Farida Akhter, Adviser to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, has called upon students to demonstrate responsible behavior, make informed decisions, and develop tolerant leadership. She stated that the country’s education system is being adversely affected by political polarization and a lack of tolerance, and emphasized that students have a crucial role to play in overcoming this crisis. “Future administrators, teachers, doctors, and policymakers will emerge from among today’s students,” she said
She made these remarks while delivering her presidential address at the Third Convocation of Bangladesh University (BU). The convocation was held on Sunday morning, 18 January 2026, at the Senaprangan Convention Hall in Dhaka Cantonment. A total of 5,903 students were awarded degrees at the ceremony, including 5224 undergraduate and 679 postgraduate students.
The Adviser for Fisheries and Livestock said that in 2024, Bangladesh’s youth stood against injustice and presented the country to the world in a new way, but real change requires institutional reform, not just individual change.
Calling the upcoming national election different from previous ones, he said young people must help shape not only the government but also the principles and structure of state governance. To implement the reform aspirations of the mass uprising, the government has initiated a “Yes–No” referendum and urged peaceful voting in favor of reform to prevent a return to the old system.
He noted that although fish, eggs, milk, and meat are key sources of nutrition, many people still lack regular access. Meat imports harm marginal farmers, so the government is focusing on increasing domestic livestock and poultry production.
He warned that pollution, wetland destruction, and illegal fishing have sharply reduced fish availability, with surveys showing marine fish stocks have fallen by nearly two-thirds since 2018.
The Adviser also urged youth to avoid smoking and tobacco, calling them major causes of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, and emphasized self-discipline over waiting for legal enforcement.
The convocation ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem. The Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University, Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam, delivered the welcome address. Degree candidates were presented by Professor Dr. Nurur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology; Professor Dr. Md. Tajul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics; and Professor Mohammad Humayun Kabir, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Law. At the event, the Convocation Marshal was Aneeka Habib a teacher of the Department of Architecture.
In his convocation speech, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Professor Dr. S. M. A. Faiz, said that the nation has high expectations from students, as parents, teachers, and the entire country look to them with hope. He emphasized that the responsibility of educated and enlightened individuals is to distinguish between right and wrong with greater depth and competence.
Referring to the role of private university students in the July mass uprising, he said that when the state situation became unstable, students from private universities stood alongside those from public universities on the streets, which he described as truly commendable.
In the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Bangladesh University, Quazi Jamil Azher, his speech was read out by Trustee Member Dr. Shagufta Mahmood. He said that convocation marks the formal recognition of academic life and the transition from one phase of life to another, while also signaling the beginning of greater responsibilities. Congratulating the graduates, he described the occasion as a celebration of academic success achieved through hard work, dedication, and commitment.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam said that the students have not only received degrees today but have also accepted the responsibility of building the nation in the future. He expressed hope that the graduates would uphold the dignity of Bangladesh University as its brand ambassadors and voiced optimism that the university would continue to grow as a center of excellence in education, research, and development.
The Treasurer of the university, Sajed-ul-Islam, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all concerned for the successful completion of the convocation and acknowledging the silent support of parents behind the achievements of the students.
Among others present at the ceremony were Engr. M. A. Ghulam Dastagir , Secretary of the Board of Trustees, board members Dr. Wahiuddin Mahmood, Arch. Iqbal Habib, Advocate Sharmin Ahmed Mozumder the Registrar Brig. Gen. Md. Mahbubul Haque (Retd), members of the Syndicate and Academic Council, vice-chancellors of various universities, senior officials from the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission, distinguished members of society, and parents of the graduating students.
At the undergraduate level, Khalilur Rahman received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal. Nusrat Kabir Bristy was awarded the Quazi Azher Ali Gold Medal. The Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal was awarded to Shayeka Laolak, Taziba Afrin, and Tania Akter.
Based on academic results, recipients of the Dean’s Award at the undergraduate level included Moumita Bhowmick Supti, Mst. Jannati Khatun, Md. Tariqul Islam, Prinon Mahdi, Md. Mahmud Chowdhury, Devaroti Bhattacherjee, Rezia Khatun Turna, late Mitu Fakir, Lamia Chowdhury, and Umma Habiba Sharmin. At the postgraduate level, the Dean’s Award was received by Md. Shahinuzzaman, Jannatul Islam, and Nishat Kader. Chancellor’s Gold Medal recipient Khalilur Rahman also shared his reflections at the event.
Following the main convocation program, a cultural evening was held in the afternoon, where students celebrated through dance and musical performances.