Message from the Vice Chancellor

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Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman

Vice Chancellor

University of Dhaka

Welcome to the University of Dhaka’s website, featuring the oldest, largest and the premier multidisciplinary university of Bangladesh! 

Founded in 1921, The University of Dhaka has always had the mission of uplifting the educational standards of the people of the region. It was initially meant to provide tertiary education to people who didn’t have access to higher studies till then. Subsequently, it has contributed significantly to the socio-cultural and political development of what was once East Bengal and then East Pakistan, and is now Bangladesh.

Since its establishment, the university has been fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of its students and their parents. It has, of course, not only been a lighthouse of learning, but has also acted as a torch-bearer of the people of the region in issues such as democracy, freedom of expression, and the need for a just and equitable society. It has always been associated with high quality education and research in which students as well as faculty members and alumni have played their parts. The University of Dhaka’s role has expanded beyond its classrooms and research labs during different crises the country has had to face since 1947. In many ways, thus, the university is unique, for it has played a major role in the creation of the independent nation-state of Bangladesh in 1971.

Writing at this time, I am proud to note that the University of Dhaka has not only fulfilled but also exceeded the aspirations of those who set it up. It has been acclaimed as the best educational institution of the region, and one of the leading universities of the subcontinent. It is an incubator of ideas and has nurtured renowned scientists and academicians, great leaders, administrative and business officials, and entrepreneurs. Its proud alumni include the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the incumbent Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, his august daughter. Most of the country’s presidents, prime ministers, policymakers, politicians and CEOs of leading organizations, researchers and activists have been products of this institution.

The University of Dhaka’s doors are open for people from all classes, religions and parts of the country, and, indeed, also for international students. Its campus, too, regularly hosts different national and international events and festivals where people from every corner can and do participate. It is a hub for breeding and nourishing liberal, secular and humanistic values.

At the time when our country is dreaming to become a developed nation by 2041 and has made a firm commitment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, and in an age when we are witnessing the emergence of spirited youths all set to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), I can affirm that the University of Dhaka is well prepared to meet all future challenges and is ready to lead the nation once again with its acquired experience, available resources, dedicated administrators, experienced faculty members and talented students and employees.

Having been associated with the university for almost 40 years, first as a student, then as a faculty member, and later in various administrative capacities, it is a great honor and proud privilege for me to be here to not only witness but also to contribute to its centenary celebrations from where I am. Let me emphasize too that it is the singular privilege of all of us at the University of Dhaka to be celebrating its centenary in the year that Bangladesh is celebrating its golden jubilee of independence.

I would like to request you all to explore the legacy, beauty, and history of this great institution of national, regional and international importance through this website. I hope it will be of use to you as you venture into the knowledge network of the university and acquaint yourself with its history, achievements, centers of learning, residential facilities and other attributes. My office staff and I will be more than happy to listen to you in case you want to visit us in person at a mutually convenient time. 


    Joy Bangla. Joy Bangabandhu.
    Long Live the University of Dhaka! Long Live Bangladesh!

(Professor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman)
Vice Chancellor