5th Convocation

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid, MP, Honorable Education Minister, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. Md. Sabur Khan, Distinguished Chairman, Board of Trustees, Daffodil International University, Professor Dr. Yousuf Mahbubul Islam, Vice-Chancellor, DIU, learned faculty members, distinguished academicians, a galaxy of luminaries on and off the dais, parents, ladies, and gentlemen and the last but not the least, the stars of today’s celebration, the graduates.

Assalamualikum and a very Good morning to everyone present here.

It is indeed a great honor for me to be standing here before such a distinguished gathering. I am, indeed, overwhelmed by seeing this congregation of young people in the young institution of a young nation who will be going out to serve the world with the knowledge they have acquired here.

Dear Guests,

It gives me great pleasure to be present with all of you in this hall as well as those who will be watching the broadcast of this convocation. My heartiest congratulations to all the graduates for completing their 4 years of hard work with perseverance. Congratulations are also due  to parents and guardians for the sacrifices they have made for their children and to DIU Faculty members for transforming these students into productive manpower successfully.

Respected Gathering,

Students all over the world wait for this grand day – the day of graduation – the day of Convocation, a day of recognition. This day is important for the University and the students as well. On this day, the University feels proud, seeing the young boys and girls coming out in flying colors with Degrees and Diplomas in their hands to begin a new journey. Graduation is both a concept and a process. It is a concept because in real life every day you graduate while graduation as a process goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you definitely will make a difference.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The very name Daffodil reminds me of the immortal lines of Wordsworth, where he finds thousands of golden Daffodils dancing in the breeze, tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they remain constant, and outdid the sparkling waves in glee. I see here thousands of young men and women as beautiful as the golden Daffodils waiting to receive their Degrees.

Distinguished Audience,

The chronology of DIU has been characterized by a number of exciting developments, a few of which I would like to acknowledge briefly: I am happy to learn that Daffodil International University is a technology focused university that creates IT skilled graduates. Its increasing number of collaboration, internationalization and globalization, participation at international events, students’ summer programs, hosting of international events, enrolment of a large number of foreign students in the university, a good number of faculty members leaving for higher studies, a focus on entrepreneurship, establishing a full-fledged department of Entrepreneurship, setting up venture capital, business incubator and startup market, emphasis on Industry-Academia attachments and public-private collaboration, meeting up Corporate Social Responsibilities and Academic Social Responsibilities, implementing project fair, helicam, solar car alongside many funded research projects, social media focus, etc., give a sense that DIU is paving its way to be a truly International University.

Extensive Infrastructural development in the spacious, green permanent campus as well as an in-city campus; focus on Clubs, Rovers, sports and extra-curricular activities and a large number of DIU Alumni spreading home and abroad - are noteworthy. I am happy to hear that DIU has conferred an Honorary D.Litt, first in Bangladesh, among private universities. It gives me pleasure to know that, DIU has intimate collaboration with some renowned Malaysian Universities, including UniMAP and I see that DIU is going well and is in the right track!

Dear Graduates,

Your country is developing rapidly. So, after graduation, you must contribute to the development of the nation. As I understand, you have come from various walks of life across the country. So you should go back to your locality and look for opportunities to contribute. It is your duty to guide juniors in the village to get a good degree and become contributors together with you. There are many people who do not have an opportunity to get a good education. Think of what you can do for them! As DIU students, you should become models for your juniors and promote your Alma Mater. As your supreme responsibility, you have to continue to  transform  Bangladesh into a developed nation.

Revered Guests,

With its present population of 30 million, Malaysia’s economic growth since Independence in 1957 has been impressive. It is one of the fastest growing economics of the world. It has made great strides in improving the quality of life of its people as well as making advances in the areas of education, health, infrastructure and industry. It is evident that Malaysia has made a major shift from an agrarian to an industrial economy using its internal skills, education and resources. The onset of globalization, combined with the technological revolution, especially in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has given rise to the knowledge economy, which needs an educated, highly skilled workforce. A large contingent of Bangladeshi workforce is contributing to Malaysian economy;  you will also find many students pursuing their higher education in Malaysia. It symbolizes intimate relationship between Bangladesh and Malaysia. Students of DIU should continue searching for opportunities in Malaysia, and my country will be happy to promote the skills of DIU students as before.

Beloved Graduates,

I am sure you are looking forward to the years to come. I would like to wish you all success in your respective careers. As professionals, challenge yourself to function efficiently, communicate effectively, be a good team player and provide your services professionally and with civility and humility. The ability to respond well in rough and tough situations is the hallmark of a good professional. I wish to remind you that the next stages of your lives will be equally challenging and demanding; sometimes even more so. Never forget to pay back to society and meet up your social responsibilities and keeping your morality intact. Never forget your Alma Mater. You have to learn the art of giving. Charity is an important principle in every religion. You must be prepared to accept these challenges and remain determined as you pursue your quest to become qualified and highly skilled professionals and contribute to transforming  Bangladesh into a land of prosperity. Stay focused and be determined, be prepared for a rough ride.

Dear all,

I request you to look to the education system of Malaysia and take advantage of lessons learnt there. Malaysia is initiating many approaches in order to keep up with the changing world and current needs which will generate a well-structured development of higher education. The government has also clearly outlined the strategic thrusts in the National Higher Education Strategic Plan to make Malaysia an international centre of educational excellence by 2020. Malaysian Government provides 60% of the tertiary education, with the Private Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) providing 40%. Upon successful completion of 11 years of free education, further education is no longer automatic but is subject to the individual’s academic performance and financial capability. These upper school graduates (i.e., SPM leavers) can opt to continue their education in post-secondary schools to obtain a pre-university qualification (such as the Sixth Form or Matriculation programme, GCE'A7 levels) or further their education at tertiary or higher institutions. Students in Malaysia can choose to study either in locally-run programmes, twinning academic programmes, and vocational, technical or skills training. I believe Malaysian Government will be happy to support Bangladeshi educational development upon specific proposals.

Dear Graduates,

As young graduates you are about to embark on your own extraordinary journey and create your own life adventures. I congratulate you for the hard work, that you underwent for this achievement. This day will continue to remain as a significant milestone in your life’s journey. From now onwards you will be entering a new world of competition. You must know for sure that the competition will not end until you feel confident of meeting uncertainties and challenges and face those with a positive attitude.

You will find, life is a mysterious maze which is filled with many twists and turns, with crossroads and many dead ends. You must try to enjoy the journey at every point. The world is filled with people eager to tell you that your dreams are impossible. Their negativity can kill your enthusiasm. There will inevitably be many downs – the downs are only there to spur you to greater spirit and speed. You will, by the Grace of the Creator succeed.

While going forward, I would like you to take a pause and to look around. Never ever forget the millions looking at you. Spare a thought for those - not as privileged as you. You must thank your parents, who toiled so hard and made sacrifices to help you become what you are today. You must be thankful to the Almighty for giving you the opportunity to be in a better place. Think about a child who has not been as fortunate as you are. Think about the parents of the poor. It is your responsibility to ensure that the world is as much his or hers as much as yours. You need to bring the full power of your intelligence, wisdom and knowledge to improve the life of everyone on this earth. It is not impossible. This is your dream. Go out in to the real world and do it.

Last but not the least, you always will be remembered for caring enough, for helping someone, for making someone feel special and appreciated for being the kind. I have no doubt that you will get the very best in life.

I wish you a great future ahead and I thank you for listening to me very patiently.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim, In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Education, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; His Royal Highness Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, The Crown Prince of Perlis, Honorable Chancellor of UniMAP, Malaysia and the Convocation Speaker of this Convocation; Brigadier General Datuk Professor Emeritus Dr. Kamarudin Hussin, Honorable Vice Chancellor, University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Malaysia; Dedi Zefrizal, ST, Honorable CEO, Universitas Ubudiyah Indonesia; Marniati, SE, M.Kes, Honorable Rector,  Universitas Ubudiyah Indonesia; Professor Dr. Yousuf Mahbubul Islam, Honorable Vice-Chancellor, DIU; distinguished academicians; respected parents; honorable guests; dear graduates and  ladies and gentlemen.

As-Salamu-Alaiqum and a very ‘Good morning’ to you all. I welcome you to our beautiful campus in Ashulia and express my gratefulness to all of you for being with us on this memorable day. It is indeed an unforgettable occasion for us because, on this auspicious day, students who have worked hard for years are harvesting the fruits of their labor. On behalf of the University community and on my own behalf, I congratulate our graduates on the realization of the objectives they set for themselves.

Distinguished audience

My heart is filled up with gratitude to Allah when I look back upon the days we started building this university. From a humble beginning with 68 students in 2002, we at present, have an enrolment of over 15,000 students. We not only have grown in terms of number of students, but also opened new departments in keeping with the needs for diversification in today’s world. We, therefore, have introduced specialized courses in areas of knowledge such as Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Real Estate, Software Engineering, Nutrition and Food Engineering, Environmental Science, Disaster Management, Multimedia & Creative Technology, Public Health, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, etc.

