A special lecture on “What are Universities for – in the 21 Century” organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) was held today August 20, 2016 at Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Social Science Building of Dhaka University (DU). Former Chancellor of the University of Derby, UK Sir Christopher John Elinger Ball delivered the lecture. Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof. Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique delivered the welcome address.

            Chairman of the University Grants Commission Prof. Abdul Mannan presided over the function while International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Gowher Rizvi addressed it as the chief guest. Vice-Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors and Treasurers from different public and private universities of the country attended the function.

            International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Dr. Gowher Rizvi thanked the organizers for arranging such type of lecture. He hoped that this lecture would play an effective role to enhance the quality of education.           

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique in his speech said, Dhaka University was set up in 1921 in the then undivided India with a view to spreading the light of knowledge among the common people of this region. Since then, the University of Dhaka has emerged as the beacon of light of knowledge and civilization, he added. The university has trained generations of scholars who have proved their intellectual worth both at home and abroad, he also mentioned. Dhaka University always stands for democracy, equality, liberty, peace, human rights, poverty reduction, secularism, scientific development, cultural enrichment and the like for overall progress of humanity, he pointed out. He said, we have the resources to counter the on-going crisis of terrorism. If we can pull all our resources together and unite against the enemies, then it is only a matter of time that will be able to stop the terrorists who are threatening our ways of life, he added. The VC urged the academic world and the security forces to take concerted efforts for making the world free from terrorism, extremism, fundamentalism, violence and bigotry. 

Former Chancellor of the University of Derby, UK Sir Christopher John Elinger Ball stressed the need for fundamental research and technological development to solve various problems. He said, universities should play the central role to produce skilled workforces for the nation. He called upon the young people to keep their minds free to find the truth.   

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(Md. Rafiqul Islam)

Deputy Director

Public Relations Office

University of Dhaka

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique presenting a crest to the Former Chancellor of the University of Derby, UK Sir Christopher John Elinger Ball at a function held today August 20, 2016 at Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Social Science Building of the university.

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique delivering welcome address at a function held today August 20, 2016 at Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Social Science Building of the university.

A special lecture on “What are Universities for – in the 21 Century” organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) was held today August 20, 2016 at Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Social Science Building of DU. UGC Chairman Prof. Abdul Mannan presided over the function while International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Gowher Rizvi and DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. AAMS Arefin Siddique addressed it.