Responsible, Resilient Leadership Urged at Bangladesh University Convocation
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has called on students to cultivate responsible behaviour, informed decision-making, and tolerant leadership, warning that political divisions and a lack of tolerance are undermining the country’s education system. She stressed that overcoming this crisis requires an active role from students, as future administrators, teachers, doctors, and policymakers will emerge from among them.
She made the remarks while delivering the presidential address at the third convocation of Bangladesh University (BU), held on Sunday morning, January 18, at the Senaprangan Convention Hall in Dhaka Cantonment. A total of 5,903 students received degrees at the ceremony, including 5,224 undergraduate and 679 postgraduate graduates.
The adviser noted that in 2024, Bangladesh’s young generation stood up against injustice and wrongdoing, presenting the country anew to the world. However, she said individual change alone is insufficient, emphasising that genuine transformation requires institutional reform.
Referring to the upcoming national election, which she described as different from previous polls, Farida Akhter said young people must play a role not only in forming a government but also in shaping the principles and structure of state governance. To realise the reform aspirations expressed during the mass uprising, she said the government has initiated a referendum process with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote, urging citizens to support reform peacefully to prevent a return to the old system.
Speaking on the fisheries and livestock sector, she said fish, eggs, milk, and meat are key sources of nutrition, yet many people still lack regular access. Importing meat to address shortages, she warned, harms marginal farmers; instead, the government is working to increase domestic livestock and poultry production.
She also highlighted the sharp decline in fish availability due to environmental pollution, encroachment on rivers, canals, and wetlands, and excessive and illegal harvesting. Citing recent surveys, she said marine fish stocks have fallen by nearly two-thirds compared to 2018, with species such as hilsa particularly affected.
Calling on young people to avoid smoking and tobacco products, the adviser said tobacco use is a major cause of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. She urged self-restraint rather than waiting for law enforcement to protect both individuals and society.
The convocation began with recitation from the Holy Qur’an and the national anthem. Bangladesh University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam delivered the welcome address. Degree candidates were presented by Professor Dr Nurur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology; Professor Dr Md Tajul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics; and Professor Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Law. The convocation marshal was Anika Habib, a faculty member of the Department of Architecture.
In the convocation address, Professor Dr S. M. A. Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), said the nation holds high expectations of its students, noting that parents, teachers, and the country at large are looking to them. He said the responsibility of educated citizens is to distinguish right from wrong with deeper understanding and skill.
Referring to the July mass uprising, he praised the role of private university students, noting that alongside public university students, they also took to the streets during times of national instability—an effort he described as commendable.
In the absence of Kazi Jamil Azhar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, his speech was read by trustee Dr Sagupta Mahmud, who described convocation as both formal recognition of academic life and a transition to greater responsibility. Congratulating the graduates, he said the occasion celebrates academic success earned through hard work, dedication, and commitment.
Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam said graduates were not only receiving degrees but also assuming responsibility for building the nation. He expressed hope that they would uphold the university’s reputation as brand ambassadors and reaffirmed his vision of Bangladesh University emerging as a centre of excellence in education, research, and development.
University Treasurer Sajed-ul-Islam delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all involved in organising the convocation and acknowledging the silent support of parents behind students’ achievements.
Among those present were members of the Board of Trustees, syndicate and academic council members, vice chancellors of various universities, senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the UGC, distinguished guests, and guardians.
At the convocation, Khalilur Rahman received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal at the undergraduate level. Nusrat Kabir Brishti received the Kazi Azhar Ali Gold Medal, while Shayeka Laulak, Taziba Afrin, and Tania Akter received the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal.
Based on academic performance, Dean’s Awards at the undergraduate level were presented to Moumita Bhowmik Supti, Mosa Jannati Khatun, Md Tarikul Islam, Prinnon Mahdi, Md Mahmud Chowdhury, Debarati Bhattacharya, Raziya Khatun Tonna, the late Mitu Fakir, Lamia Chowdhury, and Umme Habiba Sharmin. At the postgraduate level, the awards went to Md Shahinuzzaman, Jannatul Islam, and Nishat Kader. Chancellor’s Gold Medal recipient Khalilur Rahman also shared his reflections at the ceremony.
Following the main programme, a cultural event was held in the afternoon, with students celebrating through dance and music performances.
DBTech/Press Release/EK/OR
