DU's 51st convocation today

The 51st -- and its biggest ever -- convocation of Dhaka University will be held at the university's central playground today.

DU authorities have completed all preparations required for the celebration, ahead of the grand ceremony where 21,111 students will receive graduation certificates.

President and Chancellor of the university Abdul Hamid is expected to attend the convocation as chief guest, while Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman will be the convocation speaker.

There will be two extended venues at Eden Mohila College and Dhaka College, where 4,000 graduates of the seven newly-affiliated colleges of DU will participate and will be connected with the main venue through video conference.

Besides, 96 students will receive gold medals for their outstanding results in different disciplines, while 81 researchers will be conferred with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees and 43 will get Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degrees.

This convocation would be the biggest in DU's 97-year history, in terms of the number of graduates and guests participating.

The campus has already put on a festive look on the occasion. Main entrances to the campus have been decorated with colourful makeshift gates that convey warm welcome to the graduates, guests and others.

Marking the end of a journey in university, several thousand graduates yesterday were busy taking photographs wearing convocation gowns, ties and hoods with their friends and peers, at historic places and structures on the campus.

“I have got a bunch of good friends and teachers here. I will miss them a lot and will cherish the moments I have spent with them forever,” said Jennifer Kamal, a graduate of mass communication and journalism.

The university authorities yesterday held a rehearsal of the graduates and gold medallists, running students through the steps to receive certificates and medals.

The first convocation of DU was held on February 22, 1923.