To mark the occasion, the university administration made extensive preparations to observe the day through various programmes. On 12 January 1971, the then Governor of East Pakistan and Chancellor of the University, Rear Admiral S. M. Ahsan, formally inaugurated Jahangirnagar University.

Earlier, in the 1970–1971 academic session, the university began its academic journey with the admission of 150 students (first batch) in four departments: Economics, Geography, Mathematics, and Statistics. Dr. Surat Ali Khan served as the Project Director of the university. Renowned chemist Professor Dr. Mofiz Uddin Ahmed was the first Vice-Chancellor of the university. Since 2001, the university administration had been observing 12 January as “University Day”.

On 12 January, at 9:30 am, current and former teachers, students, officers, staff, and invited guests gathered at the Mrittomancha in front of the Old Arts Building. At 10:00 am, the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, inaugurated University Day by hoisting the national flag and delivering an inaugural address. Present at the opening ceremony were Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Sohel Ahmed, and Treasurer Dr. Md. Abdur Rab. The ceremony was conducted by Acting Registrar Dr. A. B. M. Azizur Rahman.

Following the inaugural programme, at 10:30 am, a colourful procession led by the Vice-Chancellor began and concluded at the Selim Al Deen Open Stage. At 11:00 am, prayers were offered at the Selim Al Deen Open Stage seeking recovery for those injured in the anti-discrimination movement and eternal peace for the souls of the martyrs. At 11:15 am, a blood group determination programme was inaugurated at the premises of the Student–Teacher Centre (TSC).

At 11:45 am, a reminiscence session by former and current teachers and students was held at the Selim Al Deen Open Stage. At 3:00 pm, a cultural programme featuring puppet shows and performances by students of Kolotan Vidya Niketan took place. At the same time, a friendly football match between former and current students was held at the central playground. At 4:00 pm, a friendly handball match between former and current female students was organised at the same venue.

At 6:00 pm, another cultural programme was presented at the Selim Al Deen Open Stage, jointly organised by the Student–Teacher Centre and the Student Welfare and Counselling Centre. In addition, a traditional pitha fair was held at the Central Cafeteria premises from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Throughout the day, alpana and graffiti were displayed at various locations across the university campus.