Farida Akhtar urges graduates to work for nation’s future
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser, Farida Akhtar, said that today's students are the future leaders of the country.
She made the remarks while delivering the presidential address as the President's representative at the first convocation of North Pacific International University of Bangladesh (NPIUB), held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka this morning.
The Adviser said NPI University operates an education system that enables rural boys and girls to pursue higher education at an affordable cost. Referring to the university's presence in Manikganj, she noted that the district has produced many distinguished individuals, from language movement martyr Rafiq to Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. She described Manikganj as a "centre of knowledge cultivation of Sufi-dervishes".
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Describing the first convocation as an important milestone for the university, she told graduates: "You are the sons and daughters who have given birth to a new Bangladesh. I hope you will work for the country with dedication and responsibility."
She added that during her work at the ministry, she observed that rural women rear cows and goats mainly to finance their children's education, underscoring the importance of access to higher education. She said evening courses at universities allow working people to pursue higher studies, and urged respect for the talent and wisdom of rural communities.
Speakers at the ceremony included Savar CRP Founder and Chief Coordinator, Dr Valerie Ann Taylor; theme speaker, Professor Dr Mohammad Kaikobad; Bangladesh Accreditation Council Chairman, Professor Dr Mesbahuddin Ahmed; UGC Member, Professor Dr Mohammad Anear Hossain; and Bangladesh Private University Association President, Dr Md Sabur Khan. Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Engr Md Shamsur Rahman, also spoke. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Md Farhad Hossain, delivered the welcome speech, while Treasurer, Professor Dr Mir Mahfuzul Haque, gave the vote of thanks.
A total of 467 students received undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Four students received the Chancellor's Award, one received the BOT Chairman Gold Medal, seven received the Vice-Chancellor's Award, six received the Dean's Award, and two received the Academic Excellence Award.
Members of the Board of Trustees, syndicate, academic council, finance committee, teachers, officers, and employees were present at the event.
