The 21st convocation ceremony of the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) was held on Sunday.
The ceremony was held at AIUB's permanent Campus in Kuril, Dhaka, said a press release.
M Abdul Hamid, president of Bangladesh and chancellor of the University authorized Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni to preside over the ceremony and confer degrees to the graduating students.
Deputy Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury, Ministry of Education, was the special guest.
The convocation was graced by Professor Kazuo Yamamoto, president, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand, who was the convocation speaker of the ceremony.
Besides, Ishtiaque Abedin, chairman, Board of Trustees, AIUB, Professor Dr Md Abdur Rahman, pro vice chancellor of AIUB, and Dr Carmen Z Lamagna, member, Board of Trustees of AIUB also delivered their speeches on this occasion.
A total of 4,722 graduates who successfully completed all academic requirements in various disciplines of the Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programs were conferred degrees at the 21st convocation.
Medals were awarded in different categories to meritorious students for their academic Program and other excellence as follows: three Chancellor's Gold Medal, 128 Summa Cum laude (Gold Medal, 33 Dr Anwarul Abedin Leadership Award, 219 Magna Cum Laude (Silver Medal), 34 Vice Chancellor's Award and 56 Cum Laude (Bronze Medal).
The minister of education congratulated the new graduates and said the present government has been specially sponsoring the education sector with the aim of building Bangabandhu's dream of Sonar Bangla.
In continuation of this, many private universities have been established in Bangladesh along with public universities. AIUB is one of the leading private universities in Bangladesh, she said.
She noted that AIUB's ongoing activities prove that it is a technology-driven, student-centric and future-oriented university. Located in the heart of Dhaka, this university campus has all the facilities to develop as a good citizen and enlightened person through the constructive environment, co-curricular activities and cultural activities.
The minister also said to the graduates that they should not search for jobs but rather become an entrepreneur and provide jobs for them.
Deputy Education Minister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury congratulated the students and emphasized on modern technology-based education in his speech.
He called upon the students to come forward for specialized education including vocational and technical education in addition to university education and highlighted various plans and implementation information taken by the present government in this regard.
The convocation speaker Prof Kazuo Yamamoto, president, AIT, Thailand, in his convocation speech, said: “As you go out into the world, remember the values you have learned here at AIUB – honesty, integrity, hard work, and compassion. These values will serve you well as you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
Ishtiaque Abedin, Chairman, Board of Trustees of AIUB, in his welcome speech, said: “I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to a few people that took part in our graduates journey from behind the scenes. First and foremost, thank you to all the parents, guardians, and families of our graduates. It is our absolute honor to have had the pleasure of your trust, support and blessings.”
Professor Dr Md Abdur Rahman, pro vice chancellor of AIUB said: “Your surroundings and the people in your life can greatly impact your existence and worth. Just like a raindrop, your potential and value can either flourish or diminish depending on the company you keep. Please strive to create a positive and supportive environment for yourselves and those around you.”
Meanwhile, Dr Carmen Z Lamagna, in her vote of thanks, said: “To guide our university over the next ten years, the Strategic Planning Committee invested time and passion in preparing the AIUB 10-Year Strategic Plan in consultation with the stakeholders.”
“The 10-Year Strategic Plan identifies key objectives within five pillars—academic leadership, sustainable development, internationalization, digitalization and research and innovation—essential to ensuring our university's progress and success. As we implement this plan over the next 10 years, each strategic objective and goal will push us toward our vision for our university.”
In this 21st convocation national-level cricket players Sakib Al Hassan, Md Mahmud Ullah, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Md Anamul Haque Bijoy, and actor Sabila Nur also received the degrees.
The Founder member of AIUB, Dr Hasanul A Hasan, Nadia Anwar, along with the members of the Board of Trustees of AIUB, Syndicate and Academic Council members, Treasurer, Deans, Registrar, and officers graced the Ceremony.
Along with the other university vice chancellors and their representatives, UGC members, graduating students, and their families, a large number of local and foreign dignitaries, and members of the print and electronic media also attended the convocation ceremony.