ULAB marks freshers’ orientation with sustainability drive

North South University (NSU) welcomed its newest cohort of students at the Summer Orientation 2026, held today (14 May) at the NSU Plaza Area. The event began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem, followed by a screening of the NSU documentary.

Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister for Education, Primary and Mass Education, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, and Labour and Employment, attended. He served as the chief guest.

Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of the NSU Board of Trustees, was present as a special guest.

Guests of honour included NSU Founder Life Members and former Board of Trustees Chairman, MA Kashem, and Benajir Ahmed. Board of Trustees Members Yasmin Kamal and Rehana Rahman were also present.

NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury chaired the session, with Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Nasar Uddin Ahmed in attendance.

The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem. This was followed by a screening of the NSU documentary.

Registrar Dr Ahmed Tazmeen then delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the day's proceedings.

Deans of the four NSU schools were present. They included Professor Md Rizwanul Islam (Humanities and Social Sciences), Professor Shazzad Hosain (Engineering and Physical Sciences), Professor Dipak Kumar Mitra (Health and Life Sciences), and Professor AKM Waresul Karim (Business and Economics).

Ninety-eight students received scholarships at various levels. Among them, 18 were awarded full merit scholarships for their outstanding performance in the bachelor's honours admission test.

Mahdi Amin emphasised the importance of an education system that blends knowledge and practical skills. He stated, "Our goal is to prepare students for the real world. Education should not remain limited to textbooks; strong connections with industry, extracurricular activities and practical exposure are equally important. He added: "At the same time, universities must nurture discipline, morality and integrity while becoming true hubs of intellectual growth. We aim to ensure our education system develops skilled, employable and responsible citizens for the future." future."

Aziz Al Kaiser reaffirmed NSU's commitment to nurturing students with care, discipline, and integrity, and expressed appreciation for the trust placed in NSU.

He noted NSU views students as future ethical and empathetic citizens, not just learners.

MA Kashem highlighted NSU's international collaborations. He noted: "NSU has signed MoUs with universities in the United States, Australia and Europe, and many international institutions are interested in joint academic and research collaboration. We also plan to establish an International Medical Research Institute and a Nursing Training Centre. There is a growing global demand for skilled nurses."

He requested government support for these initiatives. He stated: "Such initiatives will help reduce overseas medical expenses, retain foreign currency, and strengthen Bangladesh's healthcare system and economy."

Benajir Ahmed urged students to see university as a time for self-discovery, saying character and courage can lead to greatness.

Addressing the students, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, "Be passionate and sincere from your very first semester until the completion of your journey at North South University. This university is not here only to hand out certificates or degrees. It truly believes in giving students real knowledge and guiding them to become future leaders."

He added, "Here, students are encouraged to think independently and be creative. They develop an innovative mindset that will help them succeed in life and contribute to society."

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr Nasar U Ahmed delivered the vote of thanks.

The event concluded with a cultural performance by members of the North South University Shangskritik Shangathan.