DU, constituted under the Dhaka University Order 1973, carries statutory obligations to contribute to national development, community wellbeing, disaster resilience, cultural preservation, and sustainable urban growth. As an urban university located in the heart of Dhaka—one of the world’s most densely populated megacities—DU plays a key role in modeling sustainable campus planning, community outreach, transportation reforms, heritage preservation, urban environmental management, and disaster preparedness.

DU’s engagements range from research and innovation to community-based urban resilience programs, cultural heritage protection, climate adaptation, renewable energy adoption, green infrastructure, and inclusive public-space maintenance. These initiatives strengthen DU’s role not only as an institution of higher learning but also as a public urban steward, supporting Bangladesh’s urban SDGs and national development strategies (8th Five Year Plan; Delta Plan 2100; Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan).