No compromise on education

The quality of education must never be compromised as it is associated with employment, dignity and acceptability, President Abdul Hamid said yesterday at the 20th convocation of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) in the city's Bashundhara area.

“If quality is not ensured, then the number of educated unemployed graduates will increase. The universities will have to run their education programmes keeping this in mind,” he added.

A total of 1,166 students received degrees from six different faculties under 29 programmes and disciplines.

 Of them, 825 were in undergraduate programmes while 341 students obtained master's degrees.

Biochemistry student Samara Tawziat Choudhury was this year's valedictorian and Chancellor's Gold Medalist while four students from undergraduate programmes received medals and crests for their outstanding contribution to extracurricular activities.

The President, also the university's Chancellor, reminded everyone that the 21st century is very competitive and said there is no alternative to making the young generation skilled in knowledge, science and information technology to survive in this era.

President Hamid said the number of universities -- both public and private -- has been increased to broaden the scope of higher education. Currently, there are 103 private universities operating in Bangladesh.

“Now, the challenge before us is to ensure the quality of education,” the Chancellor said.

“We must remember that employment, dignity and acceptability are associated with the quality of higher education. So, quality cannot be compromised in any way.”

He urged the universities to establish research centres, saying, “You have to keep in mind that an university is the highest centre of knowledge research, not a business entity.”

Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, delivered his speech as the Convocation Speaker. He urged the graduates to always pursue knowledge, saying, “Do what you love and serve humanity.”

IUB Vice-Chancellor M Omar Rahman said in his welcome speech, “Education and experience gathered from IUB will help our graduates conquer the manifold challenges of the real world.” The university's board of trustees Chairman A Matin Chowdhury, Deputy Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury and University Grants Commission Chairman Prof Abdul Mannan also addressed the event.