‘Jahangirnagar University Day’ celebrated with colourful programmes

Jahangirnagar University (JU) marked its University Day on Monday, stepping into its 56th year since establishment.

The day was celebrated with a series of lively programmes involving teachers, students, and other stakeholders.

The daylong celebrations began in the morning across the campus.

JU was formally inaugurated on 12 January 1971 by the then Governor of East Pakistan and Chancellor of the university, Rear Admiral SM Ahsan.

The university started its journey with four departments, 23 teachers and 150 students.

Since 2001, the day has been observed as ‘Jahangirnagar University Day’.

The university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kamrul Ahsan, inaugurated the day around 10:30am by hoisting the national flag at the Mrittomanch in front of the Old Arts Building.

Prof Mahfuzur Rahman, JU pro-vice chancellor, hoisted the university's flag. Following the hoisting of the flags, peace doves and balloons were released to mark the inauguration.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (administration) Prof Sohel Ahmed, Treasurer Md Abdur Rob, other officials and students were present at the ceremony.

Addressing the inaugural programme, Kamrul said JU collectively has now become a family of nearly 30,000 members.

Referring to the 2024 student-led uprising, he said, “JU students played the leading role in the July uprising. From the previous experience, we must practise ethics alongside the pursuit of knowledge, preventing future student-people costs.

He also expressed his determination to ensure that no form of unethical practice prevails in any sphere of the university.

Following the inauguration, a colourful rally led by the vice-chancellor paraded the university campus, with participation from deans, institute directors, hall provosts, the proctor, teachers, students, officers, staff and guests. The rally concluded at Selim Al Deen Mukta Mancha.

Following the rally, a one-minute silence was observed in memory of martyrs of the Language Movement, the Liberation War, the July uprising, and various movements, as well as in mourning for the late former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

The day was also observed with various programmes, including cultural performances, blood group testing, reminiscence sessions, puppet shows, a friendly football match between former and current students, and a women’s friendly handball match.

Jahangirnagar University Central Students Union (JUCSU) organised cultural events, alumni honours events, and ramp shows to celebrate the day.

In the evening, the JUCSU-sponsored instrumental and band music performances were also held at Selim Al Deen Mukta Mancha.

A traditional pitha fair took place at the central cafeteria premises, alongside alpana and graffiti displays across the campus.