NSU confers degrees on over 3,000 graduates at 26th convocation

North South University (NSU) held its 26th convocation ceremony on January 07 at its campus, awarding degrees to more than 3,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar, adviser to the Ministry of Education, chaired the convocation, whilst Professor Dr SMA Faiz, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), delivered the convocation address. Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossen, UGC Member, attended as special guest.

The ceremony was attended by NSU's Board of Trustees, including Chairman Aziz Al Kaiser, alongside Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr Nasar Uddin Ahmed, and Treasurer Professor Abdur Rob Khan.

Professor Md Mamun Molla from NSU's Department of Mathematics and Physics, serving as Convocation Marshall, welcomed the distinguished guests, faculty, and graduating class following recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem.

Messages from leadership: Addressing the graduates, Mr Aziz Al Kaiser said, "Today is a moment of pride and hope. The future is now yours, lead with integrity and empathy, stay true to your roots, and serve humanity with hope, as you pursue a meaningful and fulfilling life."

Professor Dr SMA Faiz, whilst wishing for a bright future for the newly graduated students, said, "I congratulate you on becoming graduates of NSU. This is where your minds were trained, your character was shaped, and your imagination broadened to meet expectations. Today, the world stands before you and at your fingertips."

Following the convocation speaker's remarks, the Deans of NSU's four schools-Professor AKM Waresul Karim (Business and Economics), Professor Md Rizwanul Islam (Humanities and Social Sciences), Professor Shazzad Hosain (Engineering and Physical Sciences), and Professor Dipak Kumar Mitra (Health and Life Sciences)-presented the degree candidates. Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar formally conferred the degrees.

Top performers recognised: The ceremony recognised outstanding academic achievement through Chancellor's and Vice-Chancellor's Gold Medals. Mahira Islam Asfie, a Bachelor of Pharmacy Professional, received the Chancellor's Gold Medal for the undergraduate programme, whilst Mehrub Mobin Bhuiyan, Master of Business Administration, received the same honour for the graduate programme.

Four Vice-Chancellor's Gold Medals were awarded at undergraduate level to Jemima Sharmin Lamiya (Bachelor of Arts in English), Humaira Anjum Orchi (Bachelor of Business Administration), Rashik Iram Chowdhury (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering), and Tasnim Jahan (Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Biotechnology).

At graduate level, the medals went to Tasbir Raihan (Executive Master's in Policy and Governance), Nusrat Jahan Lepee (Master of Business Administration), Tabassum Haidary (MS in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering), and Tasmim Abu Saleh (Master of Science in Biotechnology).

Valedictorian Mahira Islam Asfie delivered her speech, saying, "Dear fellow graduates, let our struggle be our building block for the future that we have all dreamt of. Let us carry forward not only our degrees, but our values to serve humanity and make a meaningful difference in the world."

A call to responsibility: Special guest Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossen said, "I am honoured to be part of NSU's 26th Convocation. On behalf of the University Grants Commission, I would like to congratulate the new graduates and wish them every success in their future careers. This milestone recognises years of hard work. Your success is our success."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury addressed the audience, saying, "It is my great honour to welcome all the newly graduated students to the 26th convocation of NSU. It is a proud and joyful occasion for our university as we graduate 3,322 students today. To those who have graduated today, we entrust you with the responsibility and opportunity to shape our country's future. Your success will ultimately be measured not just by what you achieve for yourself, but what you make possible for others. May your lives be guided by wisdom, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility to humanity."

Convocation Chair Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar concluded, "This convocation marks the formal completion of your academic journey, but it marks the beginning of a wider journey. It is not only what you have achieved, but what you will do with the education you have received from this esteemed institution. If your education serves only your own advancement, then it has been underused. Your degree gives you opportunity, your education gives you responsibility. Use both with integrity and vigilance. Use your education not only to build successful careers but to contribute to a just, humane, and capable society. I wish you wisdom, courage, and a sustained commitment to the public good."

The first day of the two-day ceremony concluded with students receiving their certificates and a cultural programme celebrating their achievements.