Education alone not enough to make students responsible citizens: Deputy speaker
“Dhaka University was established for talented people. Wherever you go in the world, you will have to uphold the reputation of Dhaka University,” he said.
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal on Thursday urged students to prepare themselves with merit, integrity, discipline and human values, saying education alone is not enough to make one responsible towards the country.
"Being educated and securing a job or a good position is not enough. You have to be responsible towards the country," he said while addressing as chief guest the 'Freshers' Reception 2026' organised by the Department of Zoology of Dhaka University.
Addressing the new students, Kamal said they were among the brightest students and urged them to uphold the reputation of Dhaka University wherever they go in the world.
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"Dhaka University was established for talented people. Wherever you go in the world, you will have to uphold the reputation of Dhaka University," he said.
Recalling his student days at the university, Kamal said he had been a student of the Department of History during the 1989-90 academic year.
"Memories of student life never fade. Coming to this auditorium today, I feel as if I have returned to those days," he said.
Highlighting the historical role of Dhaka University, the Deputy Speaker said the institution is not merely a centre of higher education but had played a major role in the country's democratic movements, secular spirit and struggle for national liberation.
He referred to the Language Movement of 1952, the Liberation War of 1971, the mass uprising of 1990 and the anti-fascist movement of 2024, saying the university had played a guiding role in various important movements in the country.
"Whenever the country has faced a crisis, disaster or national challenge, Dhaka University has provided direction to the nation. In difficult times, this university has been a symbol of hope, inspiration and possibility," he said.
Kamal stressed the importance of regular attendance in classes, perseverance and discipline, saying merit could develop properly through hard work, honesty and discipline.
"Merit is important, but it develops properly through perseverance, honesty, discipline and hard work. You have to practise tolerance, mutual respect, free thinking and human values during university life," he said.
He also urged the students to contribute to the country instead of merely seeking government jobs.
"Simply passing the BCS examination and sitting in a good chair is not enough. You have to be responsible towards the country. You have to establish yourself as a respected person and help take the country forward," he said.
Kamal said the country should move towards a merit-based system and called for collective efforts to build a "new Bangladesh".
"We do not want to go to the streets and embrace death anymore. We want to run the state based on merit. Everyone must work together to take the country forward. We have to try to build a new Bangladesh so that fascism can never raise its head again," he said.
Teachers of the Department of Zoology, new and senior students, invited guests, officials of the Parliament Secretariat and media representatives attended the programme.
