Broaden access to education at affordable cost
"Bangladesh is at a crossroads between the developed and the developing countries. So, it demands appropriate knowledge and human resources to face the challenges of 21st century," President told the students who graduated from the Brac University.
"As you know, educational institutions are the sign of a civilised society. The greatest challenge for the educational institutions in the 21st century is to be able to develop to meet the needs of the changing world order, which has a direct influence on our national situations," he said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The president was addressing the first convocation of Brac University at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
He congratulated the proud graduating students, guardians and fellow teachers for their combined efforts in acquiring and providing knowledge and degrees.
He said it is a standard course of action for any university to develop its infrastructure, pedagogical practices and a system. "Over and above this, the top priority for universities must be that of 'creating values', generating research through creative talents, spearheading innovations, cultivating intellectual freedom and contributing to the field of knowledge."
He noted with satisfaction that some public institutions in Bangladesh have gained a reputation as world-class institutions that can compete with the best in the world.
The President lauded the Brac University for its efforts in providing scholarship funds available to meritorious at the same time financially underprivileged students.
A total of Tk 1.95 crore has been disbursed as scholarship during the 2005 academic year. "This indeed leads me to lay emphasis on the philanthropic intent of the institution," said Iajuddin.
He appreciated the BRAC University for adopting some time-befitting subjects, including Public Health, Disaster Management and Governance and Development.
He also praised the university for being able to establish bridge with some of the top-notch academic institutions in the USA, the UK, Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia and Singapore. He expressed his hope that the graduates would be accomplished in touch with the subjects and universities.
"In conferring the graduation degrees upon you I am performing a sacred task and it is only befitting that you realise in letter and spirit the sanctity of this graduation that marks the onset of a new chapter in your lives. The work ahead of you is more challenging," the President told the graduates fresh from the university.
He said that the decade of 2005-2015 has been declared the "Saarc decade of poverty alleviation". This day marks the beginning of yet another journey, said Iajuddin, adding: "The achievements that you have earned today have also earned you the task of being more responsible."
Reminding the students of their duties, he asked them to never forget that they are among the fortunate few of the teeming millions who have had the privilege to receive education up to the stage of graduation. "This reality is one of the exceptional significance in a country like ours where the greater majority of the population remains deprived of higher education."
He called on the students to dedicate their education and resourcefulness to changing the destiny of the nation and making life wholesome and conducive for everyone.
Education Minister Dr M Osman Farruk was also present at the Convocation ceremony.