Education adviser Professor Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar on Saturday said that the sacrifice, protest and leadership of the students in freeing the campuses during the July mass uprising had brought the nation to a new horizon.
鈥楾he country is now on the path of a new commencement. After one and a half decades of oppression, we have returned to a free and vibrant environment. The brave role of the younger generation and university students against fascism will be eternally remembered in the country鈥檚 history,鈥� he said.
The education adviser made this remarks while presiding over the second convocation of Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University in Dinajpur.
At the beginning of the event, profound respect was paid to the martyrs of the Language Movement, the War of Independence and the 2024 mass uprising.
At the same time, rich tributes were paid to the memory of Hajee Mohammad Danesh, a prominent leader of the anti-British Tebhaga Movement, after whom the university is named.
Attorney general Md Asaduzzaman was present as convocation speaker.
Professor Professor Mohammad Tanzimuddin Khan, member of the University Grants Commission, and HSTU vice-chancellor Professor M Enamullah, pro-VC Professor Md Shafiqul Islam Sikdar and treasurer Professor M Jahangir Kabir were present, among others.
More than 8,000 students, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degree holders, participated in the second convocation.
Professor Abrar said that the courage, morale and patriotism shown by students in overcoming the repressive policies of fascist forces would remain an unprecedented example in history.
Regarding the government鈥檚 initiatives to establish Bangladesh at a respected position globally through quality higher education and relevant research, the adviser said, 鈥楨ven with the country鈥檚 limited resources, the current interim government has taken groundbreaking initiatives in research development.鈥�
He urged the teachers to strengthen research, engage students, and take a leading role in pursuit of new knowledge.
He emphasised the importance of responsibility, honesty, and integrity in all fields of education and research.
Congratulating the new graduates, he said, 鈥楤ehind this success is the tireless effort of your teachers. You will be the pioneers in national development, democracy, and building a humane society.鈥�
