National University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah has called for safer and more supportive campuses for female students, saying child marriage, violence and social barriers force many girls to drop out before reaching higher education.

He made the remarks as chief guest at the inauguration of the Habiganj district round of the National University Inter-College Cultural and Debate Competition 2026 at Habiganj Government Women’s College on Monday (14 September), according to a press release.

Amanullah said society had yet to create enough safe spaces for girls and women. Educational institutions, families and society must share responsibility for changing this situation, he added.

He said National University was continuing cultural and sports competitions nationwide as part of the government’s “Learning with Happiness” programme.

“The central aim of this programme is to create opportunities for students to learn in a joyful, humane and safe environment. Alongside classroom learning, cultural activities, debates, sports and creative pursuits must help students become confident and skilled,” he said.

Amanullah also called for greater participation of female students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Education must be connected to the needs of future workplaces and industry, he said, adding that National University had initiated plans for major curriculum changes from 2028.

“The new curriculum will strengthen links between education, industry and the workplace. Female students must be equally involved in this transition,” he said.

He stressed that affiliated colleges should provide an environment where students could enjoy learning, develop their talents and prepare for future challenges.

Cultural and debate competitions play an important role in developing leadership, reasoning, creativity and patriotism among students, he added.

Habiganj Government Women’s College Principal Professor Mohammad Abdul Majid chaired the ceremony.

Attendees included the college’s former principal Professor Jahan Ara Khatun, National University Director of Physical Education and Cultural Affairs Mohammad Shafiul Karim, and former Brindaban Government College principal Professor Md Ilias Bakht Chowdhury.

National University teachers and officials, college teachers, students and other guests also attended. The opening programme drew enthusiastic participation from students.