As Dhaka University marks its 106th founding anniversary on July 1, the occasion is more than a celebration of institutional longevity. It is a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of an institution that has shaped the intellectual, political and cultural foundations of Bangladesh for over a century.

Founded in 1921 during British colonial rule, Dhaka University emerged as the first modern university in Eastern Bengal and quickly became a beacon of higher learning for a region long deprived of educational opportunities. What began as an academic institution soon evolved into the conscience of a nation in the making.

Few universities in South Asia can claim a history so deeply intertwined with the destiny of a country. From the Language Movement of 1952 to the Mass Uprising of 1969, from the Liberation War of 1971 to contemporary democratic movements, Dhaka University has repeatedly stood at the forefront of history. Its classrooms have nurtured scholars, scientists, writers, artists, policymakers and national leaders. Its campus has witnessed debates that transformed society and movements that altered the course of a nation.

The university's contribution to Bangladesh's linguistic and cultural identity remains unparalleled. It was the students of Dhaka University who stood against linguistic discrimination and sacrificed their lives to establish Bangla as a state language. Their courage laid the foundation for a broader struggle for political rights and self-determination. During the Liberation War, the university became one of the principal targets of the Pakistani military's brutal crackdown, with countless teachers and students paying the ultimate price for freedom.

Over the decades, Dhaka University has produced generations of leaders who have shaped Bangladesh's public life. The country's political leadership, bureaucracy, judiciary, academia, media and civil society continue to bear the imprint of the institution's intellectual heritage. It is no coincidence that the university is often referred to as the "Oxford of the East"—a title earned not merely through academic distinction but through its enduring influence on society.

This year's theme, "Restoration of Democracy and Higher Education at Dhaka University," carries particular significance. It reflects an aspiration to strengthen democratic values, academic freedom and institutional excellence in a rapidly changing world. At a time when societies across the globe are grappling with political polarization, misinformation, technological disruption and economic uncertainty, universities are increasingly expected to serve as guardians of reason, evidence and critical inquiry.

Yet, the challenges confronting Dhaka University today are fundamentally different from those of its founding years. The global higher education landscape has become intensely competitive. Universities are now measured not only by their historical prestige but also by their research output, innovation capacity, international partnerships and ability to prepare graduates for a knowledge-driven economy.

For Bangladesh, the stakes are particularly high. With a large youth population and aspirations of becoming a developed nation, the country needs universities that can produce cutting-edge research, foster innovation and contribute practical solutions to national challenges. Climate change, urban governance, public health, artificial intelligence, energy security and economic transformation are among the areas where Dhaka University can play a pivotal role.

The expectations from Dhaka University in the coming decades are therefore immense. The university is expected to become a stronger centre for research and innovation, capable of generating knowledge that informs public policy and drives sustainable development. Greater investment in laboratories, digital infrastructure and interdisciplinary studies will be essential to achieving this goal.

There is also growing demand for stronger international engagement. As knowledge increasingly transcends borders, Dhaka University must expand its collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, encourage academic exchanges and create opportunities for students and researchers to participate in global conversations. Such engagement would not only enhance the university's reputation but also enrich the quality of education and research available to its students.

Equally important is the need to cultivate ethical leadership. Throughout its history, Dhaka University has been more than a producer of degrees; it has been a training ground for citizenship. The university's future success will depend not only on academic achievements but also on its ability to nurture graduates who are compassionate, socially responsible and committed to democratic values.

As the university enters its 107th year, it faces a defining question: how can it honour its historic legacy while adapting to the demands of the twenty-first century? The answer lies in embracing innovation without abandoning its core ideals, expanding research without compromising academic integrity and pursuing global excellence while remaining deeply connected to the needs of Bangladesh.

For 106 years, Dhaka University has been a symbol of enlightenment, resilience and progress. It has survived colonial rule, political upheavals and national crises while remaining a beacon of hope for generations of Bangladeshis. Its story is inseparable from the story of the nation itself.

The celebration of this anniversary, therefore, is not merely about commemorating a glorious past. It is about renewing a collective commitment to the future. For if the first century of Dhaka University helped shape Bangladesh's national identity, the next century must help shape its place in the world.

At 106, Dhaka University remains not only a witness to history but a force capable of making history. And perhaps that is the greatest expectation of all.