Godspeed to AUW

The inauguration of the Asian University for Women (AUW) in Chittagong is a happy augury not only for the women of Bangladesh but also for their counterparts in Asia who are presented with the unique opportunity of studying under the same roof. It will bring together different cultures and values in a wonderful melting pot in the very worldly pursuit of creating new human beings -- human beings that are empowered, skilled, motivated and ready to take up leadership in various fields, nationally, regionally and globally. Through a companionship and intellectual interaction they will develop a modernist vision of Asia and work for its implementation.
We congratulate all those visionaries associated with the establishment of the Asian University in Chittagong. We share Nobel laureate Dr Mohammad Yunus' hopes that the products of the university will imbibe the spirit and skill of building a society free of all kinds of discrimination. It is good to learn, as the chief adviser noted, that the AUW will earmark one half of its new enrolment for students who are the first in their families ever to enter university. The university actually aims at educating young women with particular emphasis on the inclusion of women from poor, rural and refugee populations. This is very touching and humane besides being principled, pragmatic and farsighted.
This is an auspicious moment for us all in Bangladesh, and especially for women. For, they not only get an access to world class education in their own vicinities but share all our pleasure and pride in hosting a window of opportunity to the women of Asia.
The dreams of the AUW will only be fulfilled if it can really be turned into an important force for positive change in the world.
The functionaries and faculty members of the university have a full measure of our felicitations and good wishes. Our hope is that the AUW will be a nucleus and the guiding light for creation of networks of young educated women throughout the regions. We are looking forward to its emergence as a centre of excellence of truly global standards.