President: DU integral part of Bangladesh's emergence

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has said Dhaka University (DU) is an integral part of the emergence, development, history, tradition, prosperity and success of Bangladesh.

"Centring on Dhaka University, a political, social and cultural awakening took place in this subcontinent, and in continuation of that, an independent and sovereign Bangladesh emerged," he said in a message marking the 104th founding anniversary of DU, the country's highest echelon of academic excellence, to be celebrated on Monday.

The head of state said the students and teachers of the university have led all the democratic movements, struggles and socio-economic development of the country such as the Language Movement and the Liberation War.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamed of the liberation of masses of the country from the premises of this university, said Shahabuddin.

Ahead of the day, he respectfully recalled Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the great architect of independent Bangladesh.

"I have deep respect for all the intellectuals including teachers and students, officers and employees of Dhaka University who sacrificed their lives in the great Liberation War," he said.

The government has announced Vision 2041 to make Bangabandhu's dream of Sonar Bangla a reality and create a developed- prosperous Smart Bangladesh announced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said.

He hoped that Dhaka University would play an important role in realizing the dream of the father of the nation and reaping the benefits of the fourth industrial revolution.

He said he believes that DU, the best university of the country, would play a more effective role in conducting world-class education and research in the days to come.

The president wished success to all programs undertaken on the occasion of the founding anniversary of Dhaka University.

DU started its journey with 877 students in three faculties and 12 departments in 1921.

It has played a vital role in Bangladesh's history. Its students and teachers sacrificed their lives in the Language Movement in 1952, the Mass Upsurge in 1969 and the Liberation War in 1971.

Even the national flag of Bangladesh was first hoisted at Bot Tola on the Dhaka University campus on March 2, 1971.