Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on Wednesday urged students to embrace hard work and perseverance as the only path to true success in life.

“There are no shortcuts in life. You must work hard—success will inevitably follow,” he said while addressing a reception at the International Mother Language Institute in the capital.

The event was organised by Greater Noakhali Welfare Samity, Dhaka, to honour meritorious students and distinguished personalities from the Greater Noakhali region.

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud attended the event as the main discussant.

Emphasising the need for holistic learning, Salehuddin noted that academic achievements alone are not enough. “Students must also learn from life experiences and spread the light of knowledge to others,” he said.

Wahiduddin highlighted the importance of preserving the Noakhali dialect for future generations and outlined several development initiatives for the region. These include the planned relaunch of train services to Noakhali and the introduction of a ferry service to Hatia within the next couple of months.

He clarified that there is currently no plan to construct an airport in Noakhali, but advocated for upgrading the Noakhali–Cumilla regional highway to a national highway for improved connectivity.

Addressing the students, he also stressed the need to harness their talents through diligence and commitment.

NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, also speaking at the event, called upon the youth to uphold national interests in all their endeavors and combine merit with persistent effort to achieve their goals.

The event concluded with both advisers distributing certificates among the honoured students.