President M Abdul Hamid urged the people to carry out united efforts to root out extremism and intolerance from the soil of the country, reports BSS.
"Uproot extremism, militancy and intolerance jointly," the President said addressing the third convocation of University of Asia Pacific (UAP) on the premises of International Trade Fair Centre in the city Thursday.
The President, also the chancellor of the university, termed the militant forces 'the enemy of the country and nation' as they (evil forces) defile the country's history and culture.
"All should bear in mind that religion is for the people's welfare but not for confrontation, discrimination or inauspicious acts.
Abdul Hamid categorically asked the students to uphold the longstanding communal harmony of the country at any cost and contribute significantly to the development and progress of Bangladesh.
"You must have patriotism, firmness of character, social responsibility and professionalism to rebuild a happy and prosperous Bangladesh," the President said, adding that no national progress is possible without patriotism and the mentality of sacrificing.
The President expressed his grave concern over the academic situation in private universities and said, "The country is yet to achieve the desired goal from the private varsities."
He said: "The desired target is not fulfilled for the lack of efficient and meritorious teachers, world-standard curriculum, proper classrooms, enriched library, laboratory, infrastructures, congenial atmosphere, teacher-student good relations and training facilities on the campuses."
