NU VC stresses reforms rooted in spirit of 1971

National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah said reforms must uphold the spirit of 1971, warning that abandoning it in the name of change will hinder national success.

He continued, emphasising the significance of 1971: "1971 is our place of pride; we have to reform everything while keeping it intact. If we bypass 1971 and make changes in the name of reform, then we will not be able to succeed as a nation. July has given us an opportunity to live with our heads held high as a nation. We have to move forward with 1971–July 2024."

He expressed these views while addressing a seminar titled "Constitutional Reforms after the Uprising: Prospects and Challenges," organised by the Academic Committee (Arts) at the Senate Hall of the National University on Thursday.

Dr Syed Hadiuzzaman, Chairman of the Academic Committee (Arts), chaired the seminar. Professor Dr Ekramul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Law at Dhaka University, member of the Constitutional Reform Commission, and constitutional expert, delivered the keynote beforehand. Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Md Lutfar Rahman and Treasurer Professor Dr ATM Zafrul Azam attended as special guests.

Turning to the topic of technological change, Vice-Chancellor Amanullah also stressed adapting to AI: "We must face challenges and move forward. National University must take the lead. The university's reforms are already visible."

Echoing the Vice-Chancellor's sentiments on reform, Dr Ekramul Haque added that 54 years after independence, the nation has an opportunity to make the constitution more people-oriented and relevant. He noted that the events of July provide a context for these reforms to be utilised.