The 105th Foundation Anniversary of the University of Dhaka was celebrated in a festive atmosphere at the Save the People Auditorium in New York. The gathering brought together alumni from different generations, community leaders, and distinguished guests. The event was organized and hosted by University of Dhaka alumnus Muhammad Shahidullah.
The program began with the national anthems of the United States and Bangladesh, followed by the screening of a documentary on the University of Dhaka and a special video message from the Vice-Chancellor. The celebration featured an award presentation ceremony, reminiscences by alumni, an open discussion, the cutting of the university’s 105th anniversary cake, and a group photo session.
In his welcome address, Muhammad Shahidullah extended greetings to everyone on the University’s milestone anniversary, saying, “Happy Birthday, University of Dhaka. Now is the time not only to celebrate our memories but also to give back.” He emphasized that alumni living across the world can play an even greater role in supporting the university, mentoring current students, and contributing to society. He also called for stronger networking and collaboration among expatriate alumni.
In his video message, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the university’s continued progress in education and research. He noted that the institution is expanding its research activities, improving academic standards, strengthening international collaborations, and modernizing its academic programs with the goal of becoming a globally recognized university. He encouraged alumni at home and abroad to contribute through research partnerships, scholarships, mentorship, international networking, and other developmental initiatives.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of special recognition awards to two distinguished alumni.
Professor Mohsin Patwary was honored for his outstanding contributions to higher education and scientific research. He earned his M.Sc. from the University of Dhaka and his PhD from Dalhousie University in Canada. He currently serves as Professor of Biology at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York (CUNY), where he directs four multi-million-dollar student research initiatives.
During his distinguished academic career spanning five decades, Professor Patwary has taught undergraduate and graduate students, supervised hundreds of researchers, and served for fifteen years as Dean of the School of Science, Health and Technology. He has published 43 research papers in international peer-reviewed journals, authored textbooks and book chapters, and secured more than five million U.S. dollars in research and laboratory development grants. His numerous honors include the Fulbright Senior Specialist Award and the CUNY Salute to the Scholar Award.
Accepting the recognition, Professor Patwary reflected on his journey from the University of Dhaka to becoming a professor and academic administrator at CUNY. He said that the University of Dhaka had provided him not only with an education but also with leadership skills, self-confidence, and enduring human values. He encouraged younger generations to pursue research, innovation, and the advancement of knowledge.
The second honoree was Mohammad Nasir Sikder, a software engineer at IBM, lifestyle coach, and founder of the Obesity Free World initiative. A graduate of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Dhaka in 2001, Sikder has devoted years to promoting healthy living, lifestyle transformation, and obesity prevention through free public awareness programs.
An accomplished endurance athlete, he has completed 39 marathons, 10 ultramarathons, and 204 half marathons, covering more than 10,000 miles over the past six years. In his remarks, he emphasized that small, healthy daily habits can transform individual lives and ultimately help build a healthier society.
During the open discussion and reminiscence session, alumni shared memories of their student years and reflected on their professional journeys. Nasir Ali Khan proudly noted that his contributions in the United States have been recognized with the preservation of his name at the Statue of Liberty. He stressed that alumni living abroad have a responsibility to remain connected to Bangladesh, its educational heritage, and the University of Dhaka.
Mohammad Hossain remarked, “Our greatest strength is our unity. Although we work in different professions, we all share one identity—we are alumni of the University of Dhaka. That unity will remain our greatest strength for the future.”
Anisul Kabir Jasir proposed organizing borough-based alumni reunions across New York beginning next year, believing that such initiatives would enable greater participation and strengthen connections among graduates. He urged the alumni community to expand the initiative in the coming years.
Several other alumni also reflected on the profound influence of the University’s faculty members, campus life, cultural traditions, and lifelong friendships in shaping their personal and professional achievements. They emphasized the importance of building a stronger alumni network to support future generations.
The organizing committee included Swapan Das, Jahirul Haque, Md. Ishtiaq Uddin, Kazi J. Islam, Md. Ashraful Alam, Delwar Manik, Sheikh Jinnah, M. Badiuzzaman, Muhammad Humayun Kabir, Mohammad Nasir Sikder, Dina Gulshan, Mohsin Patwary, Mohammad Kader, Mohammad H. Khan, Yusuf Ali, Saiful Bhuiyan, Jasir Kabir, Sajal Roshan, MD. Parvez Sajjad, MST. Wahida Shamsun, Dilruba Ayesha, Shamin Al Amin, and MD. Almasur Rahman.
The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cutting of the University’s 105th anniversary cake, followed by a commemorative group photograph of the alumni. The vibrant gathering provided an opportunity for expatriate graduates to celebrate the proud legacy of their alma mater while reaffirming their commitment to supporting the University’s future through education, research, community service, and mutual collaboration.
