Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; the Ministry of Water Resources; and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has said that the purpose of higher education should go beyond securing high salaries or lucrative benefits. She stressed that graduates must enter professional life with a deep sense of responsibility toward family, society, the nation, and nature.
She made the remarks while delivering the convocation address at the Second Convocation 2025 of Sonargaon University, held at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital.
The Adviser said national progress does not come automatically, but through values, responsibility, and changes in individual behavior. Congratulating the graduates, she expressed gratitude to teachers and parents, noting that parents’ sacrifices and unconditional love play a crucial role in students’ success.
Describing the shift from academic to professional life as a “defining moment,” Rizwana Hasan urged graduates to reflect on how they can contribute to the country and its people through their respective professions.
Highlighting environmental concerns, she said rivers, forests, and biodiversity are not human creations and therefore should not be destroyed in the name of development. The widespread use of plastic and polythene, she added, is not merely an environmental issue but a threat to the existence and security of future generations. She called on the youth to initiate change by reforming their own behavior rather than waiting for others.
On politics, she said it is not limited to partisan activities, but also encompasses human rights, government accountability, and civic responsibility. Calling for political awareness among young people, she emphasized national unity, dialogue, and tolerance over divisive politics. Referring to the July–August mass uprising, she said the youth’s sacrifice and resilience remain the key drivers of change.
Speaking as Chief Guest and Chair of the programme, Sharmeen S. Murshid, Adviser to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and the Ministry of Social Welfare, said men and women must advance equally and work together to build a democratic society.
The special guest was Professor Dr. Mesbahuddin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council. Others present included Sonargaon University Trustee Board Chairman and Founder Engineer Abdul Aziz; General Secretary and Founder Engineer Md. Abdul Alim; Executive Trustee Advocate Umme Salma; Trustee Board Adviser Azizul Bari (Shipu); L. Mir Abdul Alim; Vice-Chancellor Professor Shamim Ara Hasan; Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Bulbul Ahmed; Treasurer Professor Dr. Mohammad Ekramul Islam; along with deans, department heads, teachers, and students.
Graduates from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes from Spring 2021 to Summer 2025 participated in the convocation. This year, 96 meritorious students received gold medals, including 13 Chancellor’s Gold Medals and 83 Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medals. Prizes were also distributed through a lottery among participants of the university’s tree plantation programme.