The New Nation - Internet Edition

DU Correspondent

The Dhaka University (DU) yesterday observed the "Celebrations of 400 years of Dhaka" as capital amid fanfare and festivity. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr SMA Faiz inaugurated the ceremony at the Mall Chattar on the campus.

The DU campus was decorated to celebrate 400 years of Dhaka. Students carrying various placards, masks, banners and festoons brought out colourful processions from different dormitories that rolled out on the campus and gathered at the Mall Chattar.

Prof SMA Faiz released four pigeons to mark the inauguration of the ceremony and four hundred balloons were also released into the air.

Pro-VC AFM Yusuf Haider, Treasurer Prof Syed Abul Kalam Azad, secretary general of DU Alumni Association Rakibuddin Ahmed, Deans of faculties, chairmen and directors of departments and institutions and provosts were also present at the inaugural session.

A series of events including regional debate competition, kite festivals, painting competition were held yesterday followed by a cultural programme where artistes sang kawalis, danced and recited poems.

Several hundred resident and non-resident students in traditional dresses participated in the procession as the sound of drums filled the air.

Stalls have been set up on the campus showcasing Dhaka's heritage and paintings.

Festivity was in the air throughout the day as teachers, students and others marked the day with elaborate programmes.

Speaking at the inaugural session DU VC said the 400 years history of the capital Dhaka is an inseparable part of country's heritage, tradition and culture.

We have to nurture our rich national entity and should make it more enriched, he added.

On the occasion, a discussion meeting titled 'History and Culture of

Dhaka City's 400 years and Dhaka's Language' was held on the campus. DU History Department organised the discussion.

It was a holiday for the university, no classes were held, but the university buses operated as usual.

A cultural programme and concert were also held at Mall Chattar in the evening.