Own Reporter: The 103rd founding anniversary and 104th birthday of Dhaka University, known as the Oxford of the East, was celebrated in New York, USA. The celebration took place on July 1 in a festive atmosphere at the LaGuardia Marriott in Queens. Former students of Dhaka University living in the United States participated in this event organized by the Dhaka University Alumni.
The event began with the singing of the national anthem of Bangladesh, followed by the national anthem of the United States. Prominent media personality, educationist, and Imam Muhammad Shahidullah hosted and moderated the entire event. Golam Mustafa added a special touch by reciting poetry.
A significant part of the program was dedicated to reminiscence. Many attendees became emotional while talking about their campus life. Farida Chowdhury, Manjur Chowdhury, Sylvia Saberin, Wahida Shamsun, Md. Abdul Qayyum, Sajal Roshan, Lubana Rashid, and Md. Golam Mustafa shared their memories. Others who spoke about their colorful university days included Kazi Zahirul Islam, Sukhan Gomez, Muhammad Shahidullah, M. Arefin Tulu, Ruby Arefin, Dr. Mohammad Mujibul Haque, Nazia Ahmed Chowdhury, Advocate Mujibur Rahman, Iqbal Morshed, Umama Siddiqa, and Roshan Ara Begum.
Farida Chowdhury reminisced, “I graduated from the Department of Economics at Dhaka University in 1981. At that time, there was a wonderful relationship between teachers and students. We lived campus life like a family, which helped us become better people.” Wahida Shamsun added, “Students of Dhaka University have enlightened not only Bangladesh but also the world. This institution is the place of our feelings and love. Celebrating its anniversary abroad is very gratifying.”
Sylvia Saberin said, “Since I heard about this event, I was eagerly waiting for it. Memories of TSC, Kala Bhavan, Neelkhet, Malchatwar, Curzon Hall, Central Library, and the Registrar Building still float in my mind.” Manjur Chowdhury shared, “I was very naughty during my university life. I had friends in every department, and both seniors and juniors loved me. I miss those days a lot and hope our institution continues to thrive.”
Md. Abdul Qayyum noted, “I did not complete my honors or master’s from Dhaka University. I did an MBA in accounting through an evening course. Despite not being a regular student, I feel lucky to have studied at the best institution in the country.” Sajal Roshan reflected, “Dhaka University has instilled in our hearts the dream of a true, beautiful, and bright future. Though we have left the campus, the university remains a part of us.”
Lubana Rashid shared, “I studied in the Department of Philosophy and was attached to Fazilatunnesa Mujib Hall. I had a great campus life and was involved in many extracurricular activities. Seniors supported us, and teachers kept us updated.” Sukhan Gomez expressed, “I am overwhelmed with emotions today because Dhaka University is a place of great passion for us. I was involved in the student anti-torture movement that arose from Shamsunnahar Hall.”
Kazi Zahirul Islam, a United Nations official and poet, said, “Dhaka University has produced many talented and successful individuals. However, concerns about the quality of education have been raised recently. The university authorities should address these concerns.” Roshan Ara Begum mentioned, “As former students living in the United States, we need to build a more beautiful and friendly relationship among ourselves. We should meet more frequently, not just at the end of the year.”
Dr. Mohammad Mujibul Haque added, “We believe we can contribute to the socio-economic development of both Bangladesh and the United States by establishing cordial relations among Dhaka University graduates living in the U.S.” Md. Golam Mostafa stated, “We love Dhaka University and want it to move forward. However, maintaining the world standard of education is a challenge today. The university authorities need to address this issue.”
M. Arefin Tulu reminisced, “After the HSC examination, many of my friends made great efforts to get into Dhaka University. We are truly lucky to be DU students.” Ruby Arefin wished, “Happy birthday to the centenary Dhaka University. We hope this university will continue to shine for another thousand years, and our next generation will also be proud to study here.”
Nazia Ahmed Chowdhury said, “Dhaka University is called the lighthouse of Bangladesh. It has been associated with everything good in the country, from independence to representing Bangladesh in the international arena.” Iqbal Morshed noted, “Students of Dhaka University have played an important role in the governance of the country and have represented Bangladesh positively worldwide. Collective action will make this even more effective.”
Umama Siddiqa mentioned, “Former students play a crucial role in a university’s success. Prestigious universities around the world show the importance of alumni activities. Dhaka University alumni in New York are doing various social and charity activities, but they need to unite under one umbrella for better results.”
For the past few years, Dhaka University alumni have organized this event in New York. Each year, former students in the U.S. are honored. This year, social media influencer Sajal Roshan was honored. One of the highlights of the celebration was the cake-cutting ceremony for the beloved institution’s birthday. The event ended with quiet conversations, gossip, and a group photo session.
