SUB holds 7th convocation with focus on institution-building

Academic degrees alone are not enough to remain competitive globally; competence, discipline and credibility are equally essential, Asif Nazrul said.

He made the remarks while presiding over the 7th convocation of the State University of Bangladesh (SUB), held on Sunday, 21 December, at the university's permanent campus in Purbachal New Town, Dhaka. The convocation was dedicated to the memory of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.

Representing the Hon'ble Chancellor and President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mohammed Shahabuddin, Dr Asif Nazrul presided over the ceremony.

In his address, the adviser said that although Bangladesh has made notable progress at the individual level over the 54 years since independence, the country has lagged behind in building strong and sustainable institutions. He said institutions such as the police, judiciary and civil administration had once been on a progressive path, but their foundations have weakened over the past decade and a half, making effective governance more challenging.

Referring to post–Second World War Europe, he said sustainable national development depends on strong institutions. Countries that invested in institution-building advanced, while in Bangladesh, he observed, individuals and families were often prioritised over institutions, resulting in achievements that failed to endure.

At the beginning of his speech, Dr Asif Nazrul paid tribute to Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and prayed for the eternal peace of his soul.

The convocation speaker was SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. He said learning is no longer confined to textbooks and that rapid technological advancement is expanding the scope of education while creating new challenges, which must be transformed into opportunities. He urged graduates to contribute to nation-building guided by humanity and ethical values.

The welcome address was delivered by Md Akhter Hossain Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the State University of Bangladesh. Other speakers included A M Shamim, President of the SUB Board of Trustees; Md Mahbubur Rahman, Vice-President; Nawzia Yasmin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor; and deans of various faculties.

A total of 672 graduates from 10 departments received undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at the convocation. Three students were awarded the Chancellor's Gold Medal, four received the Vice-Chancellor's Silver Medal and 20 students received the Dean's Award.

The ceremony began with a traditional convocation procession and concluded in the evening with a cultural programme. The event was attended by students, faculty members, alumni, registered graduates, members of the Syndicate and Academic Council, military and civil officials, media professionals and other invited guests.

Established in 2002, the State University of Bangladesh has produced more than 15,000 graduates through six previous convocations. The last convocation was held in 2022.