The Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on Tuesday held its seventh convocation at the university Shilpacharya Joynul Abedin Auditorium amid festivities.
In this convocation, a total of 4909 graduates from different disciplines received certificates – 1919 students got bachelor (Honours) degrees, 2851 students MS Degrees and 139 PhD degrees.
A total of 93 students were given gold medals and 28 students prizes for their outstanding results.
President Abdul Hamid, the Chancellor of the university, chaired the convocation while Vice-Chancellor of University of Asia Pacific Prof Dr Jamilur Reza Choudhury attended as the Convocation Speaker.
President Abdul Hamid said the present government has attached top priority to agriculture sector in its ‘Vision-2021’ for turning Bangladesh into a middle-income country. Development of farmers and agriculture is essential for achieving success in the struggle of long-term development because the role of agriculture is very important in gaining economic growth and its stability, he added.
President Hamid has underscored the need for intensifying research in developing salinity tolerant varieties of crops, especially paddy, saying that it is a big challenge for Bangladesh to face the negative impact of climate change on agriculture.
“We have to intensify research in developing salinity tolerant varieties of crops as there is possibility of a rise in salinity level, fall in productivity and inundation of low-laying areas along the coastal region due to negative impact of climate change.
He also called upon the farmers and agriculturists to work along with the government to expedite development in agriculture sector, saying that there is no alternative to developing the agriculture and farmers to ensure sustainable growth of the country.
“Farmers, agriculturists and others involved in agriculture sector will have to work in coordination to take the country’s gradual development and progress ahead,” he added.
Lauding the role of agriculturists, especially the BAU graduates for the development of agriculture, the President said Inter-Disciplinary Centre for Food Security (ICF) is one of the major research initiatives BAU has recently taken up.
Besides, a move is underway to set up “Haor and Char Development
Institute” and “Marine Fisheries Science, Field Research and Education Centre”, he said.
The convocation speaker Prof Dr Jamilur Reza Choudhury said, the agriculture is the main weapon to bring economic development and to build a nation free from poverty and hunger. So for the development of Bangladesh and the world as well, the agri-scientists here should put more emphasis on their research and study.
In last five decades BAU produces a huge skilled agriculturists and scientists to develop our agricultural sector and BAU is called the pioneer of all agricultural sector in Bangladesh.
Religious Affairs Minister Principal Matiur Rahman, University Grants
Commission Chairman ProfAbdul Mannan and Vice-Chancellor of BAU Prof Dr Md Ali Akbar also spoke on the occasion while acting Registrar of BAU Md Saiful Islam conducted the main ceremony.
The Religious affairs minister said, ‘the main motto of our education is to make our new generation skilled with modern technology.
Recalling the glorious history of the university, vice-chancellor Professor Dr Md Ali Akbar urged the graduates to contribute to the welfare of the people of the country.
The convocation programme began with the procession led by the Chancellor of the University at 11.00 am.
Among others, Rowshan Ershad, MP, also the opposition leader, BAU syndicate members and teachers of all departments, attended the programme. – BAU Correspondent
