Chittagong University (CU) celebrated its 60th anniversary on Tuesday with vibrant festivities that included a colourful procession, cake cutting, a discussion session and a remembrance ceremony.
The day-long programme began at the university’s Zero Point, inaugurated by CU Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammed Shamim Uddin Khan.
A grand procession marched through Shaheed Minar, the Central Library and Jarultala before ending in front of the administrative building. Despite the celebrations, regular classes and examinations continued on campus.
The formal discussion session began with recitations from the Quran, Gita, Tripitaka and the Bible. A minute of silence was observed in honour of the students martyred in July. Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossain of the Anthropology Department moderated the session.
Speaking on the occasion, CUCSU Vice-President Ibrahim Hossain Rony said the university, which began with only four departments, now boasts 54. He noted that CU was originally planned to be a full-fledged residential university, but that goal remains unmet even after six decades.
“There is accommodation for only 6,400 students in the halls, while nearly 22,000 students are living outside—many without safe housing,” he said.
He urged policymakers to prioritise research subsidies and ensure a more meaningful celebration of the upcoming Diamond Jubilee.
Former CUCSU VP and university senate and syndicate member SM Fazlul Haque said CU had been home to many distinguished academics. He recalled the struggles of earlier generations and praised the sacrifices made during the July movement of 2024, which, he said, paved the way for renewed purpose and transformation.
University Proctor Professor Dr Hossain Shahid Sarwardy said the institution—one of the largest campuses in the country—holds deep emotional value for students and teachers alike. “The shuttle train is not just transportation; it is part of our identity,” he said. Recalling the martyrdom of two students in July, he added that CU’s progress and struggles have always been intertwined. Despite past limitations, he expressed confidence that the university would achieve its long-delayed development goals through collective effort.
As the chief guest, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammed Shamim Uddin Khan said CU had numerous achievements but had long suffered from budgetary neglect. “We have always received a much smaller allocation than Dhaka University,” he said.
He urged alumni to contribute to building residential halls and supporting future development. Highlighting recent reform initiatives, he added that their impact would become visible within the next few years. “Teachers, officers and employees must all be world-class for this university to become world-class,” he said.
Chittagong University, the country’s fifth government and autonomous university, was established on 18 November 1966 in Hathazari, Chattogram. Before Bangladesh’s independence, CU emerged as a centre for progressive movements in then East Pakistan, with teachers and students playing a vital role in fostering Bengali nationalism and the country’s liberation.
