Academic degrees alone are no longer sufficient to remain competitive globally; competence, discipline and credibility are equally essential, said Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

He made the remarks while presiding over the 7th convocation of the State University of Bangladesh on Sunday, 21 December, at the university’s permanent campus in Purbachal New Town, Dhaka. This year’s convocation was dedicated to the memory of Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Bin Hadi.

Dr Asif Nazrul said that although Bangladesh has made notable individual-level progress over 54 years of independence, it has lagged behind in building strong and sustainable institutions. He noted that institutions such as the police, judiciary and civil administration were once on a progressive path, but their foundations have weakened over the past decade and a half, making effective governance more challenging.

Referring to post–Second World War Europe, he said sustainable national development depends on strong institutions. Countries that invested in institution-building advanced, while in Bangladesh, individuals and families were often prioritised over institutions, resulting in progress that failed to endure.

At the beginning of his address, Dr Asif Nazrul paid tribute to Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and prayed for the eternal peace of his soul. Representing the Chancellor and President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Mohammed Shahabuddin, he presided over the convocation ceremony.

The convocation speaker was SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. He said graduates today are courageous and adaptable, as learning is no longer confined to textbooks. With rapid technological advancement expanding the scope of education, he urged graduates to turn challenges into opportunities and contribute to nation-building guided by humanity and ethical values.

The welcome address was delivered by Md Akhter Hossain Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the State University of Bangladesh. Other speakers included A M Shamim, President of the SUB Board of Trustees; Md Mahbubur Rahman, Vice-President; and Nawzia Yasmin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, along with deans of various faculties.

At the convocation, 672 graduates from 10 departments received undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Three students were awarded the Chancellor’s Gold Medal, four received the Vice-Chancellor’s Silver Medal, and 20 students were honoured with the Dean’s Award.

Members of the Syndicate and Academic Council, faculty members and graduates participated in the traditional convocation procession earlier in the day. The ceremony concluded in the evening with a cultural programme.

Established in 2002, the State University of Bangladesh has produced more than 15,000 graduates through six previous convocations. The last convocation was held in 2022.