The widely-anticipated, and much-hyped 10th convocation of Rajshahi University, is set to be held on September 29. Graduates are waiting with much enthusiasm and fervor for this event, which will be chair by President Abdul Hamid.
The university administration, staff and everyone else concerned are busy preparing for this grand event.
According to campus sources, 6,019 graduates have registered to participate in the upcoming convocation.
The university is undergoing a massive beautification effort, including: road repairs, trimming vegetation, installing colourful lights, and adding a fresh coat of paint on important structures. These include: two academic buildings, the Shaheed Minar Chattar, the TSCC, and Jubery Bhaban.
The Sher-e-Bangla and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Halls have also been painted. Inside the university stadium, a stage is being built, with impressive decorations, for the event.
Space for car parking has been built in front of some buildings.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Rajshahi University Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Ananda Kumar Saha said: “The preparation for 10th convocation has progressed to around 80%.
“Gowns, memorabilia, bags, and other goodies have already been sent to every department. Invitation letters have been delivered to guests, the campus has been cleaned up, and roads have been repaired.”
Dr Ananda is optimistic that all preparations for the event will conclude within a day or two.
RU to confer D Litt degrees
Eminent short story writers, and novelists, Hasan Azizul Haque and Selina Hossain, will be conferred D Litt degrees at the upcoming convocation—by President Abdul Hamid.
Hasan Azizul Haque graduated from the philosophy department of Rajshahi University in 1960. He later joined the same department as a teacher in 1973.
Stage is being constructed in RU campus in preparation for 10th convocation | Dhaka Tribune
He was awarded many prestigious awards for his literary excellence, such as the Bangla Academy Award in 1970 and Ekushey Padak in 1999. Assam University of India conferred him a honourary D Litt degree in 2012.
Azizul is currently enjoying his retirement, and lives in Rajshahi.
Meanwhile, Selina Hossain was a student of the Bangla department of Rajshahi University. She graduated in 1968, and later became the first female director of Bangla Academy.
Selina was awarded multiple awards for her literary work, such as: the Bangla Academy Award, Ekushey Padak, Swadhinata Padak, and Rabindra Smriti Padak.
Security bolstered
Additional members of the police, along with officials from different intelligence agencies, have been deployed on the Rajshahi University campus in an effort to bolster security.
University proctor Professor Lutfor Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune: “The presence of police and other law enforcing agencies has increased on the campus. The security will be boosted further. Two days before the arrival of the president, SSF will take complete charge of security.”
The registration for participating in the 10th convocation of Rajshahi University began on November 3 last year, and continued for December 10. The registration process was further extended on January 23 this year.
The registration was open to students who achieved their PhD, Masters, MBBS, BDS and DVM degrees between 2011 and 2014.
