President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for improving the quality of education at the University of Dhaka (DU) to elevate the institution to the ranks of the world’s leading universities.

He made the remarks today when a DU delegation led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban, according to President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam.

The President said DU is not only the country’s premier institution of higher learning but also a centre of Bangladesh’s politics, history, heritage and culture.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening democracy, saying it develops gradually through regular practice. Free, fair and impartial elections are essential for this process, he said.

He added that adequate space should be provided to opposition parties and political rivals to make democracy effective.

During the meeting, the vice-chancellor congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming the presidency and briefed him on the university’s academic activities.

He also formally invited the President, in his capacity as Chancellor, to attend DU’s upcoming 54th convocation. The President accepted the invitation and assured the delegation of his presence.

The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, along with DU’s Pro-Vice-Chancellors and Treasurer, were present at the meeting.