This is the first convocation of my life: President at IUB’s 27th Convocation

ملخص مفصل

IUB held its 27th Convocation on November 9, 2026, conferring degrees upon 2,067 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) held its 27th Convocation on November 9, 2026, conferring degrees upon 2,067 undergraduate and postgraduate students at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal.

The President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and Chancellor of IUB, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, presided over the 27th Convocation. He said that Bangladesh’s education system had long been divided into multiple streams, resulting in significant disparities in access, quality, and acquired skills. He stressed the urgent need to address these inequalities by developing an integrated national education system that brings the different streams together. He also emphasised the importance of raising educational standards to international levels to remain globally competitive, while staying firmly connected to the country’s history, language, literature, culture, and heritage.

The President further stressed the need to align higher education more closely with labour market demands. He urged universities to develop and implement relevant, employment-oriented, and skills-based curricula, with greater emphasis on practical and technical education, real-world experience, and technological skills. He said young people should be prepared not merely as jobseekers, but as skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and job creators.

He also shared a personal reflection, saying the occasion was particularly special to him not only because he was attending as Chancellor, but also because it was the first convocation of his life. Although he earned his master’s degree in economics from Dhaka University in 1969, he never had the opportunity to attend a convocation ceremony.

Speaking as the special guest, Bangladesh University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Dr Mamun Ahmed described the country's millions of young people as its greatest strength. He said their energy, determination, and capacity for innovation would be instrumental in building Bangladesh's future.

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