Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon on Sunday urged students to use their acquired knowledge and innovation to national welfare, saying true purpose of education is realised when people's work makes the lives of others better and more prosperous.
“After completing their education, students must dedicate their acquired knowledge and innovative abilities to the welfare of the country and society,” he said.
Milon, also in charge of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, was addressing the 38th convocation of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) in Gazipur, said a press release.
Prime Minister's Adviser on Education Dr Mahdi Amin and former professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Dr Md Kaykobad addressed the event as the convocation speakers.
IUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Mamun Bin Ibne Reaz delivered the welcome address.
The education minister said Bangladesh needs human resources capable of applying technology in line with the country's realities and necessity.
In the era of artificial intelligence and technological change, students must develop skills in new technologies, he said, adding that engineers should primarily focus on delivering essential services through simple and affordable engineering solutions, particularly for people who cannot afford expensive technologies.
Describing the convocation as an important milestone in academic life, Milon said it recognised the students' hard work, reflected the sacrifice of their guardians and marked a moment of joy for their teachers.
Terming the IUT a reflection of the strong ties between the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Bangladesh, the minister said students from different countries gain a common platform through their education at the university, which would develop into long-term partnerships in research, industry and education in the future.
He thanked the OIC and its member states for their continued support for the university.
A total of 659 students were conferred with graduation and post-graduation degrees at the convocation, while seven students were awarded gold medals for their outstanding academic results.
Sumaiya Ahmed Rani of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering received the OIC Gold Medal while six other students received IUT Gold Medals.
The education minister handed over the medals and certificates to the recipients.