CU convocation: Excitement as well as regret

The fifth convocation of Chittagong University was a colorful event. The university graduates gathered in large numbers on their beloved campus to participate in this much-awaited event held after 9 years. The day was filled with joy, emotion and pride, and was also graced by family members.

However, despite the perfect arrangements, some inconsistencies did not escape the eyes of many. A section of former and current students expressed dissatisfaction with the event—especially the event management policy and the lack of opportunity for students to participate.

The main event began at 2pm on Wednesday (May 14) at the university's central playground. After a long wait since the beginning of the event, the students were excited to participate in the convocation.

A photo contest was going on across the campus to make the day memorable. Shaheed Minar, Central Library, Intellectuals' Square, Central Field—everywhere seemed to have the color of the festival.

Many came from the village with their parents and relatives, some put their fathers in their gowns and mothers in their convocation caps—these are the most important moments of their lives captured in pictures.

However, even on this joyous day, the students' experience was mixed. Some said they were not given a chance to express their feelings. Many expressed their annoyance over the transportation crisis, the problem of water and food and the excessive crowding. Many complained that the entire event was arranged focusing on the chief guest—Dr. Muhammad Yunus.

Salauddin Afran, a student of the 51st batch, said: "No student was given a chance to express their feelings. The vehicles that were supposed to be arranged for transportation were not seen until the morning."

Graduate Sadequr Rahman said: "I thought the administration was student-friendly for a long time. But today, it seems that they have made oil-rolling the main goal. The entire programme revolved around Dr. Yunus. The allocation that should have been made for the students has been neglected."

Adrit Saad, a student of the Mathematics Department of CU, expressed his anger towards the organizers and said: "The authorities didn’t make any practical arrangements for transportation for the 25-30 thousand people who came to the campus. Circular buses could have been used. The students had to endure the hardship of a week of load shedding to prepare for the convocation—yet they hoped to have a good day at least. But today it seems that you yourself have been deleted."

In response to this, the university’s proctor Tanvir Haider Arif said: "The criticisms are reasonable. I also want these issues to come to the fore in the future and we can do everything better."

Yet despite the limitations, the convocation was filled with excitement and enthusiasm across the green campus. Their loved ones came to share the joy with the convokers.

A guardian, Samia, said: "I was a student of this university 33 years ago. I did not get the convocation then. Today, I can touch my past by coming to participate in my daughter's convocation."

On the day of the convocation, another female graduate was seen at the Shaheed Minar. She said that she brought her children and husband to witness this day. She took pictures and captured the unique moments in her memory.

The chief guest was awarded an honorary D.Litt degree at the event. At the same time, 22 researchers were awarded PhDs and 17 were awarded MPhil degrees. Four government advisers were present at the event.

Addressing the graduates, Vice-Chancellor Professor Yeahia Akhter said: "May the knowledge you acquire not only shed light on the society but also enlighten your own hearts. Develop yourself as a humane, non-communal and morally upright person."

Urging students to be careful in today's world dependent on information technology, he said: "The technology that is supposed to be used for the welfare of humanity should not use you. Spend your time on creative work."