DU plans Tk2,000cr alumni-backed funds for research, student welfare

Dhaka University will establish two separate funds worth Tk1,000 crore each, with support from its alumni to strengthen research and enhance student welfare, said Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam.

He made the remarks today (1 July) while chairing a discussion at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) auditorium as part of celebrations marking the university's 105th founding anniversary.

Calling on alumni to contribute, Obaidul said a university could not rely solely on government funding.

"This is your alma mater. We hope you will extend your support to help this century-old university continue to grow and prosper," he said.

The vice-chancellor also highlighted the university's research achievements, noting that 35 Dhaka University teachers and researchers were included in the 2025 list of the world's top 2% scientists, published by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier.

He said this was the highest number recorded by any university in Bangladesh.

Obaidul added that with stronger institutional capacity, improved policy support and better research facilities, Dhaka University had the potential to secure a place among the world's leading universities.

He also unveiled the university's long-term strategic roadmap, the "Dhaka University Academic Plan 2026-2046", prepared in anticipation of the institution's 125th anniversary.

According to the vice-chancellor, the plan is built around the vision of making the university an institution that inspires inclusive innovation and ethical leadership.

He described it as more than a policy document, calling it a strategic framework for transforming Dhaka University over the next two decades.

"We want to build a university where research is the driving force, education is future-oriented, governance is efficient, and innovation forms the foundation of institutional development," he added.