Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) arranged its 21st and 22nd Convocation virtually on Tuesday.
On behalf of the President of Bangladesh and also chancellor of the University, Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni presided over the ceremony and conferred the degrees.
In her inspirational speech, the minister stressed the importance of developing soft skills for the future graduates.
She stated, “Our graduates need to enhance problem-solving skills, leadership skills and most importantly, communication skills so that they can truly express themselves.”
Syed Manzur Elahi, founding chairman of Apex Footwear Ltd and former advisor to a caretaker government of Bangladesh, delivered the speech as the convocation speaker. In his visionary speech, Manzur Elahi said, “We now live in the information age. Students need to enhance their skill sets and their ability to be critical thinkers to adapt in this first moving world.”
Prof Kazi Shahidullah, Chairman, University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, presented his speech as the special guest. He hoped that graduates would be well-qualified professionals and independent thinkers, above all good and caring human beings.
A Matin Chowdhury, chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT); Mrs Nilufer Zafarullah, chairman, Education, Science, Technology and Cultural Development Trust (ESTCDT); and Tanweer Hasan, PhD, vice chancellor, also delivered their speech.
Addressing graduates as the next generation leaders, IUB’s BoT Chairman Matin Chowdhury said they are very fortunate to be graduating when the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence and the centennial birth anniversary of the founding leader of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Chairman of IUB’s ESTCDT said, “I am confident that wherever you will go or whichever profession you may choose, you will be thus all proud by keeping your commitment to achieving excellence”.
IUB’s Vice Chancellor Tanweer Hasan said, “Do not be afraid to go out into the real world with full confidence, because if you have managed to finish your degree amidst a raging and devastating pandemic, there surely cannot be many things which you cannot do if you set your mind to it,”
Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan presented a vote of thanks, according to a statement.
A total of 2,143 students of Bachelor and Master’s degree programmes and disciplines received degrees under five different Schools. In the 21st Convocation, out of 1279 graduates, 899 were from the undergraduate programmes while 380 students received degrees in Masters' programmess . In the 22nd Convocation, out of 864 graduates, 670 were from undergraduate programmes, while 194 students received degrees in Master's programmes.
Suraiah Khan, a student of Environmental Science from the School of Environment and Life Sciences, was awarded the Valedictorian and the Chancellor’s Gold Medal.
Rahatul Jannat received the Top Graduate Award, John Mark Joy Madhu received the All-Rounder Award, NailaBinte Zakaria received the Cultural Activities Award, Dipto Podder received the Sports and Games Award, and Tasnim Zuairia Ahmed received the Community Service Award in the 21st Convocation.
Sobiya Aziz Badat received the Top Undergraduate Student Award, Abu Hena Mostofa Kalam received the Top Graduate Student award in the 22nd Convocation. Nausheen Karim Ahmed received the All-Rounder Award and Md Mazed Hossain Makki received the Community Service Award. They received medals and crests for achieving academic excellence and making outstanding contributions through extracurricular activities.
Members of the Board of Trustees, members of Education, Science, Technology and Cultural Development Trust (ESTCDT), members of the Syndicate and Academic Council, Deans, Faculty and administrative members of the university, guests, students and guardians were present at the ceremony.