Atsushi Sunami named speaker for DU’s 54th convocation

Professor Dr Atsushi Sunami, president of Japan’s Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), will deliver the convocation address at the University of Dhaka’s 54th convocation on January 26, 2027.

Sunami will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at the ceremony. Professor Dr Muhammad Harunur Rashid, a major donor to one of the university’s trust funds, will also receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree.

The decisions were taken at a meeting of the university’s Syndicate following recommendations from its Academic Council, according to the university.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir will preside over the convocation, while Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has agreed to attend as the guest of honour.

A meeting to prepare for the 54th convocation and ensure it is held in an orderly and festive atmosphere was held on Sunday (October 11, 2026) at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building auditorium. University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam chaired the meeting.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Abdus Salam, Treasurer Professor Dr M Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, and Senate members and lawmakers Md Amanullah Aman, Khairul Kabir Khokon and AKM Fazlul Haque Milon attended the meeting. Deans of various faculties, provosts of residential halls, department chairs, directors of institutes and heads of offices were also present.

Graduates who obtained results in examinations published between November 20, 2022, and November 30, 2026, as well as medal recipients, will be eligible to attend the convocation.

Applications to participate in the ceremony will open on November 1, 2026, and close on November 30, 2026.

The meeting formed an executive and management committee, along with several subcommittees, to oversee preparations for the event.

Vice-Chancellor Obaidul Islam sought everyone's cooperation to ensure the convocation is held smoothly, peacefully and in a festive atmosphere. He urged the subcommittees to begin work without delay and called on university officials to work together to improve education and research, maintain a conducive academic environment and enhance the University of Dhaka's reputation internationally.