Rajshahi: Education Adviser Prof Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has stated that the country’s universities, alongside many other institutions, are on the brink of losing their uniqueness due to the impacts of a 15-year fascist regime. Speaking at a discussion held at Rajshahi University (RU) to mark its 72nd founding anniversary, Abrar emphasized the crucial role of rights-conscious students in ousting the fascist government through a mass upsurge.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Abrar highlighted the importance of dedicating the victory achieved through the mass movement to nation-building purposes. He lamented the loss of more than 1,000 courageous and potential students during the struggle against autocratic rule. Abrar called for a qualitative change in the education sector, stressing the need for quality teachers to achieve this transformation. He expressed hope that the university teachers’ community would progress towards this cherished goal.
The discussion was chaired by RU Vice-chancellor Prof Saleh Hassan Naqub and attended by Pro-vice-chancellor Prof Mayeen Uddin, Treasurer Prof Matiur Rahman, and Proctor Mahbubur Rahman, among others. Professor Emeritus of the Department of Physics Prof AKM Azharul Islam served as the focal person for the event. During the occasion, a souvenir was unveiled, featuring writings that reminisced about 11 retired teachers, including two Professor Emeritus.
Prof Abrar further stressed that achieving the cherished goal of upholding the dignity of educational institutions should be the primary duty of teachers in building a new Bangladesh. He acknowledged the country’s limitations but urged progress, noting that the present interim government has a farsighted reform target, though it cannot be accomplished overnight. He reminded all patriotic citizens to move forward with determination to build a new Bangladesh.