University of Dhaka

The University of Dhaka (DU) is a prestigious public university located in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. It is the oldest and largest university in Bangladesh and is considered to be one of the most prominent academic institutions in South Asia. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various fields, including science, engineering, arts, social sciences, and business studies. With a sprawling campus that spans over 600 acres, the University of Dhaka is home to more than 45,000 students and 1,800 faculty members. The university has a long and rich history of academic excellence and has produced numerous accomplished alumni who have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields. Today, the University of Dhaka continues to be a beacon of academic excellence, attracting students and scholars from all over the world.

The University of Dhaka was founded in 1921 as compensation for the annulment of the 1905 Partition of Bengal. Nawab Bahadur Sir Khwaja Salimullah donated 600 acres of land from his estate for this purpose. The university is modeled after British universities and started its academic activities on 1 July 1921 with three faculties: Arts, Science, and Law.

The University of Dhaka played a pivotal role in the Bengali Language Movement of 1952. DU students and teachers were at the forefront of the movement, demanding that Bengali be given equal status to Urdu as an official language of Pakistan.

On February 21, 1952, DU students organized a mass protest against the Pakistani government's decision to impose Urdu as the sole official language of Pakistan. The police opened fire on the protesters, killing several students. This incident sparked widespread protests and demonstrations across East Bengal (now Bangladesh).

DU students and teachers continued to lead the Language Movement until the Pakistani government finally conceded to their demands in 1956. The Language Movement was a major turning point in the history of Bangladesh and paved the way for the country's independence in 1971.

Student life at the University of Dhaka (DU) is a vibrant and enriching experience. DU is one of the largest universities in South Asia. The campus is a melting pot of cultures and religions, and students have the opportunity to learn and grow in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Academics are at the core of student life at DU. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of disciplines. DU is known for its high academic standards and its faculty members are among the best in the country.

In addition to academics, DU students are also involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities. There are over 200 student clubs and societies at DU, covering a wide range of interests, including sports, culture, music, art, and social service. DU students also have the opportunity to participate in research and internships, and to volunteer for various social causes.

Based on the QS World University Rankings of 2025, University of Dhaka is positioned as the #554 top university in the world, which makes it the #1 top university in Bangladesh.