History of Dhaka University Alumni Association

The Dhaka University Alumni Association (DUAA) has a proud and distinguished history rooted in the spirit of unity, service, and lifelong connection among graduates of Dhaka University. Officially established on 24 September 1949, the Association emerged nearly nine years after the original idea was first proposed, reflecting the vision and dedication of some of the university's most respected alumni and administrators.

The concept of an alumni association for Dhaka University was first articulated by Dr. Mumtazuddin Ahmed, a graduate of the class of 1925. Dr. Ahmed later served as the Director of Public Instruction in East Pakistan and subsequently became the Vice Chancellor of Rajshahi University. His vision was strongly supported by Khan Bahadur Naziruddin Ahmed, the first Registrar of Dhaka University, whose efforts played a vital role in laying the foundation of the Association.

The first President of the Association was Justice M. Ibrahim, while Mr. Mizanur Rahman, a member of the very first batch of students of Dhaka University, served as the first Secretary General. Their leadership from 1949 to 1962 helped establish the Association's core philosophy and long-term objectives. During this formative period, they introduced visionary concepts such as the Grand Assembly, the Duty Fund, regional branches in different towns and cities, and the dream of creating an Old Students' Home for alumni.

Initially, the organization was known as the "Old Boys Association" until 1959. In the following year, it was renamed the "Old Students Association" to reflect a broader representation of graduates. Later, in 1960, the organization officially adopted the name "Dhaka University Alumni Association" to ensure inclusivity and recognize the growing participation of women graduates within the university community.

From its inception, DUAA was formed as a social and welfare-oriented organization dedicated to strengthening the relationship between former students and the University. Its primary objectives included promoting the interests of Dhaka University and supporting deserving students who lacked financial resources.

Through its Duty Fund, the Association provided assistance to talented students of limited means and sought to contribute to the academic and social development of the University community. DUAA also envisioned establishing a dedicated center for student activities and alumni engagement. However, due to the absence of a permanent office and infrastructural limitations, many of these ambitions remained unrealized for decades.

One of the Association's long-standing aspirations was the establishment of an "Old Students' Home," a project that still remains unfulfilled. In 1965, the Association hoped to receive a plot of land from the University for constructing an alumni center. Decades later, in 1998, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the allocation of land from the old railway area for DUAA. Despite this announcement, bureaucratic complications delayed the transfer process, preventing the project from materializing.

At various points in its history, DUAA maintained active branches in several towns and cities across the country, helping to strengthen alumni engagement beyond Dhaka. Although those branches are currently inactive, the spirit of regional alumni networking continues to inspire the Association's future plans.

A major transformation in the Association's history began during the tenure of the DUAA Executive Committee from 2004 to 2013 under the leadership of President Syed Manzur Elahi and Secretary General Raquibuddin Ahmed. During this period, DUAA entered a new era of institutional development and visibility.

One of the most significant achievements of this administration was the establishment of the DUAA office complex on the ground floor of the "Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhavan" at Dhaka University. Completed in 2007 through the Association's own funding, the facility became widely known as the "Alumni Floor."

Spanning approximately 16,000 square feet, the Alumni Floor was designed as a modern and fully equipped gathering space for alumni. The facility includes:

• Administrative office rooms
• Meeting and conference facilities
• A welcoming lobby area
• A library and reading space
• A computer laboratory with cyber café facilities
• A coffee house and social gathering space
• A gymnasium
• A spacious modern prayer hall
• Fully air-conditioned amenities throughout the premises

The Alumni Floor quickly became an important hub for alumni interaction, networking, and organizational activities, significantly strengthening the institutional presence of DUAA within the University.

With 17,000+ life members, DUAA has continued to expand its activities and impact. During the 2013–2016 Executive Committee, led by President Raquibuddin Ahmed and Secretary General Dewan Rashidul Hasan, the Association further intensified its commitment toward the development of Dhaka University and the welfare of its students.

Dhaka University, often referred to as the "Oxford of the East," has produced generations of scholars, leaders, and professionals who have shaped the nation's intellectual and cultural landscape. DUAA continues to honor this legacy through a wide range of educational and welfare initiatives.

Among its many programs, one of the most notable is the scholarship initiative. Through donations, trust funds, and collaborative contributions from alumni, the Association provides approximately 400 scholarships annually to students across various departments and institutes of Dhaka University. These scholarships support academically talented students and help ensure access to higher education regardless of financial limitations.

Today, the Dhaka University Alumni Association stands as a symbol of tradition, unity, and service. From its humble beginnings in 1949 to its evolution into a vibrant and influential alumni network, DUAA continues to strengthen the bond between alumni and their alma mater.

The Association remains committed to preserving the heritage of Dhaka University while contributing to its future growth through alumni engagement, student support, institutional development, and community collaboration. As generations of graduates continue to join the DUAA family, the Association carries forward a legacy built on pride, responsibility, and lifelong connection.