Only six convocation programmes have been held at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), although it has been in operation for 53 years. This has been a pioneering institution for higher agricultural studies not only in the country but in the South-Asian region in 1961.
It was learnt that the sixth convocation was held in 2011 while the rest in 1968, 1972, 1994, 1997 and 2003.
However, a special convocation was held in 1998 to give honorary D Lit to the father of ‘green revolution’ Dr Norman Borlaug, who was also awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970, for his contribution to feed a hungry world and increase food supply.
As per standard practice, convocation are held yearly for a university while the university authorities could not show any specific reason behind the delay in the convocation, the final prestigious academic ceremony where graduates get their main certificates from the Chancellor of the university.
Meanwhile, the former students demanded to organise the seventh convocation as early as possible, for which a students eagerly wait.
Harun-Or-Rashid, a Master’s student from the Poultry Science department told the Dhaka Tribune that: “I completed my graduation in 2013 and I had a dream of obtaining certificate from the Chancellor at the 7th convocation. But my dream still remains unfulfilled.”
Another student from Animal Husbandry faculty, Akirul Islam, who completed his graduation in 2011 and has been working as a scientific officer at the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), echoed Harun’s opinion.
“It is our dream that we would receive our certificates from the Chancellor of the university, but we are not sure if it will come true as the university authorities seem to be least concerned about fulfilling our dream,” said Kamol, Raton, Nila, Nilima and Naflee, all of whom are from the Agriculture Department.
Contacted, BAU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rafiqul Hoque said: “Due to a crisis in funds, campus unrest and some other bureaucratic complexities, it has become quite impossible to hold a convocation each year although we try our best.” He, however, said he had a plan to hold the seventh convection by the year end.