‘The Oxford of the East’: The University of Dhaka -Fatema Tania

The University of Dhaka is the country’s oldest public university. People refer to it as the ‘Oxford of the East’. The university began its journey on July 1, 2021. The university’s renown extends globally, yet its founding narrative remains obscure to many. Despite significant obstacles and conspiracies against its establishment, some individuals made remarkable efforts to bring it into existence. After the partition of Bengal, the British government decided to establish a public university in East Bengal. The majority of people in this area were Muslims. However, Hindu leaders were not pleased with this decision, and they were also protesting against it. Nawab Sir Salimullah, the fourth Nawab, was the only person who took a strong infinitive, and he openly expressed his disappointment to the British government. At the time, Lord Hardinge was Viceroy of Bengal. After the Nawab’s demand, the British government finally decided to establish a public university in Bengal. Nawab also donated 600 acres of land to the university. Nawab’s efforts and contributions were immeasurable in establishing the University of Dhaka.

The university’s history is rapidly advancing

Dhaka University’s establishment is considered a significant compensation for the cancellation of Bengal’s partition in 1905. The Muslim League demanded the partition of Bengal. According to partition rules, East Bengal and Assam became separated provinces, and Dhaka was its capital. However, 1911 brought an end to the partition. Congress and other leaders were opposed to the Bengal partition (Banga Bhanga). The Muslim League was strongly advocating for Bengali partition. Because of this, all business and educational developments were established in India by the British government. However, the British government neglected the eastern zone, left the maximum area underdeveloped, and failed to establish any educational institutions. This is why, in order to maintain a balance in development policies, the British government agreed to the demand for the division of Bengal. Once again, the British government abolished the partition under the pressure of the Congress.

To resolve this political crisis, the British government finalised the university scheme and decided to establish one in East Bengal. That university was today’s glorious Dhaka University. Known as the pride and tribute of East Bengal, it was the first university in the region. Nawab Sir Khwaja Salimullah Bahadur was the fourth Nawab of Dhaka, and he was a key patron of education in East Bengal.

Nawab also donated 600 acres of land to establish Dhaka University. Nawab also had a political argument with the British Viceroy about establishing the university. Nawab was also the founder of the prestigious Ahsanullah School of Engineering (now the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology). So, Nawab’s contributions are very important to us. Nawab generously contributed both politically and financially to the establishment of Dhaka University, ultimately leading to its establishment in 1921. Dr. Philip Joseph Hartog became the first Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and served as the formal academic registrar of the University of London for 17 years. People referred to Nawab Sir Salimullah Bahadur as the transformative force of modern society.

The university’s academic structure

The Dacca University Act 1920 of the Indian Legislative Council officially established Dhaka University in 1921. The curriculum of Dhaka University followed the model of the British University. On July 1st, 1921, academic classes and other activities commenced, featuring 13 faculties: Arts, Science, and Law; 12 departments: Sanskrit and Bengali; English; Education; History; Arabic and Islamic Studies; Philosophy; Persian and Urdu; Politics; Mathematics, Physics, Law, and Chemistry; 60 teachers; 877 students; and 3 student residence halls: Sir Salimullah Muslim Hall, Dacca Hall, and Jagannath Hall.

At present, Dhaka University consists of 13 faculties, 83 departments, 12 institutes, 56 research centres, 20 residential halls, 3 hostels, and 74 constituent colleges and institutes under the University of Dhaka, of which 22 are government and 52 are non-government colleges and institutes. It is the largest public university in Bangladesh, with 46,150 students and 1,992 faculties.

The birthplace of the socio-political revolution

From the beginning to the present, people have referred to Dhaka University as the birthplace of the sociopolitical revolution. Dhaka University played a significant role in Bangladesh’s birth. Students and teachers played an extensive role in the rise of Bengali nationalism during the 1971 Independence War. Teachers and students at Dhaka University played a revolutionary role in the anti-British movements, the language movements of 1952, the six-point movements of 1966, the mass uprising of 1969, and all other national movements. This is the reason for its reputation as the cradle of revolution and invention in the modern era.

“Dhaka University, in terms of shaping society, building secularism, resistance to imperialism, and overall building the country, is incomparable.” Dr. Serajul Islam Choudhury is Dhaka University’s emeritus professor. Dhaka University’s contribution to our society is unparalleled. Dhaka University is not just an educational institute; it’s also contributing in all sectors. People describe it as a hub for political evolution, cultural development, the expansion of national art, and the growth of Bengali literature and music. Students and teachers play an excellent role in the rise of Bangladesh and the language movement. Without their initiative, it was impossible to achieve independence and establish our mother tongue.

The current situation at the University of Dhaka is concerning

Dhaka University is Bangladesh’s oldest primary university. It was once known as the “Oxford of the East.” The University of Dhaka ranked 1st of 129 in Bangladesh, 231st of 5,830 in Asia, and 991st of 14,131 in the world. It’s the global rating for 2024, and it’s based on three factors: research output, academic publication, and non-academic reputation.

Prestigious Dhaka University was known as the ‘Oxford of the East’ for its quality education. But gradually, Dhaka University is declining and losing its position. Many factors contributed to this situation, including a lengthy admissions process, a lack of foreign-friendly campus and accommodation facilities, session jams, and political involvement. The lengthy admissions process discourages foreign students from applying here. However, private universities in Bangladesh enrol many foreign students.

Private companies may not have the necessary resources, but their effective advertising strategy attracts students to their universities. Dhaka University, a large public university, has a huge opportunity to set a benchmark in global education. Therefore, university authorities should take a few steps to revitalise its glory.

University authorities should provide a swift admission process, remove session jams, prohibit student politics, focus on the quality of education, increase the number of scholarships, expand the field of research and innovation, expand the funds for research and development, and increase the practical attachment to the curriculum. Teachers should also avoid private practice and politics.

Dhaka University has played a significant role in our nation’s development. Therefore, we strive to restore its renown and restore it to its former standing.