Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury,
Hon’ble Convocation Speaker Professor Rehman Sobhan,
Mr. Fazle Hasan Abed, President BRAC University Governing Board,
Distinguished Guests,
Dear Graduating Students,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamu Alaikum and a very good morning.

It gives me immense pleasure to be present amongst you at the 3rd Convocation of the BRAC University today. On the solemn occasion of the convocation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students, guardians, Faculty as well as the University family for their splendid endeavour in making this event elegance and reality. I feel myself happy to be a part of this great celebration of success and joy with the scholarly gathering.

Ladies and Gentlemen,



As you know Bangladesh is a country of immense potentials. Its boundless natural beauties and diversities including the hilly forest, unbroken sea beach, the mangrove Sundarbans, greenery paddy field, rich archaeological sites and cultural and ethnic diversities are invaluable properties and the sources of our inspiration and pride. The forbearance and communal harmony among the people of different faiths in our country has highly acclaimed by the world community and placed us to a great height. Our potential human resources, professionals as well as the members of the Armed Forces are delivering dedicated services at international arena and earned huge reputation for the country. But our cherished development is being hindered again and again by the repeatedly natural catastrophe including cyclone, flood, tidal surge, natural degradation etc. The phenomenon of global warming is also another alarming issue for us. You have seen the dreadful cyclone ‘Sidr’ has devastated huge lives and properties of the coastal area which has thrown us to a new challenge. I thank the Government and all concerned for providing all-out endeavours to mitigate the loss and sufferings of the cyclone-hit people and initiate rehabilitation programmes for them. As you know due to geographical location, Bangladesh is situated in the disaster-prone area in the global arena. Therefore, I call upon our erudite scholars, researchers and scientists to find out ways and means how to reduce the loss of lives and properties and to face the challenges of the natural phenomenon.
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As you know the development and progress of a nation mainly depends on its educated young generation. The renowned Dutch theologian R. Erasmus very correctly said, “The main hope of the nation lies in the proper education of its youth”. Therefore, our attention should be focused on the proper nourishment of the young populace. As the cradle of wisdom, the universities have great role to play in cultivating intellect, academic spirit, and also imparting quality education with a view to building a knowledge-based society. In an age of globalization, we would have to provide market and need-based education along with conventional Arts and Sciences so that our students can face the global challenges confidently. I am happy to know that BRAC University has already introduced some unconventional degrees like Masters in Public Health, Masters in Disaster Management and Masters in Governance and Development. I thank the University authority for commencing this well-timed subjects and making this institution at a great height in collaboration with some of the top-notch academic institutions of the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As the responsible member of the society we have to facilitate equal opportunities to the underprivileged section of the society so that a balanced and prosperous nation is established. I am happy to know that this year BRAC University had disbursed a total of 3.5 crore taka as scholarship and tuition waiver fund for its students. I urge the University authorities to further promote a strong culture of excellence in scholarship as well as research for generating more intellectuals and professionals.

Dear Graduating Students,

I congratulate you on your brilliant success that you have earned from this alma mater. Your degree is an immensely important milestone in your life as well as the society. This brings you to start another new journey in your life. This journey is not too smooth rather is it is full of tempest. You could have to overcome this situation only by putting your trusted knowledge and wisdom. The great thinker James Mason Wood rightly mentioned, “Education today, more than ever before, must see clearly the dual objectives: Education for living and educating for making a living”. Therefore, you must put your wisdom at your every endeavour and thinking so that the congenial atmosphere of living and state of justice at all level are upheld. Remember, University education is not the mark of closing rather it is just beginning. The vast ocean of learning is beckoning you and you can gather the precious assets of wisdom by devoting yourself in the galaxy of knowledge. Your career will entail your active participation in self-development. It needs creativity, integrity, patriotism and love for people in developing yourself and serving humanity. Let us work unitedly for building a happy and prosperous abode for all. I congratulate you all once again and wish a bright future.
With these few words, Ladies and Gentlemen, I conclude my speech.
Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad.