Common people's interests must be given the highest priority: President

National

Dhaka Magazine Desk

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called upon students to apply their acquired education and skills to the welfare of the country and common people. He said that those whose labour and contribution keep the country's economy running must be given the highest priority. The true value of success is realised by bringing positive change to others' lives. He said these things this morning as the Chancellor of the university at the 27th convocation of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center.

Criticising certificate-centric education, the President said, over the past decade and a half, indiscriminate approval of universities has resulted in substandard institutions producing unemployed people with higher degrees. This has plunged a vast youth population full of potential into the depths of despair. To overcome this situation, he urged formulating job-oriented, technical and skill-based curricula. Alongside, he also stressed that to adapt to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and modern technology, young people should grow as entrepreneurs and skilled workers, not just as job seekers.

At the event, the President recalled the brave and glorious role of students of IUB and private universities in the 2024 mass uprising. He handed over degrees and mementos to the students at the convocation. IUB Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. M. Tamim's welcome speech opened the event, where the convocation speaker was Professor Dr. Ainun Nishat. In addition, University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, IUB Board of Trustees Chairman Didar Hossain and many others concerned spoke.