Speech of the Hon'ble President and Chancellor Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed at the first Convocation of the Atish Dipankar University of Science and Technology Venue: BCFCC Date: 22 December 2008 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology Professor Dr. Anwara Begum, Hon'ble Convocation Speaker Dr. SMA Faiz, Hon'ble Chairman of UGC Professor Nazrul Islam, Distinguished guests, Dear Graduating students, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum and a very good morning. It gives me immense pleasure to be present amongst you at the first Convocation of Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology. On this solemn occasion, I extend my sincere thanks and felicitations to the graduating students, their parents as well as the university authority or their splendid and collective efforts to make this event a reality. Ladies and Gentlemen, As we all know that Atish Dipankar Srijnan, one of the greatest scholars of the ancient Bengal, had elevated this region to a great height by spreading knowledge and wisdom during early tenth century. We feel proud that the name of ADUST has taken after the name of this noble soul, who was born in Vikrampur area of Dhaka. I call upon our erudite researchers, historians and inquisitive readers to come forward to unveil the unearth life and works of this great man so that the new generation can cherish his portrait for a long. Distinguished guests, The whole nation is marching towards the upcoming general election. I am happy to see that the Government and the Election Commission have taken all out efforts to hold a free, fair and credible election. I call upon all concerned to extend their full cooperation in this regard. I am hopeful, Insallah we will achieve our desired goal. Ladies and Gentlemen, In the age of globalization, quality education is of the essence of the time to face the emerging challenges of the 21st century. I believe all Universities both private and public would take appropriate measures including state-of-the-art curricula, congenial atmosphere etc. so that the students of tertiary level could make them worthy enough. Dear Graduating Students, I am very glad to see your glory that you have all been made from this Alma Mater-The ADUST. I congratulate you all on your brilliant success. I hope you have completed a chapter and are going to start a new journey which is competitive and challenging. I am confident that you are now capable enough to face the challenges and ready to shoulder the responsibilities of the nation. In your onward journey, I hope, you must uphold the truth and justice at every sphere of your life keeping national interest above. I pray to the Almighty Allah for your bright future and wish you a great success. Finally, I would like to conclude my speech with a remark of great thinker Hiram Powers I quote �Educate the heart. Let us have good men� Unquote. With these few words, Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank all of you once again and wish a prosperous future. Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad. Speech of the Hon�ble President Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed at the graduation ceremony of National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course-2008 Venue: Mirpur Hall, Mirpur Cantonment Date: 03 December 2008 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Commandant, National Defence College, Hon�ble Advisers, Chiefs of Services, Excellencies, Faculty and Course Members of NDC and AFWC, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum and good morning. I am delighted to be present at this esteemed Graduation Ceremony of the National Defence Course and Armed Forces War Course-2008 of National Defence College, Bangladesh. On this auspicious occasion, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Graduating Officers, Commandant, and Faculty of National Defence College for making this event a reality. You all know that the month of December has a great significance in our national life as we have achieved our long-cherished Victory in this month. Therefore, at the very outset, I pay my deep homage to the unfading memory of the valiant freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices in achieving our Independence in 1971. Ladies and Gentlemen, With the passage of time, National Defence College, Bangladesh has emerged as a leading national institution and a Centre of Excellence in the country for imparting quality education. It has earned reputation at a great height both at national and international arena through its excellence. I wish the institution a continued success in the days to come. Dear graduating course members, I heartily congratulate the graduating Course Members of both NDC and AFWC. I believe that the courses you have done in this institution would surely enrich your knowledge and professionalism. I urge upon you to utilize the knowledge that you have gained from this course for the enhancement of the security and development of the nation. I wish your continued success. Dear overseas course members, I am privileged to congratulate each one of you on this momentous occasion. As a good-will ambassador, I believe, the cordial relations among Bangladesh and your country would be further strengthened and deepened through you. I personally extend my sincere appreciation to the Governments of 11 different countries for sending their officers to this institution. I also extend my thanks and gratitude to the Government of India, Malaysia, Turkey, Philippines and Japan for hosting overseas study tours of the college. Ladies and Gentlemen, As we all know that the country is on the highway to the upcoming General Election. I call upon all concerned to extend their whole-hearted cooperation in this regard. With these few words, Ladies and Gentlemen, I sincerely wish and pray for continued happiness, prosperity and bright future of the Graduates and further excellence of the National Defence College, Bangladesh. Thank you, once again. Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad. Speech of the Hon'ble President Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed during the visit of Faculty and Course members of National Defence College (NDC) at Bangabhaban Venue: Bangabhaban Date: 30 November 2008 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Dear Commandant, Faculty and Course Members of NDC, Bangladesh, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum and good morning. I am very pleased to see you here at Bangabhaban and I welcome you all. It gives me immense pleasure to know that National Defence Course (NDC) and Armed Forces War Course (AFWC) 2008 are at the point of completion. I congratulate you all and convey my heartfelt felicitations to the Course Members of NDC and AFWC from eleven friendly countries including two lady officers. I hope these two courses would provide you a unique opportunity to enrich your knowledge and experience in the respective fields. Dear Course Members, I believe you all would be able to play an effective role in your profession with distinction and would set examples for others to emulate. I wish you all further progress and prosperity in your professional life and beyond. To end, I congratulate the Commandant, the Faculty and Staff of the College for running the course effectively. I once again congratulate all Course Members on their great feat on the verge of achievement. Thank you all. Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad. Speech of the Hon�ble President Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed at the 18th convocation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh Venue: BCFCC Date: 26 November 2008 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Respected President of ICAB Mr. Humayun Kabir, Hon�ble Convocation Speaker Professor Hafiz G. A. Siddiqi, Distinguished Council members and the Faculty of the ICAB, Dear newly qualified Chartered Accountants, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum. I am very happy to be here with you to celebrate the 18th Convocation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB). On this auspicious occasion, I extend my sincere felicitations to the newly qualified Chartered Accountants and the erudite Faculty of this institution. It is a matter of satisfaction that the ICAB has been playing a pivotal role in making accountancy professionalism in the country since its inception in 1973. Ladies and Gentlemen, We know that the role of Chartered Accountants is of paramount importance in bringing financial transparency and accountability in both private and public sectors. The financial statements that are prepared by the Chartered Accountants make immense contributions to prepare budgetary documents and help in decision making process. I believe a Chartered Accountant with his professional skill and expertise can render services to the nation in strengthening discipline in the financial matters. I am happy to know that the ICAB is dedicated to impart quality and time-worthy education to the CA Students with a view to creating responsible accountancy profession in Bangladesh. I appreciate their efforts. Dear qualified Chartered Accountants, I heartily congratulate the newly qualified Chartered Accountants on their brilliant achievement through this convocation. I urge you all to keep up the confidence and trust of the people bestowed upon you and put your expertise in your professional arena keeping national interest above. I wish you all a bright and prosperous future. May the Almighty be with us. Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad. Speech of the Hon'ble President and Chancellor Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed at the 3rd Convocation of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology Venue: BCFCC Date: 09 November 2008. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. M. Anwar Hossain, Hon'ble Convocation Speaker Justice ATM Afzal, Learned Faculties, Distinguished Guests, Dear Graduating Students, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum. It is my great pleasure to be here with you to share the celebration of 3rd convocation of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology. On this memorable occasion, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and felicitations to the graduating students, their parents and the university authority as well. Ladies and Gentlemen, We are living in a fast changing world which has exposed us both challenges and opportunities. In an era of globalization, the learning of science and technological education is of paramount importance to meet the demand of the 21st century. In this context, universities have to provide modern curricula and congenial atmosphere to impart quality education. I believe Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology would further extend its excellence in higher education of international standard in future. We know that the whole nation is now marching towards holding the General Election and also eagerly waiting for welcoming the newly elected government by December this year. I call upon all concerned to extend their full co-operations in this regard. Dear Graduating Students, I am very glad to see your glory and congratulate you on the successful completion of your term from this Alma Mater. I hope you are capable enough to shoulder the responsibilities for developing our country in diverse fields. I believe your sincere efforts, honest persuasion and social commitment would surely help in building a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. Remember, you must uphold the truth and justice at every sphere of your life keeping national interest above. I pray to the Almighty Allah for your bright future and wish you a great success. To conclude, I once again extend my sincere thanks to all and wishing you a prosperous future. Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad. Speech of the Hon'ble President Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed at the inaugural ceremony of the 4th SAARC Psychiatric Federation Conference and 4th International Conference on Psychiatry Venue: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel Date: 1 November 2008. Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Respected President of the Organising Committee Prof. A K M Nazimuddowla Chowdhury, Learned Participants from home and abroad, Members of the Psychiatric Federation Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum and good evening. I am delighted to be here with you in this august gathering on the occasion of 4th SAARC Psychiatric Federation Conference and 4th International Conference on Psychiatry in Dhaka. I congratulate the organizers for holding this international conference in Bangladesh. I believe the theme of this conference "Mental Health in South East Asia - Challenges and Strategies" is a timely response. I am confident, this conference would usher a horizon to address the mental health problem in Bangladesh as well as in South East Asia. I also extend my sincere thanks to the overseas participants and wish them a pleasant stay in Dhaka. Ladies and Gentlemen, As we all know that mental health is an important element and integral part of sound health system that plays significant role in normal functioning of human life. Mental disorders create tremendous sufferings among individual, family and society as well. I have been informed that about 16 % of adult population of our country is suffering from various mental diseases. It is also learned that several socio-economic phenomena such as poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, unemployment, tension and anxieties are major reasons for increasing the magnitude of mental health problems. Distinguished Participants, It a matter of satisfaction that the Government of Bangladesh has taken this issue with great importance and established the �National Institute of Mental Health� in Dhaka. I believe building mass awareness on mental health would definitely reduce the magnitude of this issue. I hope all concerned including government and non-government organizations would come forward to address this important issue for the sake of the nation. I believe with the spirit of SAARC, the Psychiatric Federation has ample opportunities to contribute to the people on mental health in this region. I hope the bonds of friendship and fraternity among the people of this region would be further strengthened through this conference. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am confident that this international conference on mental health would provide an excellent opportunity to exchange views and experiences among the participants from home and abroad. I am sure, scientific discussions and deliberations in this conference would help to take necessary steps in developing mental health in Bangladesh and South East Asia. To conclude, I thank you all once again and declare the 4th SAARC Psychiatric Federation Conference and 4th International Conference on Psychiatry Open. Allah Hafez, Bangaldesh Zindabad. Speech of the Hon'ble President and Chancellor Professor Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed at the first Convocation of Manarat International University Venue: BCFCC Date: 31 August 2008 Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim Hon�ble Vice-Chancellor of Manarat International University Professor Abdur Rob, Hon�ble Convocation Speaker Prof. SMA Faiz, Janab Shah Abdul Hannan, Chairman of Manarat Trust, Erudite Deans and members of the faculties, Distinguished Guests, Dear Graduating Students, Ladies and Gentlemen, Assalamu Alaikum. It gives me immense pleasure to have this opportunity to join all of you and to share this delightful moment with you. On this joyous occasion of the 1st convocation of Manarat International University, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and felicitations to the graduating students, their proud guardians, Faculties as well as the whole family of Manarat University for their splendid endeavour in making this event elegant and a reality. Dear graduates, It�s a day for you, a day for your celebration, a day for the recognition of your achievements. It�s a day for which you have been working hard so long and you know that your efforts have all been fruitful. I congratulate you on your success from the very core of my heart. Your degree is an immensely important milestone in your life as well as in the society. You must remember that the society, the nation as well as parents have extended their all-out cooperation to bring you up to this stage. Now it is your turn to lead the nation and to transform the country into a happy and prosperous one. I urge you to serve our dearest country with utmost devotion, sincerity and honesty. Ladies and Gentlemen, Bangladesh is a small country with immense potentials. Its huge population, boundless natural beauties, rich archaeological sites, cultural and ethnic diversities as well as the forbearance and communal harmony among the people of different creeds in our country are invaluable properties and the sources of our inspiration and pride. But we are yet to fully utilize our resources and strengths. The huge population we have can be a blessing for us if we can educate them and make them skilled. You know the development and progress of a nation mainly depend on its educated young generation. Therefore, our attention should be focused on the proper nourishment of the youth. Ladies and Gentlemen, As the cradle of wisdom, the universities have great role to play in cultivating intellect, academic spirit, and also imparting quality education with a view to building a knowledge-based society. In an age of globalization, these institutions need to provide market and need-based education so that our students can face the global challenges confidently & successfully. I hope that Manarat International University would play its due role in imparting quality education and would expand their humanitarian activities for deserving students. Dear valued graduates, You are going to start a new journey in your life. This journey is not so smooth rather it is full of hazards and turmoil. You have to overcome this situation by using your trusted knowledge, wisdom and professionalism. I fervently hope that you will demonstrate the highest degree of personal honesty and integrity, social responsibility and commitment for the betterment of the country. Remember, University education is not the mark of closing rather it is just beginning. The vast ocean of learning is beckoning you and you can gather the precious assets of wisdom by devoting yourself in the galaxy of knowledge. In this connection, I would like to recall the significant quotation of great English Mathematician and Scientist Sir Isaac Newton, �I do not know what I may appear to the world, but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me�. Like Sir Isaac Newton and other venerable great men of the world, we have to engage ourselves in quest of knowledge, which would lead us to the right direction. With this knowledge and innovative efforts let us work unitedly for building a happy and prosperous Bangladesh. Ladies and Gentlemen, I congratulate you all once again and wish the bright future of the graduates. May the Almighty Allah bestow His infinite blessing upon us . Allah Hafez, Bangladesh Zindabad.