M M Jasim :
The 49th convocation of Dhaka University (DU) took place on Tuesday at the varsity’s Central Playground with much enthusiasm and festive mood.
A total of 6,157 students-2, 737 males and 3,367 females were awarded graduation certificates.
About 42 PhD researchers and 20 MPhil researchers were conferred degrees. A total of 29 students received gold medals for their outstanding results.
President and Chancellor of the university Abdul Hamid inaugurated the convocation at 12.05 pm and presided over the graduation ceremony of the country’s leading public university. World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Director General Francis Gurry delivered speech as the convocation speaker. He is also Secretary General of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).
The WIPO director was conferred with Doctor of Laws degree at the convocation.
Addressing the graduates, he said, ‘youth, optimism and education’ are the three greatest gifts in the world. So you (graduates) can contribute to the development of the world.
Stressing on IT based education, he urged students to maintain the international standard in IT sector to secure place with world graduates. “A country without technology cannot maintain sustainable development’ he said.
The environment of Dhaka University was different from other days, as more than six thousand students were in convocation dresses. The students greeted their former classmates and teachers. The base of Aparajeyo Bangla, Razu Memorial Sculpture, Doel Chhattar, Curzon Hall, Arts Faculty, TSC, DUCSU building, Modhu’s Canteen, Central Library, Central Shaheed Minar and other places of the university were teeming with crowd. The students branded the day as the happiest moment of their life. They wanted to frame the day in their hearts forever. Naim Ahmed, a graduate, told The New Nation that it was a memorable day in his life. He will remember the day every moment. Sushmita Biswas said that he was very glad to attend the convocation. She posed for many group photo sessions.
Speaking on the occasion, DU VC Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique said that the meritorious graduates of the country must play vital role in the country’s social and economic development. He urged the students to increase depth of knowledge apart from continuing examination based study only.
DU VC also thanked all the guests, journalists and well wishers of the university at the convocation.
Among others, DU Pro-VC (Administration) Professor Shaheed Akhter Hossen, Pro-VC (Academic) Professor Nasreen Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Dr Kamal Uddin, Registrar Sayed Rejaur Rahman and Deans of different faculties were present.
However, Pro-BNP-Jamaat white panel teachers boycotted the convocation.
