Today is the centenary of Dhaka University. On 1st July of 1921, the University of Dhaka became the first university in the region. In a hundred years, there is a lot of glory in this top institution of the country. But in the end that glory has faded a lot.
In the beginning, Dhaka University was pioneer in teaching knowledge, science and social research. Most of the best academics, philosophers, sacientists and writers of Bangladesh have studied in this university. The political and intellectual role of Dhaka University in all the mass movements of this country from 1952 to 1990 was outstanding.
Now the assessment of the past and present teachers-students is that the practice of knowledge, research and teaching does not mean the expected improvement of Dhaka University. Rather backward in many cases. Teachers and student politics are now evil due to party tailgating. The number of departments, teachers and students has increased, while the quality has deteriorated. There have been many allegations of irregularities in the appointment of teachers and nepotism. It is alleged that in present days teachers are not appointed on merit basis rather voters from political angle are appointed.
The crisis in the classrooms of the students of Dhaka University is strong. The housing crisis is strong. Food quality is low. The student wing of the ruling party controls the halls. They have been accused of harassing students for many years. But there is no solution to these, the initiative is not so obvious. However, the cost of studying at Dhaka University is much lower. The university is a place of great hope for the higher education of meritorious students of limited income and rural areas.
In the afternoon before the centenary of the University of Dhaka, the current Vice-Chancellor Dr. Akhtaruzzaman said the Dhaka University administration is feeling the urge to increase knowledge and research. There is no denying that we have a shortage of knowledge to reach the global level. It is difficult to expect very good basic and practical international quality research results before ensuring the necessary facilities.
Dhaka University does not have any special program on the occasion of the centenary. Due to the corona situation, the university administration has just organized a online discussion meeting today. Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, a linguist, will present the keynote paper titled 'Centenary of Dhaka University: Looking Back'. However, the main event of the centenary will be organized in a colorful and lavish manner on November 1. The ceremony will be held at the central playground of the university, where the President and the Chancellor of Dhaka University. The university administration expects Abdul Hamid to be the chief guest.
Though it started its official journey in 1921, the discussion on the establishment of Dhaka University started after the annulment of Partition of Bengal. Professor Muntasir Mamun wrote in his book Dhaka: City of Memory, The University of Dhaka was established as a compensation for the annulment of the Partition of Bengal. Dhaka University was formed by the Muslim middle class or professional class in East Bengal. East Bengal, East Pakistan and the administration of present day Bangladesh, independent professionals, politicians — most of them are students of Dhaka University.
When Dhaka University started its journey in 1921, there were three faculties - Arts, Science and Law. There were 12 sections — Culture and Bengali, English, Education, History, Arabic and Islamic Studies, Persian and Urdu, Philosophy, Economics and Politics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Law. At the beginning there were 60 teachers and 877 students.
Now the departments stand at 84. There are 13 institutes. Now there are 1,992 teachers and 37,018 students. There have been 56 research centers. However, Dhaka University is criticized for not having much research.