Bangladesh University holds 3rd convocation

Bangladesh University held its third convocation on Sunday, January 18, at the Sena Prangan Convention Hall in Dhaka Cantonment.

Degrees were awarded to 5,903 students, including 5,224 undergraduates and 679 postgraduates.

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter addressed the ceremony as chief guest, urging students to practise responsible conduct, informed decision-making and tolerant leadership. She said political polarisation and intolerance were harming the education system and stressed the role of students in overcoming the crisis.

Referring to the 2024 mass uprising, she said Bangladesh’s youth had stood against injustice, but emphasised that institutional reform was essential for lasting change. Highlighting the upcoming national election, she said young people must help shape not only governments but also the principles and structures of state governance, and urged peaceful support for reforms through a referendum.

She also spoke on the fisheries and livestock sector, warning that meat imports harm marginal farmers and that environmental degradation and illegal overfishing are reducing fish stocks, including hilsa. She urged students to avoid smoking and tobacco, citing their links to heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

The ceremony began with recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Jahangir Alam delivered the welcome address. Degrees were presented by faculty deans, and the convocation marshal was Anika Habib of the Department of Architecture.

University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr S M A Fayez told graduates that the nation’s expectations were high and stressed the responsibility of educated citizens to distinguish right from wrong.

Chancellor’s Gold Medals were awarded to Khalilur Rahman and Nusrat Kabir Brishti, while Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medals went to Shayeka Laulak, Tajiba Afrin and Tania Akter. Dean’s Awards were also presented to top-performing students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The convocation concluded with cultural performances by students in the afternoon.