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Campus Feature

Oxford of the West & Oxford of the East

Star Campus Desk

Oxford is obviously Oxford of the West, but because of the high standard of education given in Dhaka University since its inception it was once branded as the Oxford of the East. For those who want to know a little bit about both, here is a compilation.

History of Dhaka University
The University of Dhaka was established in 1921 under the Govt. of India Act. XVIII of 1920 (Which was based on the recommendations of the Calcutta University Commission presided over by Sir Michael Sadler) as a unitary. teaching and residential University with a constitution similar in many respects to those of the then contemporary English University Following the creation in 1947 of the province of East Bengal as a part of Pakistan, the East Bengal Educational Ordinance, 1947, was promulgated, by which the University, without prejudice to its original character as a teaching and residential University was entrusted with sole authority to recognise and affiliate all educational institutions in East Bengal above Matriculation and High Madrasa standard. Accordingly, in 1947, the University of Dhaka affiliated 58 1st and 2nd grade colleges throughout the whole of East Bengal. After independence the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh promulgated the adaptation of University Laws by the Bangladesh Ordinance No. 1 of 1972. Afterwards, in pursuance to the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the President Order No. 11 of 1973 which is called the "Dacca University Order, 1973 was Promulgated.

History of Oxford University
Oxford is an historic and unique institution. As the oldest English-speaking university in the world, it can lay claim to nine centuries of continuous existence. There is no clear date of foundation, but teaching existed at Oxford in some form in 1096 and developed rapidly from 1167, when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. By 1201, the University was headed by a magister scolarum Oxonie, on whom the title of Chancellor was conferred in 1214, and in 1231 the masters were recognized as a universitas or corporation. In the 13th century, rioting between town and gown (townspeople and students) hastened the establishment of halls of residence. These were succeeded by the first of Oxford's colleges, which began as medieval 'halls of residence' or endowed houses under the supervision of a Master. University, Balliol and Merton Colleges, established between 1249 and 1264, are the oldest.

Less than a century later, Oxford had achieved eminence above every other seat of learning, and won the praises of popes, kings and sages by virtue of its antiquity, curriculum, doctrine and privileges. In 1355, Edward III paid tribute to the University for its invaluable contribution to learning; he also commented on the services rendered to the state by distinguished Oxford graduates. Early on Oxford became a centre for lively controversy, with scholars involved in religious and political disputes.

John Wyclif, a 14th-century Master of Balliol, campaigned for a bible in the vernacular, against the wishes of the papacy. In 1530, Henry VIII forced the University to accept his divorce from Catherine of Aragon. During the Reformation in the 16th century, the Anglican churchmen Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley were tried for heresy and burnt at the stake in Oxford. The University was Royalist in the Civil War, and Charles I held a counter-Parliament in Convocation House. In the late 17th century, the Oxford philosopher John Locke, suspected of treason, was forced to flee the country. The 18th century, when Oxford was said to have forsaken port for politics, was also an era of scientific discovery and religious revival. Edmund Halley, Professor of Geometry, predicted the return of the comet that bears his name; John and Charles Wesley's prayer meetings laid the foundations of the Methodist Society.

The University assumed a leading role in the Victorian era, especially in religious controversy. From 1833 onwards The Oxford Movement sought to revitalise the Catholic aspects of the Anglican Church. One of its leaders, John Henry Newman, became a Roman Catholic in 1845 and was later made a Cardinal. In 1860 the new University Museum was the scene of a famous debate between Thomas Huxley, champion of evolution, and Bishop Wilberforce. From 1878, academic halls were established for women, who became members of the University in 1920. Since 1974, all but one of Oxford's 39 colleges have changed their statutes to admit both men and women. St Hilda's remains the only women's college.

During the 20th century, Oxford added to its humanistic core a major new research capacity in the natural and applied sciences, including medicine. In so doing, it has enhanced and strengthened its traditional role as an international focus for learning and a forum for intellectual debate.

Is Oxford for me?
Choosing a university is often difficult and confusing. However, your decision might be made easier by asking yourself certain questions. What sort of course do you want to study and how is it taught? What are the resources like? Where will you be living? What types of activity can you pursue outside your academic life?

Will it be all work and no play?
Students at Oxford work hard, but they all enjoy the opportunity to pursue other interests outside their course. No tutor thinks that you should work non-stop. Oxford offers plenty of opportunities to take up new sports, join societies, take part in the rich cultural and musical life, or simply enjoy time with your friends in the college bar, a pub or a night club.

Academic dress
You may have seen pictures of Oxford students wearing academic dress and wondered about it. It is only worn for matriculation, which is the ceremony of admission to the University at the start of your course, and formal exams, where students are required to wear a gown and dark skirt or trousers and blouse (for women), or a dark suit (for men). There are other occasions where gowns are worn, but there is no obligation to take part in them.

Research Centres in Dhaka University

There are in total 18 Research Centres in Dhaka University.

Bio-Medical Research Centre
Bose Cen for Adv Studies and Res in Natural Sci
Bureau of Business Research
Bureau of Economic Research
Centre for Adv Studies and Res in Biological Sci
Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities
Centre for Advanced Studies in Social Sciences
Centre for Disaster Res Training and Mqt Sci
Centre for Research in Archives and History
Dev Centre of Philosophical Research
Nazrul Research Centre
Semiconductor Technology Research Centre
Centre for Development and Policy Research
Centre for Renewable Energy Research
Delta Study Centre
Centre for Advanced Research in Physical, Chemical, Biological and Pharmaceutical
Sciences
Centre for Bio-technology Research
Centre for Advanced Research in Arts and Social Sciences