RU holds 12th convocation

Rajshahi University (RU) held its 12th convocation on Wednesday, after uncertainty in the last five years. The ceremony took place at the central stadium amid a festive atmosphere across the campus.

From early morning, the university premises buzzed with excitement as graduates reunited with friends and families. Many were seen assisting their parents in wearing academic gowns, while others spent time capturing memories at popular campus spots including Paris Road, Shaheed Intellectuals' Square, Transport Chattar and areas surrounding the stadium.

Graduates took their seats at the convocation venue at 9:00 AM. Following the convocation procession at 9:30 AM, invited guests were seated. At 10:25 AM, deans of the faculties formally presented degrees to the president of the convocation. The event concluded at noon with the president's closing address.

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Saleh Hasan Naqib said the country is currently standing at a critical juncture.

Highlighting global challenges such as technological revolution, climate change and social transformation, the VC urged graduates to complement their degrees with ethical leadership, innovative thinking and responsible citizenship.

Convocation speaker and Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), Professor Dr SMA Faiz, said graduates are held in high esteem not only in Bangladesh but across the world. He stressed that young graduates must come forward to bring about positive change in society. Presiding over the ceremony, Education Adviser of the interim government Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiq-ul-Islam Abrar reflected on the role of teachers, recalling the supreme sacrifice of Professor Dr Shamsuzzoha. He remarked that claiming political neutrality in the face of injustice is unacceptable for educated individuals. He said when injustice prevails, silence amounts to compromise.

A total of 5,969 students from 12 faculties who completed their undergraduate (honours) degrees between 2016 and 2018 participated in the convocation. Among them, degrees were awarded to 79 PhD recipients, 11 MPhil recipients and 740 MBBS graduates.

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