Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) held its 26th convocation on 21 January, 2026 at the International Convention City Bashundhara, with 2,496 students receiving degrees from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Of the graduates, 2,140 completed undergraduate degrees, while 356 earned postgraduate degrees. Five students received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for outstanding academic performance, and one undergraduate student was awarded the All-Rounder Gold Medal for excellence in both academic and co-curricular activities.

Representing the President of Bangladesh and Chancellor of the university, degrees were conferred by Professor Dr C R Abrar, Adviser to the Ministry of Education. Renowned photographer, writer and human rights activist Dr Shahidul Alam delivered the convocation address, while University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr SMA Faiz attended as guest of honour.

Addressing the graduates, Professor Dr Abrar said democracy has real and lasting consequences for dignity, rights, justice and opportunity.

“Democracy does not sustain itself automatically. It depends on citizens who remain attentive, engaged and willing to act when democratic norms are threatened. Universities play a crucial role in nurturing this responsibility. A university is not merely a place for acquiring credentials; it is where judgement is formed, authority is questioned, and the difference between right and wrong is learned and tested,” he said.

In his convocation address, Dr Shahidul Alam urged graduates to look beyond personal success.

“You will receive your degrees today and succeed materially. Your parents will be proud. But your privileged lives will have little value unless you leave behind a fairer world — one where others also rightfully belong. I congratulate you on your degrees. Now go forth and make them work for humankind,” he said.

Professor Dr SMA Faiz said graduates were entering a fast-changing world full of new possibilities. “It is at this university that your minds were trained, your imagination broadened and your character shaped. While every citizen can distinguish between good and bad, the enlightened and educated can do so with greater clarity and responsibility,” he said.

Speaking at the event, IUB Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Didar A Husain acknowledged the role of faculty members and administrators in shaping the graduates. “Each member of the IUB family worked hard to help you blossom. Today, you are ready to face any challenge,” he said.

Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M Tamim said Bangladesh needs a new generation of problem-solvers. “Climate change, energy security, social injustice, poverty and economic instability cannot be addressed through routine thinking. They require curiosity, creativity, scientific rigour and global awareness. Despite differences, we must learn to live in harmony and peace,” he said.

Sajid Bin Mohammad, a marketing graduate and Chancellor’s Gold Medal recipient, was selected as the valedictorian. Other Chancellor’s Gold Medal recipients were Tasnuva Mahmood (Accounting), Asadullah Ibn Masood and Zahra Alam Liya (Environmental Science and Management), and Nazmoon Nahar (Pharmacy).

Ahmad Tousif Jami from the Department of Global Studies and Governance received the All-Rounder Gold Medal.

At the undergraduate level, awards for outstanding academic performance went to Tasfiah Akter Tanjel, Sami Rashid, Raiyan Ahmed, Sidratul Muntaha Ahana, Iqram Hossain Mahboob and Tahmeed Rezwan Shushmoy. Graduate-level awards were presented to Md Zubair Alam Emon, Farzana Islam, Tasmim Fahima Ahmad, Imran Jahan Digonto, Vincent Dip Gomes and Tamim Talha Redoy.

Students were also recognised for achievements in co-curricular activities. The Cultural Activities award went to Sk Salwa Sharara and Roshni Parvin, the Community Service award to Shahrukh Bin Hannan, and the Sports Activities award to Md Tipu Sultan and Maha Murshed.

The convocation concluded with a cultural programme featuring performances by Pritom Hasan, Boga Taleb, the IUB Music Club and the IUB Dance Club.