Jahangirnagar University celebrated its 54th founding anniversary on Sunday with vibrant, day-long events that showcased the university鈥檚 academic and cultural legacy.
The festivities were inaugurated by JU vice-chancellor professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, who released doves, symbolising peace and colourful balloons near the faculty of business studies.
In his address, VC Kamrul Ahsan expressed gratitude to all for their contributions to JU鈥檚 growth and commitment to promote academic excellence and environmental preservation.
Pro-vice-chancellors professor Mahfuzur Rahman and professor Sohel Ahmed, treasurer professor Md. Abdur Rob, registrar ABM Azizur Rahman, along with faculty members, students, and alumni, participated in the celebrations.
The day commenced with a grand procession of banners from departments and offices, circling the campus and concluding with prayers at the open stage.
Other activities included blood group testing, friendly football and handball matches, puppet shows, cultural performances, and tributes to the families of martyrs from the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising.
A pitha fair, alpana painting, and a concert further enriched the celebrations.
Established on January 12, 1971, JU began with 150 students and four departments鈥攅conomics, geography, mathematics, and statistics. Today, the university boasts 34 departments under six faculties and four institutes, over 14,000 students, and 724 faculty members.
The campus, home to 21 residential halls, hosts significant academic and cultural events annually.
Recognised globally for its research, JU ranked first in Bangladesh in the 2024 Times Higher Education World Rankings and has faculty members listed among the world鈥檚 top two per cent researchers.
Dubbed the 鈥楥ultural Capital鈥�, JU is renowned for its scenic beauty, attracting migratory birds and visitors to its serene lakes. It also houses the country鈥檚 largest science research centre and organises annual fairs like the Butterfly Fair and Bird Fair to promote conservation awareness.