IBA holds 58th graduation ceremony

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, awarded degrees to 365 graduates at its 58th convocation yesterday at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

The graduating class of 2025 included 116 BBA, 126 MBA, 122 Executive MBA, and one DBA recipient.

University of Dhaka Vice Chancellor Professor ABM Obaidul Islam attended as chief guest, with IBA Director Professor Abu Yousuf Md Abdullah presiding. Former finance adviser to the caretaker government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed delivered the keynote address, urging graduates to drive Bangladesh's economic progress.

Reflecting on his own student days, Dr Ahmed remarked, "Standing here today, I am reminded of my own journey. We, too, were students in a turbulent time, witnessing our nation strive to reforge its identity—both economic and political."

He added, "Today, I see that same revolutionary spirit, yet with resources and global exposure my generation could scarcely have imagined."

Professor Islam praised students, stating, "Our current socio-economic environment demands business professionals equipped with knowledge, skill, compassion, and integrity. At this pivotal moment in the global economy, we are poised to embark on a transformative chapter."

Encouraging entrepreneurship, Professor Abdullah said, "The struggle of entrepreneurship is matched only by the deep satisfaction of seeing a vision realised. Ambition is not solely about reaching the peak of an established hierarchy; it is the courage to believe in a future not yet visible."

He called on graduates to think critically, take calculated risks, and challenge conventions.

In his welcome remarks, Professor Iftekharul Amin urged graduates, "Do not simply join the world as it is—use all you have learnt here to build the world as it should be." He reminded students of their ability to break barriers and emphasised the importance of kindness.

This year, 26 graduates earned places on the Director's Honour List for outstanding academic achievement, and two received gold medals.