Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain on Monday urged universities to equip students with a global outlook, ethical values and adaptability, alongside academic excellence, to enable them to meet contemporary global challenges.
He made the remarks while addressing the 9th convocation of the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) as the president’s representative at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital.
“Education is not the exclusive privilege of a few; it is a powerful instrument for inclusive and sustainable national progress,” the foreign affairs adviser said.
Commending IUBAT’s knowledge-based area development programme, Touhid Hossain said the initiative demonstrated that higher education is for all, adding that the university has aligned itself with global realities through clear objectives and strategic foresight.
He also referred to international recognitions, including the QS and Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, as evidence of the university’s academic excellence and innovation.
Convocation speaker Professor Dr Jeff Keshen, President of the University of Regina in Canada, highlighted the importance of higher education and international academic cooperation in an increasingly globalised world.
At the ceremony, nearly 1,000 students from agriculture, engineering, BBA, nursing and other faculties received undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
In recognition of outstanding academic achievement, Shahreen Khandakar of the Department of Agriculture, Lutfunnahar Kamini of the Department of English and Maharunnesa Mitu of the Department of Public Health received gold medals. Shahreen Khandakar also won the prestigious Alimulya Mian Award for the highest distinction.
IUBAT Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Abdur Rab delivered the welcome address, while Treasurer Professor Selina Nargis proposed the vote of thanks.
Members of the Board of Trustees, teachers, students, and local and foreign guests were present at the ceremony.
