50th convocation of Dhaka University held

The 50th convocation of Dhaka University (DU) was held at the central playground on campus on Saturday with more than 17,000 graduate and postgraduate students taking part.

President Abdul Hamid, also the chancellor of the university, presided over the programme.

Professor Amit Chakma, vice-chancellor of Western University, Canada, delivered the convocation speech. Prof Chakma, a Bangladeshi-born academician, was also awarded “Doctor of Science (ScD)” degree at the convocation for his outstanding leadership in education and research.

Around 61 researchers were conferred Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees and 43 got Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degrees. Eighty students received gold medals from the president for their outstanding results.

The main programme began with a colourful procession at 11:30 am as the campus sported a festive look. The students, wearing their gowns, hoods and mortar boards, took their seats at the central playground before the president’s arrival.

Deans of different faculties and institutes of DU offered graduates’ names to the president to announce them as graduates officially. Then the president declared all the students as graduate and handed over the gold medals to the medalists.

Addressing the graduates as a human resource for the country, president Abdul Hamid said: “I personally believe you have the quality to lead the country. You must remember this country and its reputation, because any negative activity from your part can damage our vast achievements.”

Abdul Hamid also said that there is no alternative for visionary political leadership to develop our country, adding that democracy and development are complementary to each other. Student politics is a great process to create great leadership, but nowadays student politics is based on personal and group interests, the president said.

Prof Amit Chakma said: “Dhaka University is similar to light. From its inception, the university has a distinct character to contribute to the nation and the country. Today I hope the glorious history of Dhaka University will be enriched in future”.

“Today is the last day of my university life formally. But I will never forget the memories of my university campus life. It’s a great Journey. From today I will try to contribute to my country’s development “, said Supti Chowdhury, a participant of this year’s convocation from DU finance department.

DU vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique and pro-VC (academic) Nasreen Ahmad also addressed the gathering.

Deans of different faculties and institutes, provosts from DU residential halls and teachers were also present on the occasion.