25th convocation of IUB held

Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) held its 25th convocation on February 8, 2025, conferring degrees on 1,969 graduates.

The ceremony occurred at the university campus in Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka. Among the graduates, 1,550 received undergraduate degrees, while 419 were awarded postgraduate degrees. Two students were honoured with the Chancellor's Gold Medal for their outstanding academic achievements.

Professor Dr M Aminul Islam, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Education, presided over the ceremony as the representative of the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Chancellor of Universities. Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H. Mansur was the Convocation Speaker. Professor Dr Saidur Rahman, Member of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honor.

Professor Dr M Aminul Islam said, "To succeed in your professional life, regardless of what you pursue in the future, you must have two essential tools – skills that will enable you to compete with the world. One is proficiency in speaking and writing English, and the other is computer expertise. You can compete strongly in any field."

Dr Ahsan H Mansur told the graduates, "If you take responsibility, you must do it correctly. You should not pursue professions you may not like. Do what you enjoy because fulfilment comes only when you genuinely like what you are doing. This is the time – nothing is set in stone, even if you have partly chosen your professional path. Make a choice. Find out the best option for you. For example, you may be an engineer, but many engineers work in social work, economics, or other fields. People can change, but the change should be objective and come from the heart."

Professor Dr  Saidur Rahman said, "Innovation is the cornerstone of progress, and as a nation, we must build an environment where creativity and new ideas can flourish. I am heartened to see how universities like IUB are nurturing emerging technologies and promoting applied research that has real-world impact. From artificial intelligence and robotics to renewable energy, from data science to health care innovations, the future of Bangladesh depends on our ability to embrace these fields and produce solutions that address local and global challenges."

Mohammad Zakaria Khan, Chairman of the Education, Science, Technology and Cultural Development Trust (ESTCDT), said, "We should learn to live like a tiger. How do we do that? Always face the truth and speak the truth. Be brave enough to say 'no' when you see a wrong being committed. Otherwise, we will never have peace."

Didar A Husain, Chairman of the IUB Board of Trustees, said, "No man is an island. We belong to our country, our nation. As humans, we can communicate in ways other animals cannot. If we lack empathy for our fellow human beings, the country's progress does not bode well. We must share some of our good fortune with those who are less privileged. It is simply about making it a habit. This is how we want to build our country, and you, the graduates, are our champions – for IUB and the nation."

In his speech, Vice Chancellor Professor M. Tamim offered the graduates three pieces of advice: "Be curious. Learning is a life-long process, and I expect you to keep learning as you advance. Without being curious, you won't be able to learn. Take a moment to look back. The lessons you have learned at IUB, both academic and personal, will help shape your path forward. As you venture into the world, you carry multiple responsibilities: Starting with yourself, to your family, your alma mater, your society, and your country."

The Deans of six academic schools also spoke at the event. Treasurer Khandker Md. Iftekhar Haider delivered the vote of thanks, while Registrar Dr Anwarul Islam moderated the ceremony.

Samia Akther, a graduate of the Department of Pharmacy, received the Chancellor's Gold Medal and was named the Valedictorian. Rabiah Binthe Hossain, from the Department of English and Modern Languages, also received the Chancellor's Gold Medal. Nazifa Raidah, who completed double majors in Media and Communication and Global Studies and Governance, received the Gold Medal for the All-Rounder Award.

Nishat Ramisa Islam, Mst. Atika Humayra, Ashrafi Anjuman Sneha, Ummul Wara, Sk Mustarin Muskan Mortuza and Nayla Nuren Snigdha received awards for Top Performance at the School Level (undergraduate). In contrast, Tasmin Tabassum Nolok, Tahsin Tabassum Anonto, Abdullah Al Mamun, Tahera Zobaida Maliha and Maesha Islam received the Top Achievers Awards for their outstanding results at the graduate level.

In addition to academic achievements, IUB recognized outstanding performance in extra- and co-curricular activities. Ummul Wara, Nafisa Tabassum, and Nazrana Khan received the Community Service Awards. Nazrana Khan and Fahmida Binta Azad bagged the Cultural Activities Awards, and Sharmin Islam Shroddha, Tashfia Tashnim Tuba, and Zannatul Mawa Mowri won the Sports Activities Awards. 

IUB trustees, parents, guardians, faculty members and officials attended the convocation ceremony. Later, popular singer Minar Rahman and rock band Chirkutt performed in the cultural evening alongside IUB students.