We must navigate challenges ahead, says DU VC at IBA graduation ceremony

Graduation and post-graduation degrees were conferred on a total of 247 students from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of Dhaka University for the year 2024.

Of them, 94 are BBA graduates, 94 are MBA graduates, 55 are EMBA graduates, and four are DBA graduates.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan was present at the ceremony held at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka on Friday while Professor Shakil Huda, acting director of the IBA, chaired the programme.

DU Emeritus Professor of Department of English Dr AF Serajul Islam Choudhury made the graduation speech. He urged graduates to serve society, emphasising that true democracy and equality can only be achieved through social ownership of property.

Advising the new graduates to uphold ethics in business and employment, he remarked, "While this may not be World War III, a global trade war is underway-fueled by two dangerous commodities: weapons and drugs."

Reflecting on the state of the nation, he said, "Though Bangladesh is politically independent, exploitation and inequality persist. Our own leaders have exploited us no less than foreign rulers." He further added that Bangladesh has effectively become a colony of the wealthy.

Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan stated that the country is currently facing a challenging period, surrounded by conspiracies. "We must navigate formidable challenges. There's no point in sugarcoating what is fundamentally bitter," he said.

The vice-chancellor urged the graduates to maintain their personal integrity, emphasizing that it should be demonstrated consistently through daily actions. "Integrity must be evident in how you interact with the world."

He also called on the graduates to seize every opportunity to develop their skills. "There are countless opportunities out there. We must dedicate time for self-improvement, discipline our minds, and invest in lifelong learning. Even when things are going well, continuous development is crucial for long-term success," he added.

Professor Shakil Huda said, "As you step into leadership roles, remember that wealth and influence mean little unless they are used to uphold justice and create opportunities for those who have none." "Lead with wisdom, act with fairness, and remember that true prosperity is one that is shared."

Professor of IBA Dr Shakila Yasmin, who made the welcome speech, said that the economy is rapidly evolving and technologies are changing overnight, making innovation the key to tackling the challenges that will emerge with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

A total of 11 students received Director's Honour List Award for their outstanding performance of CGPA 3.75 or above out of 4. Another three students received gold medals for their brilliant performance.

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