University of Dhaka
The University of Dhaka, also known as Dhaka University or DU, is a public research university situated in Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Established in 1921 under the Dacca University Act 1920, it is the oldest university in Bangladesh. Nawab Bahadur Sir Khwaja Salimullah generously donated 600 acres of land from his estate for its establishment. Modeled after British universities, it is now the largest public research university in Bangladesh, boasting a student body of 46,150 and a faculty of 1,992. DU has played a significant role in shaping the modern history of Bangladesh, serving as a focal point for progressive and democratic movements after the Partition of India. Its students and teachers were instrumental in advocating Bengali nationalism and the country's independence in 1971. Notable alumni include Satyendra Nath Bose, Muhammad Yunus, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. DU holds the highest ranking among universities in Bangladesh, standing between 691 and 700 globally according to the QS World University Rankings of 2023, and ranking between 601 and 800 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2023.
Contents
History
Before Dhaka University's establishment, the buildings of Dhaka College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, stood nearby. In 1873, the college relocated to Bahadur Shah Park and later to Curzon Hall, becoming the university's first institute.
The university's establishment was compensation for the annulment of the 1905 Partition of Bengal. The partition created Eastern Bengal and Assam as a separate province with Dhaka as its capital, supported by the newly formed All India Muslim League in Dhaka.
However, due to opposition from the Indian National Congress and Bengali Hindus, the partition was abolished in 1911. Nawab Sir Khwaja Salimullah Bahadur and a Muslim delegation demanded a university in Dhaka in response to the annulment, with Nawab Sir Salimullah donating land for this purpose.
In 1913, public opinion favored the university scheme, which received approval from the secretary of state in December 1913. Established in 1921 under the Dacca University Act 1920, it followed the model of British universities, with Lord Ronaldshay as its first chancellor.
Academic activities commenced in 1921 with 847 students and three faculties: Arts, Science, and Law, along with twelve departments and three dormitories for students. In 1936, honorary doctorate degrees were awarded to notable figures.
The university played a pivotal role in the Bengali Language Movement, starting protests against Urdu as the official language in East Pakistan. The movement began at Dhaka University, where students protested against the Pakistan Government. Tragically, several students were killed, leading to the restoration of Bengali as the official language.
The Dacca University Order, 1973
President's Order No. 11 of 1973 aimed to reconstitute and reorganize the University of Dhaka to enhance teaching, research, and administration post the 1971 Independence war. As part of this order, the word "Dacca" was replaced with "Dhaka" by Section 2 of the University Laws (Amendment) Act, 1987 (Act No. XXXVI of 1987).
Campus
Residential facilities
The University of Dhaka provides residential accommodation with 23 residence halls for students and dormitories for teachers and university officials.
Libraries
The university boasts the largest library in Bangladesh, spread across three buildings. With over 617,000 volumes and subscriptions to over 300 foreign journals, it also houses a vast collection of manuscripts and multimedia resources.
E-Libraries
The Faculty of Business Studies operates an advanced E-Library, the largest in Asia, connected to 35 international libraries. Established in collaboration with Robi Axiata Limited in 2015, it facilitates access to journals, books, and research papers.
Health services
The Medical Center, located near the Science Annex Building, offers free medical services, including pathological examinations. Operating 24/7 with 30 doctors, it provides dental, eye, and X-ray services, along with ambulance facilities.
Cafeteria
Several cafeterias dot the campus, each with its own historical significance. Notable spots include Madhur Canteen, with a tragic past from the 1971 war, and DU Hut in front of the Department of Sociology. The Faculty of Business Studies hosts a modern food court for students.
Faculties and Research Campus
The university consists of 13 Faculties and 83 Departments. Besides that, it has institutes, constituent colleges, and seven affiliated colleges.
