Dhaka University wore a festive look as the 53rd convocation of the country's oldest university began at 12:00pm today.

Graduates in convocation outfits were flocking to the campus since morning. They were seen taking photographs with their classmates, friends and teachers.

The university campus has been decorated with colourful banners, festoons, placards and arches.

President Abdul Hamid, also the chancellor of the country's largest educational institution, already reached the convocation venue -- the central playground of the DU.

The Chancellor's procession was brought out around 11:45am.

Photo: Palash Khan

Nobel Laureate French Economist Dr Jean Tirole is attending the programme as the convocation speaker. An honorary doctorate degree will be conferred on him on the occasion.

Earlier, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman said 30,348 graduates and researchers will participate in the convocation.

Graduates from seven DU-affiliated colleges will also take part in the convocation ceremony from two venues -- Dhaka College and Eden Mohila College -- through video conferencing.

A total of 131 teachers, researchers and students will be awarded 153 gold medals, 97 PhD, 2 DBA and 35 MPhil degrees.

The first convocation of the DU was held on February 22, 1923.