The Dhaka University Day is being observed on the campus on Saturday with much 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 professor AAMS Arefin Siddique inaugurated the daylong programme in the morning, according to a news agency.

A number of processions brought out from the residential halls of the university at 10:00 am while the national flag, DU flag and flags of different halls have been hoisted at 10:15 am.

The university authorities will also hold discussions and cultural sessions, sports and debate competitions to mark the day.

Later, teachers and students gathered at the Mall Chattar in front of the Administrative Bhaban and brought out a procession leading to the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).

The day is being 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, at present, has grown to accommodate 37,064 students and 1,885 teachers in 77 departments under 13 faculties and 11 institutes.