Education Adviser Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar on Sunday noted that Bangladesh faces a new challenge—rebuilding the nation requires higher skills and quality education, saying teachers must ensure this while students must actively claim their right to it.
He made the remarks while addressing a discussion marking the 72nd founding anniversary of Rajshahi University at the Senate Building under the theme "Guiding the Nation and the World through Creativity, Research and Leadership."
“I firmly believe that the hardworking generation that defeated the brutal and audacious fascist force will succeed in this mission as well,” the adviser said.
Speaking to teachers at the event, the adviser said RU teacher Dr Shamsuzzoha set a standard for the teaching community, but that standard is now being lost.
“Our core responsibility is to educate. While we may hold political beliefs, we cannot bring the negative aspects of politics into educational institutions. We are here to nurture intellect and develop skilled human resources,” Rafiqul said.
He added: “But if we engage in factionalism and prioritize politics over merit, the change and nation-building we aspire to will remain unattainable.”
He urged teachers to be politically conscious citizens in independent Bangladesh, but without compromising the academic environment of the university.
Addressing students, he said: “You have achieved something remarkable, but you did so with the support of working people and the general public. From teachers to various sections of society, everyone stood by you.
“You must always remain committed to your core goals, and under no circumstances should you undermine the dignity of your teachers. You may have demands and grievances, but these should be resolved through discussion, not by causing public suffering.”
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Saleh Hasan Naqib said that to move the university forward, students and stakeholders must possess an inner urge that compels them to ask-- Is this enough?
He stressed the need for further improvement in research and teaching.
“Alongside our achievements, there have been failures in the university’s history—many of which stem from unhealthy political practices that persist even today,” he said.
“If not stopped in time, we will fall back into old patterns. Some may not like hearing this, but it is important to face reality,” he added.
Speaking about teacher recruitment, the vice-chancellor acknowledged the various shortcomings in the national education system but noted that the university still attracts some brilliant students.
“To increase this number, we need teachers who are free from political influence and genuinely committed to intellectual pursuits. Teacher recruitment is a crucial process, and currently, we are facing obstacles,” he said.
“The reasons are clear. If we carelessly stick to outdated policies, we will face further irregularities and crises,” he warned.
He called on students and all concerned to decide whether they want to move the university in the right direction or use it to serve group interests and expand political voter bases. “If we work together, a few individuals will not be able to block the process.”
Emeritus Professor Dr Azharul Islam Khan, delivering the keynote address, discussed the history, evolution and present context of Rajshahi University.
The event began with a flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by the release of balloons and doves in front of the university’s administration building to inaugurate the 72nd founding anniversary.
A joyous rally led by the vice-chancellor then paraded through key roads of the campus with participation from senior officials, teachers, students and staff.
