The old ways of leading, living, and thinking will not suffice
The following is a speech delivered at BRAC University’s 16th convocation by the Chairperson of their Board of Trustees, Tamara Hasan Abed. In her address, she spoke on ethical leadership, gender equality, and nation-building, emphasizing the university’s role in shaping socially responsible leaders
Congratulations, graduates of the class of 2025! Today marks the official commencement of your professional lives, with the gift of education; history will witness that it has come at a time when the world needs you. That may seem like an exaggeration: what can you, as one person, do for the world?
But beginning today, as BRAC University alumni you carry on an extraordinary legacy of contribution and impact, in the footsteps of alumni before you, of members of the BRAC family, and of the Founder of this University.
You are of course a very special graduating class, as members of the student body of BRAC University last year, who received recognition across the entire nation for your courage and sacrifice when, you decided to join the nationwide protests. Our founder, Sir Fazle would have been a proud man to see that BRAC University students have become the socially conscientious young leaders that he envisioned 36 years ago.
In 1989, he sought the help of Harvard professors and a former Swarthmore University President to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a university in Bangladesh; which was an unusual choice for an NGO at the time. A unique aspect would be the introduction of broad-based education in the country through a liberal-arts curriculum, to fulfill the purpose of producing ethical leaders.
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Sir Fazle recognised that sustained change and nation building would require generations of ethical leaders in Bangladesh, who would possess the insight to recognise right from wrong, the courage to remain firm in their conviction to ethics, and the knowledge and know-how to design and build an economy, based on human flourishing.
He also realised that no matter what specialisation, an effective liberal arts education, with an exposure to the social sciences and arts, can make human beings more sensitive and emotionally intelligent observers of the world around them, and make minds more wholesome and complete.
So, you see, your graduation today, was part of a building effort that began long before you were even born; it would have been a most proud moment for Sir Fazle to be able to see all of you.
It is an aspect of his legacy that I and my fellow trustees have taken most seriously, only to discover that it is probably also the most difficult to build. This year, the Board of Trustees approved a bold new mission for the University that continues on the great legacy of Sir Fazle, to reimagine excellence in higher education while remaining true to the founding purpose, by charting a new trajectory for the University to participate in global discourses, and contribute from our vast learning in the Global South.
It is a continuation of that same approach to building, with ingenuity, patience and hard work. And that's what you will need, to build your careers and your contribution toward human flourishing.
As we gather here today, we cannot ignore the pressing realities of the world we are stepping into. The global landscape is shifting at an unprecedented pace. The economic uncertainties, climate emergencies, geopolitical conflicts, and rapid advancements in technology present both opportunities and immense challenges. And for Bangladesh, a nation of resilience and promise, these challenges are even more pronounced.
Our beloved country is at a crossroads. Economic disparities continue to widen. Climate change threatens our coastal regions, endangering millions of lives. The rise of automation challenges our workforce, and the battle against misinformation has never been more crucial.
In 2025, the status quo is not an option. The path forward requires a fundamental shift in our lifestyles—consuming less, living more harmoniously with nature, and embracing mindfulness in our daily lives.
We must rethink our economic models to prioritise sustainability over excess, redefine success beyond material wealth, and foster a culture that values well-being and environmental stewardship over unchecked growth. There needs to be a collective understanding of a simple truth: that on this planet, everything is connected to one another.
All species and elements are part of a vast and complex ecological system, as are all the planets and the sun part of the solar system. We are not an isolated species that can continue to flourish at the expense of other species.
It is hard to fathom why this basic truth of the shared human condition is not yet known or accepted as a given. Only by making these shifts can we create a future that is both sustainable and satisfying to the human spirit. The old ways of leading, living, and thinking will not suffice. We must reinvent, reimagine, and rebuild.
So, what does this mean for you?
It means that leadership today is not about titles, but about impact and old-fashioned values. It means that knowledge is not just power, it is responsibility. And it means that ethics, courage, and critical thinking are no longer optional; they are essential.
I am confident that BRAC University has prepared you well for the monumental task of building that lies ahead. Whether it is through the iconic residential semester, where you fostered lifelong friendships or acquired unique perspectives on community-driven initiatives for societal impact, through your coursework in the distinctively rich liberal arts curriculum of BRAC University or through various extra-curricular work—among you are graduates who have built extraordinary robots to fight climate change, designed solutions for current public health problems and started companies based on award-winning sustainable business models.
But beyond all, I hope BRAC University has taught you the most important value that we, at BRAC, find non-negotiable -- treating each human being as equal, and supporting them to realise their full potential, which they often are unable to because of social discrimination.
This is where I believe that you cannot compromise. Men and Women are equal. Bangladesh has come a long way towards establishing this, and benefitted handsomely, as women in Bangladesh have played a transformative role in our nation's development. From our homes to grassroots movements to RMG factories, from sports and cultural arenas to corporate leadership to keeping our borders and country safe, their contributions have strengthened our economy and society, making Bangladesh a model for inclusive development.
We cannot let that regress. When I see today moral policing targeting women happening in the name of decency, I get worried. When I see violence against women is at an all time high, I get worried. When I see space for women getting constricted every day because of lack of law and order, I get very worried. We, as a nation, have come too far to let this happen.
I hope you all also feel the same way. I hope you will make it your life's mission to create an equal space for men and women in every sphere and speak out when half of our population, half of our families, half of all of us, faces injustice and discrimination.
Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, our distinguished convocation speaker, is one such person. Throughout her career, Sharmeen has used film to educate and inspire the world on some of the most compelling topics, including the rights of women, the role of business in society and the plight of refugees, without shying away from speaking the truth, however unpopular.
And despite that, she has picked up a few awards on the way too, including two Academy Awards and three Emmy Awards. May I request a big round of applause for Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, our Convocation Speaker.
Graduates, today is your day. You are standing at the threshold of possibility, ready to take on the world with the knowledge, skills, and values instilled in you. The journey ahead will not always be easy but remember—you are more than prepared. You are the leaders of tomorrow, the innovators, the disruptors, the dreamers who will turn challenges into opportunities.
Go forth with confidence, with a spirit of service, and with the unwavering belief in your own power to make a big difference, if you so wish to use it.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! The world awaits your brilliance.
Thank you and once again, congratulations!
Tamara Hasan Abed is the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at BRAC University.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
