Degrees not enough, achieve standards: President tells DU students

President Abdul Hamid yesterday asked students to achieve international standards along with academic degrees.

"As the number of students in Dhaka University has increased over time, so has the scope of its infrastructure and educational activities," the president said.

"Competition has also been internationalised for the benefit of modern science and information technology. So, every student has to obtain international standards along with degrees," he added.

Hamid was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the DU's 16-day programme marking the centenary of its founding. The programme will mark the golden jubilee of the country's independence.

The president, who attended the event virtually as the chief guest from the Bangabhaban, said the university authorities also need to consider world standards in determining curriculum and teaching.

He said parents and guardians send their children to a university with high hopes and aspirations.

"Besides, the country and the people invest in educating them. The students have to acquire the ability to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the family, the country and the people."

Hamid said the expansion of infrastructure, faculty members, students, departments and institutes contributes to the development of a university but the quality of education and research is the key indicator.

"Higher education institutions, including universities, have to come forward to enhance the quality of education and the capacity of students, taking into account the needs and qualifications of the national and international labour market."

He hoped that the DU will play a leading role in this journey.

The country's oldest public university, which began its journey on July 01, 1921, is celebrating its 100th founding anniversary. The celebration has been delayed by five months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury joined the programme as a guest of honour, with DU Vice-Chancellor Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman in the chair.

The president also unveiled special books, photography albums and websites on the centenary of the university.

A documentary and a theme song on the centenary were also released on the opening day of the celebrations, while a greeting message from Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering was also played during the programme.

Education Minister Dipu Moni, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, University Grants Commission Chairman Prof Kazi Shahidullah and Dhaka University Alumni Association President AK Azad spoke on the occasion.

The 16-day festivities will end on Victory Day, with a concert and laser show on the central playground of the university.