‘No need to address me as ‘honorable’, PM to DU students

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has told Dhaka University students that there is no need to address him as ‘honorable’.

He said this during a meeting with students at Dhaka University’s Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium on Tuesday (May 12).

The Prime Minister participated in a direct question-and-answer session with the students at the beginning of the program. At that time, when student Mobasheruzzaman Hasan used the address ‘honorable’ while asking him a question, Tarique Rahman requested him not to say it.

The Prime Minister emphasized on exchanging views with the students in an open atmosphere. He also answered various questions from the students present.

Earlier on the same day, he inaugurated a workshop titled ‘Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: A Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence’ organized by the University Grants Commission at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University.

The Prime Minister said, "The question of whether our universities are able to maintain global standards in education and research has now come up for discussion by many. It is unfortunate, but the reality is that our position in the world-renowned university rankings has not yet reached the expected heights."

He said, "Research publications, citations and innovation are given more importance in determining the ranking of universities. He urged academicians to think more seriously about this matter."

Tarique Rahman said, "If we do not focus not only on textbook education, but also on research and innovation, it will be difficult to survive in the competitive world."