Counter propaganda against Islam, Muslims

"For this, perusing more knowledge and practice of modern science as well as mutual understanding, solidarity and unity are essential in Muslim countries," Khaleda told the 19th convocation of Islamic University of Technology (IUT) at its auditorium.

She said matters like setting up a powerful media network, forming a strong fund and setting up world class educational institutions and research centres should be considered with importance.

Urging the rich OIC countries to take effective initiatives in this regard, she said "We'll extend our all possible cooperation in this connection."

"We'll have to come up to innovate and apply new sustainable technologies for achieving prosperity and overall development. Emphasis will have to be given especially on developing skilled human resources," Khaleda said.

She said the Muslim Ummah will have to take combined initiatives, which will not only change the fate of the people of Muslim countries, but will also create good opportunities to involve them in the main stream of world knowledge and science.

Referring to the revolutionary changes in various branches of technology, engineering and science in the new century, she said people of many countries have changed their fortunes through proper utilisation of those advancements.

"We'll have to follow suit. We'll have to involve ourselves in the mainstream of world science and technology to hold our heads high, survive and move forward in this fast-changing and highly competitive world," she said.

Congratulating the fresh graduates and postgraduates, she hoped that they would contribute in their respective countries alongside playing a vital role in upholding the glory of Islamic Ummah and consolidating its solidarity.

She also formally declared the 31st meeting of the governing board of the IUT open.

A total of 173 students of 12 countries of 2004-2005 academic year were awarded graduate, diploma, master's and postgraduate degrees in Technical Education,

Computer Science and Information Technology, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.

khaleda distributed gold medals and certificates among Md Ruhul Amin (OIC Gold Medal 2005, obtaining GPA 5), Muniul Hasan Banna (IUT Gold Medal 2005, GPA 4.93), SM Faisal (IUT gold medal 2005, GPA 4.98) and Golam Sarwar (IUT gold medal 2005, GPA 4.95) for their academic feat. All the recipients are Bangladeshis.

Khaleda also took part in an academic procession.

Assistant Secretary General of OIC Ambassador Ali Akbar Salehi read out the speech of OIC Secretary General and Chancellor of the IUT Prof Dr Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu at the function.

IUT Vice Chancellor Prof Dr M Fazli Ilahi also spoke.