1.Faculty of Arts
- Department of Bangla
- Department of English
- Department of Arabic
- Department of Persian Language and Literature
- Department of Urdu
- Department of Sanskrit
- Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies
- Department of Linguistics
- Department of Philosophy
- Department of History
- Department of Islamic Studies
- Department of Islamic History and Culture
- Department of Information Science and Library Management
- Department of Theatre and Performance studies
- Department of World Religions and Culture
- Department of Music
- Department of Dance
2.Faculty of Business Studies
The Faculty of Business Studies (FBS) traces its origins back to 1970 when it was established as the Faculty of Commerce. Initially comprising two departments - the Department of Accounting and the Department of Management - it expanded rapidly. By 1974, two more departments were added, and the institution adopted the semester system in 1977-1978. In a significant rebranding move in 1994-95, the degree names were changed from B.Com to BBA and M.Com to MBA. Over the next thirteen years, the Faculty underwent further expansion, with four additional departments joining its ranks. Finally, in 1995, the Faculty of Commerce officially became the Faculty of Business Studies, solidifying its focus on comprehensive business education and research.
Currently, there are nearly 153 teachers, 10 officers, 58 employees, and nearly 6100 students under the faculty and the departments are as follows.
- Department of Management
- Department of Accounting & Information Systems
- Department of Marketing
- Department of Finance
- Department of Banking and Insurance
- Department of Management Information Systems
- Department of International Business
- Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Department of Organization Strategy & Leadership
3.Faculty of Biological Sciences
- Department of Soil, Water and Environment
- Department of Botany
- Department of Zoology
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Department of Microbiology
- Department of Psychology
- Department of Medical psychology
- Department of Educational psychology
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
- Department of Fisheries
4.Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering
- Department of Nuclear Engineering
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
5.Faculty of Fine Arts
- Department of Ceramics
- Department of Craft
- Department of Drawing and Painting
- Department of Graphic Design
- Department of Oriental Art
- Department of Printmaking
- Department of Sculpture
- Department of History of Art
6.Faculty of Law
- Department of Law
7.Faculty of Pharmacy
- Department of Pharmacy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
8.Faculty of Science
- Department of Mathematics
- Department of Applied mathematics
- Department of Physics
- Department of Chemistry
- Department of Statistics
- Department of Biomedical Physics and Biomedical technology
- Department of Theoretical Physics
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
9.Faculty of Social Sciences
- Department of Economics
- Department of Political Science
- Department of International Relations
- Department of Anthropology
- Department of Public Administration
- Department of Mass Communication and Journalism
- Department of Communication Disorders
- Department of Printing and Publication Studies
- Department of Television Film and Photography
- Department of Sociology
- Department of Development Studies
- Department of Criminology
- Department of Japanese Studies
- Department of Women and Gender Studies
- Department Of Peace and Conflict Studies
10.Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Department of Geography and Environment
- Department of Geology
- Department of Oceanography
- Department of Disaster Science and Climate Resilience
- Department of Meteorology
11.Faculty of Medicine
- Department of Medicine and Surgery
12.Faculty of Education
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
13.Faculty of Postgraduate Medical Sciences and Research
- Department of Virology
Institutes
- Institute of Education and Research
- Institute of Statistical Research and Training
- Institute of Business Administration
- Institute of Social Welfare and Research
- Institute of Modern Languages
- Institute of Information Technology
- Institute of Renewable Energy
- Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies
- Institute of Health Economics
- Institute of Leather Engineering and Technology
Research centers
- Bureau of Economic Research
- Bureau of Business Research
- Bose Center for Advanced Study and Research in Natural Sciences
- Renewable Energy Research Centre
- Delta Research Centre
Residential halls and hostels
- Jagannath Hall
- Salimullah Muslim Hall
- Shahidullah Hall (Dhaka Hall)
- Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall
- Zahurul Haq Hall
- Ruqayyah Hall
- Masterda Surja Sen Hall
- Sir P. J Hartog (International Hostel) International Hall
- Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall
- Shamsun Nahar Hall
- Kabi Jasimuddin Hall
- Sir A. F Rahman Hall
- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Hall
- Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall
- Bangladesh-Kuwait Maitree Hall
- Amar Ekushey Hall
- Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib Hall
- Kabi Sufia Kamal Hall
- Bijoy Ekattor Hall
Affiliated colleges
- Government Bangla College
- Dhaka College
- Government Titumir College
- Eden Mohila College
- Kabi Nazrul Government College
- Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls' College
- Government Shaheed Suhrawardy College
The seven government colleges mentioned were affiliated with the University on 16th February 2017, following an order from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This affiliation entailed the University taking control of the academic syllabus, examinations, and other activities at the honors level in these colleges.
