Noakhali: BNP Standing Committee Member and Prime Minister's Public Administration Affairs Adviser Md Ismail Zabihullah today urged newly admitted university students to prepare themselves not merely as job seekers but as innovative, skilled, creative, thoughtful, and responsible citizens to build a new Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Zabihullah addressed a freshers' reception as the chief guest at Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU). The university welcomed students for the 2025-26 academic session, with Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Golam Rabbani presiding over the event.
Addressing the newcomers, Zabihullah emphasized that university life is a memorable journey. He highlighted that university is not just a place to earn a degree but a platform for students to think differently, solve problems in multiple ways, and respect differing opinions. Students, he noted, have opportunities to develop tolerance, personality, and human values while learning about society, politics, the economy, and the world.
Zabihullah stated that achieving good results in examinations alone is not the main objective of education. He expressed a vision for a Bangladesh that produces not only talented individuals but also humane people who care for others and address societal issues.
Highlighting the government's focus on education, Zabihullah mentioned that under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's leadership, efforts are underway to transform the country into a trillion-dollar economy. He cited initiatives to increase per capita income from US$2,800 to US$4,500 within the next five years, calling for collective effort to achieve this target.
Zabihullah urged new university students to contribute to building a new Bangladesh while honoring the sacrifices of the martyrs of the July uprising. He encouraged them to use their education to benefit the country and emphasized that graduates are assets to the state.
Addressing the teachers, Zabihullah stressed the importance of universities in shaping society and solving social problems. He encouraged maintaining close ties with local communities and prioritizing research in areas such as agriculture, environment, water, health, technology, employment, and urban management.
Noakhali-4 constituency lawmaker Alhaj Md Shahjahan attended the event as the guest of honour. The event also included UGC Member Prof Dr Abdullah-Al-Mamun, NSTU Pro-VC Dr Mohammad Safiqul Islam, Treasurer Prof Dr Md Hasan Uddin, Noakhali Zilla Parishad Administrator Md Harunur Rashid Azad, Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Mohammod Shafiqul Islam, and Superintendent of Police NM Nasiruddin as special guests.
An Act was passed in Parliament in 2001 to establish Noakhali Science and Technology University. Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia formally inaugurated its academic activities on April 6, 2006, and teaching began on June 22, 2006.