations (Bengali New Year), making it a hub of Bangladeshi culture. Students are also actively engaged in political life, and Dhaka University has historically been a breeding ground for student movements advocating for democratic and social justice.
Contributions and Notable Alumni
Dhaka University has made significant contributions to the fields of education, science, literature, and politics. Many of its faculty and alumni have achieved global recognition in their respective fields. Notable alumni include:
- Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh and its first President.
- Fazlur Rahman Khan, the renowned structural engineer and architect known for designing the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) in Chicago.
- Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the founder of Grameen Bank.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Like many public universities in South Asia, Dhaka University faces challenges, including large class sizes, limited resources, and political unrest. However, it continues to be a leading institution of higher education in Bangladesh, with ongoing efforts to expand its facilities, improve the quality of education, and promote research and innovation.
Dhaka University remains a symbol of intellectual growth, national pride, and the fight for social justice in Bangladesh, shaping the future of the country through education and leadership.