Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar emphasized the importance of reducing educational expenses to enable rural students to pursue their studies, considering them as the nation's future. She made this point while addressing the first convocation of the North Pacific International University of Bangladesh (NPIUB) held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted that the education system at NPI University facilitates access to higher education for boys and girls from rural areas at a low cost. Farida Akhtar noted that the university is located in Manikganj, a birthplace of many distinguished figures like language hero Rafiq and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, along with various other intellectuals.
Farida expressed her hope that the students of the university will work for the country with dedication and responsibility. She also pointed out that many rural women rear livestock to fund their children's education, underscoring the significance of higher education. Additionally, the introduction of evening courses at the university has opened avenues for in-service individuals to further their education.
The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Valerie Ann Taylor, founder and chief coordinator of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar, as a special guest. Prof Dr. Mohammad Kaykobad of BUET served as the Theme Speaker. Other notable speakers included Chairman of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council Prof Dr. Mesbahuddin Ahmed, UGC member Prof Dr. Mohammad Anowar Hossain, President of the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh Dr Md Sabur Khan, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the university Engineer Md Shamsur Rahman.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr. Md. Forhad Hossain, delivered the welcome speech, while Treasurer Prof Dr. Mir Mahfuzul Haq extended the vote of thanks. During the convocation, 467 students of NPI University were awarded bachelor's and master's degrees. Additionally, four students received the Chancellor's Award, one received the BOT Chairman's Gold Medal, seven received the Vice Chancellor's Award, six received the Dean's Award, and two received the Academic Excellence Award.