Tarique Rahman Praises Dhaka University's Role in Bangladesh's Democratic Movements

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has praised Dhaka University for its historic role in leading Bangladesh's democratic struggles, saying the institution has been at the forefront of every major pro-democracy movement, from the Language Movement to the 2024 student-led mass uprising.

In a message issued on Tuesday ahead of the university's 105th founding anniversary on July 1, Rahman said Bangladesh had restored democracy through immense sacrifice and the loss of many lives, adding that the country's next challenge is to strengthen democratic institutions.

Extending greetings to the university's teachers, students, alumni, staff and guardians, the prime minister described Dhaka University as one of South Asia's oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education, often referred to as the "Oxford of the East."

Rahman said that since its establishment in 1921, the university has played a leading role in advancing higher education, research and intellectual development. He noted that its students had led key national movements, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s and the 2024 anti-fascist mass uprising.

He also said the theme of this year's Dhaka University Day—"Restoring Democracy and Higher Education at Dhaka University"—is especially relevant in the current national context.

Highlighting the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the prime minister stressed the need to modernize university curricula to prepare students for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and automation. He said universities should place greater emphasis on practical skills by incorporating subjects such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, programming and nanotechnology into academic programs.

Rahman also called for merit-based recruitment of qualified faculty members and stronger support for research and innovation across universities. He urged Dhaka University's alumni at home and abroad to play a more active role in supporting the institution's academic and research activities.

Emphasizing graduate employability, he said students should become proficient in a third language in addition to Bangla and English to remain competitive in the global job market. He also encouraged universities to foster entrepreneurship, enabling graduates to create jobs rather than rely solely on traditional employment opportunities.

Concluding his message, the prime minister expressed hope that Dhaka University would continue its historic contribution to the nation and wished success for all events marking the university's 105th anniversary.