Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), one of the country’s leading institutions for agricultural education and research, marked its 66th founding anniversary on Tuesday (18 August) with various programmes.

The day began at the university helipad with the hoisting of the national flag and release of pigeons. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan inaugurated the programmes.

At 10am, a colourful rally was brought out from in front of the university’s administrative building, led by the vice chancellor. Teachers, students, officers and employees from different departments took part in the rally.

Following the opening ceremony, trees were planted in an area beside the helipad. Fish fry were later released into the Brahmaputra River near the vice chancellor’s residence.

Professor Dr Muhammad Shahidul Haque, president of the organising committee, said research projects require at least five years of continuous work to achieve success.

“Technologies that Bangladesh may need in the next 15 to 20 years should be identified now, and work should begin to develop them,” he said.

He said BAU has spent the past 65 years working on nutrition, food self-sufficiency and food security.

“The young generation should take this responsibility forward by using technologies developed by the university and working on new innovations,” he added.

Speaking as the chief guest, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr A K Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan said around 61,699 former BAU students are currently contributing to different fields at home and abroad.

He said international students who studied at the university are also making important contributions in their respective countries.

“BAU graduates are working successfully in the police, peacekeeping missions, administration, teaching, research and many other professions,” he said.

The vice chancellor stressed the need to connect BAU’s former students living across the country and around the world through a common platform.

He said the university’s achievements are the result of the sincere efforts of its teachers, researchers, officers and employees.

“This achievement is not the end, but a new beginning,” he said.

He called upon everyone to work with honesty and dedication from their respective positions to take Bangladesh Agricultural University forward while preserving its glory and heritage.