Dhaka University (DU) Vice Chancellor Prof SMA Faiz said DU authorities at a meeting yesterday decided to revive the Day celebration and formed a committee headed by Treasurer Prof Syed Abul Kalam Azad to organise the event successfully.

The Day has not been celebrated since 1989 due to lack of initiatives from the authorities and reluctance and absence of awareness among students.

The University Day that was regarded as a day of celebrations and open to all, was last observed on March 31, 1989. The present generation of the DU students hardly know about the event.

Popularly known as "the Open Day", various fun-fare programmes including reminiscence meeting of university alumni, sports, debates and cultural functions were the main features of the occasion. People used to flock the DU campus to join in the celebrations.

The Day celebrations started in 1983 to mark the last day of university studies in a bid to introduce another culture rather than rag day. The day was celebrated five times in the following years in the month of February each time.

DU Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) will organise the celebration programme with the cooperation of DU Debating Society and DU Alumni Association, sources said.

The daylong celebration will begin with a rally at 9:00am, where university's former VCs, distinguished persons, teachers, students and their guardians will participate.

Special foods will be served at the university offices and residential dormitories, sources added.

An essay highlighting university's history and heritage will be presented on the Day, while Curzon Hall will present a special feature. However, who will present the essay is yet to be determined.

Prof Faiz expressed his satisfaction as the Day celebration is going to revive. He said, "Due to lack of preparation and time, the celebration might not be a mega one but we will try to make it lively."