University of Dhaka

Established in 1921, the University of Dhaka (DU) holds the distinction of being the oldest active university in Bangladesh. Its inception was a significant event, occurring under the Dacca University Act of 1920, enacted by the Indian Legislative Council during British rule. The university's establishment was part of a broader administrative reorganization following the creation of the East Bengal and Assam province in 1905, with Dhaka designated as its capital.

Approximately 600 acres of land were requisitioned for the university, including a portion from the estate of Nawab Bahadur Sir Khwaja Salimullah, a prominent local figure. The architectural and academic model for DU was largely inspired by British universities, aiming to foster higher education and research on par with international standards. This foundational period set the stage for DU to become a leading institution, not just in education but also in shaping the socio-political landscape of the region.

Its establishment marked a pivotal moment in the intellectual development of Bengal.

The University of Dhaka has played an instrumental role in the modern history of Bangladesh, particularly in its struggle for self-determination. Following the Partition of India in 1947, DU emerged as a critical center for progressive and democratic movements within Pakistan. Its students and faculty were at the forefront of advocating for political rights and cultural identity.

The university became a hotbed for Bengali nationalism, with its academic community actively participating in and often leading protests and intellectual discourse that fueled the movement for independence. The events of 1971, which culminated in the birth of Bangladesh, were significantly influenced by the activism and sacrifices of individuals associated with DU. The university's contribution to national liberation is a testament to its enduring impact on the nation's identity and political consciousness.

The University of Dhaka boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have made profound contributions across various fields. In science, physicist Satyendra Nath Bose is renowned for his groundbreaking work on quantum mechanics, leading to the Bose-Einstein statistics and the concept of Bose-Einstein condensates. The field of economics and social development was revolutionized by Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the pioneer of microcredit, a system that has empowered millions globally.

Culturally, figures like Natyaguru Nurul Momen, a student and later faculty member, were instrumental in developing university-level theater and cultural activities. The university also nurtured literary giants such as the 20th-century Bengali poet Buddhadeb Bose and scholars like Muhammad Shahidullah. Furthermore, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the revered founding president of Bangladesh, is also an alumnus, underscoring the university's role in producing national leaders.

This diverse group of alumni highlights DU's broad influence on national and international stages.

In the present day, the University of Dhaka continues to uphold its reputation as a premier institution of higher learning. It consistently ranks as the highest-ranked university in Bangladesh, reflecting its sustained commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. With a substantial student body of 46,150 and a faculty of 1,992, it remains the largest public research university in the country, fostering a dynamic environment for intellectual growth.

DU actively engages in cutting-edge research across numerous disciplines, addressing contemporary challenges and contributing to global knowledge. Its ongoing efforts in education and research position it as a vital contributor to Bangladesh's development and a significant player in the international academic community, carrying forward its legacy of excellence and societal impact.