Dhaka: The Dhaka University Day will be observed on the campus on Saturday with great enthusiasm and festivity, marking the 96th founding anniversary of the country's highest seat of learning.

The theme of this year's day is 'Higher education for innovation and development'.

DU Vice-chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique will inaugurate the daylong programme in the morning.

The university authorities will bring out processions, discussions, reminiscence and cultural sessions, sports and debate competitions to mark the day.

Processions will be brought out from the residential halls of the university at 10 am while the national flag, DU flag and flags of different halls will be hoisted at 10:15 am.

Later, teachers and students will gather at the Mall Chattar near the Administrative Bhaban and proceed towards the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) in a procession.

DU Library will arrange an exhibition on rare manuscripts from 10 am to 1 pm.

The day will be observed to mark the launching of academic activities by the university on July 1 in 1921.

Starting off with just 847 students in three faculties and 12 departments in 1921, the university has grown to accommodate 37,064 students and 1,885 teachers in 77 departments under 13 faculties and 11 institutes at present.