DHAKA, June 30, (v7n): Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that following the recent restoration of democracy in Bangladesh, the nation's next major challenge is its consolidation, a process in which Dhaka University (DU) must play a critical role.
In a message issued ahead of the 105th Dhaka University Day, the Prime Minister extended congratulations to the university's students, faculty, alumni, and guardians. He highlighted DU's historical legacy, noting that its students have consistently anchored the nation's defining democratic struggles, including the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 anti-autocracy movement, and the July 2024 student-public uprising. He praised this year’s anniversary theme—"Restoration of Democracy and Dhaka University in Higher Education"—as highly fitting for the country's current transition.
Looking toward future challenges, the Premier urged the university to modernize its curriculum to match the demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation brought by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He recommended incorporating advanced technical fields into academic tracks, including cybersecurity, programming, digital entrepreneurship, quantum computing, nanotechnology, and 5G technologies.
To bridge the gap between graduation and employment, the Prime Minister emphasized shifting focus from paper certificates to skill-based, practical learning. He called for tighter integration between academia and manufacturing sectors through structured internships, apprenticeships, and joint industry projects, underscoring that universities should train youth to become job creators rather than job seekers.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed that academic appointments must be strictly merit-based to cultivate a robust research culture capable of competing globally. He urged DU's international and domestic alumni networks to actively sponsor campus innovation and research funds. Concluding his message, he advised the integration of sports and creative arts into campus life, recommending that students master a third language alongside Bangla and English while remaining conscious of mental health, social inclusion, and climate protection.
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