BDRunner, Feb 11: – The great beauty of the university is tolerating dissent. Holding dissent, respecting dissent, and protecting the right to dissent are great achievements in life. The first task of a human being is to create a sense of empathy. Despite dissent, we should be able to sit on both sides of the same table. In libraries and book fairs, dissent, books by dissenting authors are side by side. But no one is speaking against anyone. The education of tolerating dissent and a sense of empathy for each other are our greatest achievements as humans. If we can tolerate dissent, we can think freely. If we do not do this, discrimination is created in society. People have been living in this country for a long time with different identities. The country is a pluralistic society. We have to accept pluralism. If we can tolerate dissent, we will be able to occupy a position of dignity. Ali Riaz, Distinguished Professor of Illinois State University, USA, and Head of the Constitutional Reforms Commission said this as the orientation speaker of the orientation program for the 2023-24 academic year of Pabna University of Science and Technology on Tuesday.
The program was chaired by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology, Professor Dr. S. S. Abdul Awal. Other speakers included Maulana Bhashani University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Azim Akhand, Islamic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Naqib Mohammad Nasrullah, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. A. Abdur Razzak. Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology, Md. Nazrul Islam, delivered the welcome speech. The program began with the national anthem. Then, readings were made from the holy scriptures. A minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs of July-August and prayers were offered for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyrs.
Addressing the students, Professor Ali Riaz said, “University is a place to challenge conventional knowledge. Teachers will provide clues. Apart from the institution, you will learn from friends, relatives and surroundings outside the four walls. First of all, do not reject or accept anything. In addition to acquiring conventional knowledge, you will acquire knowledge from the environment, from society, from deprived people. Over the past 54 years, people have achieved a lot on their own initiative. As a result, society has progressed. 2024 is saying, you can. You have to maintain this commitment. Your commitment will be one of compassion. You will create a place of equality. It is the responsibility of the beneficiaries to work for the disadvantaged. There should be no discrimination against them. You have to be compassionate towards them. The structure of discrimination should be reduced through knowledge of behavior. You have to create a sense of compassion for everyone. Your knowledge should be technical. Many people work behind the scenes in your success. With whose contribution you have come this far; you will take forward that family, society, and state. The new Bangladesh is the fruit of the talent, hard work, sincerity, cooperation, and movement of the brave martyrs who have started a new chapter. I feel this was necessary. If you do not acknowledge their contribution, it will be a celebration of the individual.
Professor Ali Riaz also said, the world is changing every day. To survive in the competition, you have to survive with the power of talent and knowledge. Your knowledge must be practical. If you do not create food for new thoughts, society does not bring positive results for the state. The predecessors left the world for us, we are leaving it for you – to pass it on to your successors. The life and nature of the world must be protected. If there is injustice somewhere, the voice should be clear. There needs to be a protest against injustice. Small injustices become big one day. Injustice destroys society. Be vocal against injustice. Creative people become wealthy. Culture will be practiced everywhere.
Maulana Bhashani University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Dr. Md. Anwarul Azim Akhand said, those who will advance in science and technology will conquer the world. Students’ innovative power should be used for the benefit of the country. Knowledge should be created, preserved and distributed.
Islamic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Naqib Mohammad Nasrullah said, the mother of knowledge is the university. You will study, learn, think, create and above all distribute knowledge.
In the speech of the President, Honorable Vice-Chancellor Professor SM Abdul Awal remembered the martyrs and injured in July-August with respect. Addressing the students, he said, company is very important in university life. At this time, one can prepare oneself as many people go into danger. However, we will give utmost importance to our students by providing them with the best educational environment and facilities to develop them into skilled graduates. We will provide a fair environment for education including labs and training. Our teachers will try their best to ensure that this golden time is spent well. We will develop this university as a center of excellence with our limited resources.
In addition, Treasurer Professor Dr. Shamim Ahsan, Deans of various faculties, Proctors, Director of Student Advisory Office, Hall Provost and new students also spoke. At the beginning of the meeting, Registrar Bijan Kumar Brahma presented crests to the guests. The program was hosted by Professor Humayun Kabir and Saymunnahar Ritu.
A cultural program was organized in the afternoon.
11.02.24
