Dhaka University, country’s oldest public institution for higher studies, has stepped on to its 100 th year starting its journey back on July 1, 1921. The university is celebrating the centenary with much festivity and with an elaborate 16-day long programme on its campus from Dec 1 to Dec 16.
As one of the oldest educational institutes DU has witnessed and weaved stories of a nation throughout the years. To create a platform to showcase these stories, the Television, Film and Photography Department of the university arranged a Photography Exhibition at Teacher-Student Center (TSC) as a part of the celebration.
“Among 1,800 photos submitted by the current and former students, we have picked 100 to exhibit,” said Habiba Rahman, Chairperson of the Television, Film and Photography Department at DU.
From them, we highlight 10 historic photos that we believe represent the history, nature and emotions involved with the university and nation.
Bangladesh
Photographer: Md Robiul Hossain, Women And Gender Studies Department
This photograph captured from the Dean Office-adjacent area of the Arts Building not only shows a mural but also represents a location witnessing many historic events of the country. This was the place where the first version of the Bangladesh flag designed by Shivnarayan Das was hoisted by ASM Abdur Rob, the then Vice President of Dhaka University Students’ Union (DUCSU) on behalf of Swadhinata Sangram Parishad.
Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture
Photographer Md Abu Jafar Saleh
The photographer has artistically captured one of the most influential sculptures of the DU campus that is standing for years keeping its head high as a memento of its rebellious nature. Built in the late 1990s, it is dedicated to the memory of a DU student named Moin Hossain Raju an activist of Bangladesh Students’ Union who was killed while protesting against terrorism. New Year begins with a festival
Photographer: Parban Achariya
Initiated in Jashore in 1985 and then by DU Fine Arts Faculty in 1989, the Mongol Shobhajatra, a colorful procession brought out to welcome the Bengali New Year has become a part of the country’s tradition depicting the secular nature and cultural resources of the nation. The United Nations agency UNESCO has listed this rally as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Bangladesh.
‘Chiro Unnoto Shir’ (The head forever exalted)
Photographer: Tahniatul Jannat Samira
This photograph shows graffiti on the wall adjacent to the Central Library of DU depicting one of the most historic moments for the nation: Bangabandhu’s speech of March 7, 1971. The pointed finger and bold words of the nation’s leader that day inspired 7.5 crore people to prepare for a war of independence which has been represented in the photo.
Mausoleum of Three Leaders
Photographer: Pinu Rahman, former student of Botanical Science Department
The photographer captured the bird’s eye view of the Mausoleum of Three Leaders.
Located on one side of the campus, this place is not much frequented by the students. The mausoleum contains the graves of three prominent leaders of the Pakistan Movement from Bengal: A. K. Fazlul Huq , Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, and Khwaja Nazimuddin.
Bonding of Existence
Photographer: MD Abu Jafar Saleh
The photographer gave this photo a befitting headline as it captured a moment when students from different organisations of TSC were preparing a huge flag ahead of Victory Day celebration.
Examination and Curzon Hall
Photographer: Sadia Akter
Curzon Hall, a building older than the University itself, is intertwined with the history of the Bengali people from the British Empire. This building never ceases to make the former students nostalgic as it was also used as an examination hall for the students of the Science Faculty of Dhaka University.
The harp bearer Saraswati
Photographer: Rajat Paul, Sanskrit Department
The floating idol of the Hindu deity of knowledge, Saraswati, was captured from in front of a pond in Dhaka University’s Jagannath Hall. The idol has a harp-like musical instrument named Bina in one hand and the other hand is posed as blessing the worshippers. Hence she is called the harp -bearer or ‘Bina Pani’.
A nature made National flag
Photographer: Manjurul Haque Shubho
The photo depicts a piece of Bangladesh in the heart of Dhaka University. The photo was taken from the top of Mall Chattar area of the university where some red Krishnachura (Royal Poinciana) flower blooming amid the greenery almost exactly resembled the national flag of Bangladesh. In the gloom monsoon
Photographer: Sadat Md Habib
The photographer captured an aesthetic glimpse of the university’s red bus allotted for student movement standing against a gloomy backdrop of rain showered campus. A scenery that would evoke much emotion of leaving behind the campus in any DU student’s heart.
“Two of my submitted photographs were selected for the exhibition has made me more inspired to do photography as people were appreciating them online and offline,” said Mohsina Tyeba, a student of the Chemistry Department.
From the 100 photos, six photos will be selected to award as best by a Jury board in two categories- current and former students, said Professor AJM Shafiul Alam Bhuiyan, convener of the exhibition arranging committee.
Source: Unites News of Bangladesh