We have not only opened new frontiers of knowledge for our students, we are also constantly trying to ensure the quality of education through a rigorous control of academic affairs through an internal Quality Assessment System. A project named ‘Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)’ under the UGC/ World Bank initiatives has been formed and is working to enhance the quality of education at DIU. An initiative has also been taken under Internationalization Strategies Advisory Service (ISAS) of IAU to make DIU truly international. We have also established academic exchange programs with a number of universities in many different countries of the world. We have affiliations with Kauffman Foundation, ACBSP, NAFSA, AUPF, IIE, EAIE, IAU, AUAP, IAUP, ALA, UNAI, ESRUC, IEEE, ISTQB, ATIFTAF, ACE, APUCEN, ACU, among others. DIU has become a truly international university because we have had students from the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe and America. Currently more than 200 foreign students are studying at DIU. I am very proud indeed that 44 foreign students are graduating in different fields of learning from DIU today.  We also have international research collaboration with Uppsala University, Sweden, University Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Cloud Computing, USA, BBC Media Action, Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, American Center, British Council, IBM, WHO, KOHA, INASP and UNICEF.

Our students have been involved in significant projects like helicam and solar car. In order to obtain venture capital and promote entrepreneurship among students, we have established a business incubator and linked our students with such activities as business startup, social business club, startup market and jobsbd.com – with a view to making them job creators, not job seekers. We have  produced more than 1000 young entrepreneurs who have created approximately 5000 job places so far.

Revered Guests,

The university is focused on holistic development of the students to make them worthy citizens not only of the country but also of the world. We are determined to provide our students with the best infrastructural facilities and quality of education. In order to implement the old maxim, “A sound mind in a sound body”, we provide excellent indoor games and sports facilities at our campus. Our outdoor games and sports provisions at this permanent campus are huge, open and enjoyable in a lush green environment.

We also have recruited the most outstanding and renowned faculty of the country in all departments, who have mentored the graduates present here today to receive the honor they rightfully deserve.

During their study at DIU, we not only have exposed them to various branches of knowledge, but also equipped them with appropriate training to apply such knowledge to the world of work. For its excellence, DIU has been awarded WITSA 2014 Global ICT Excellence Award, Asia’s Best Business School Award, World Education Congress Global Award and Asia's most inspiring Nation Builder.

Award and Prime Minister’s Award.

DIU has proved its strength by hosting many important national and international events like ACM ICPC Programming Contest, XI Asian-Pacific Astronomy Olympiad (APAO), International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT), and International Conference on Higher Education.

I am confident that DIU will continue to provide leadership in our search for sustainable, long-term, and equitable economic growth that creates jobs, reduces poverty, eliminates hunger, and raises the standard of living of our people, including the most vulnerable sectors and marginalized social groups.

My Dear Friends!

And by “Friends” I mean you all.  I would like you to recall what you have already experienced today in this lush-green, beautiful permanent campus of DIU. This 6000-seat multipurpose convention center cum indoor sports complex is surrounded by important and useful infrastructures that are getting equipped as an International Guest House, Students Halls, dormitories, English language Lab, Digital Classrooms, Medical center, international standard football, and cricket ground, basketball court, tennis court, golf drive, swimming pool, ICT center, etc. in order to transform this seat of learning as an International Centre for Excellence in Higher Education.

Very humbly, I would like to let you know that I feel delighted and proud when I am praised in and outside Bangladesh about the quality of education we provide at DIU. We have been able to achieve all our laurels through embracing so many new ideas. They include building a huge network of universities and relevant organizations all over the world, continuous exchange of students and faculty, inviting scientists, scholars, writers, educationists of international repute, Continued Professional Development (CPD) of all involved with the delivery of education at DIU. Many of our faculty members are pursuing Ph.D. degrees to add to the already existing body of renowned academicians, researchers and faculty.

With more than 200 MoUs, MoAs, and other relevant protocols all around the globe, we are the only university in Bangladesh that can claim to have the highest number of international linkages. We wish to become an international center for excellence in education.

Dear Graduates,

As young graduates you are about to embark on your own extraordinary journey and create your own life adventures. I congratulate you on the success you have achieved by dint of your hard labor. This day will remain as a significant event in your life. From now on, you will be entering a new phase of life. But I am hopeful that you will be able to face all challenges with courage and eventually succeed. May Allah help you in all your endeavors!

Thank You.

Thank you all.

In the name of the Almighty, the Most Merciful and Beneficent, I begin!

Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid, MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Education, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Chairman of the 5th Convocation Ceremony of Daffodil International University. Honorable Convocation Speaker, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, Honorable Chancellor, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Honorable Vice Chancellor UniMAP, Datuk Prof. Emeritus Dr. Kamarudin Hussin, Honorable CEO, Universitas Ubudiyah, Indonesia, Dedi Zefrizal, ST,  Honorable Rector, Universitas Ubudiyah Indonesia, Marniati, SE, M.Kes, distinguished guests from Perlis, Honorable Members of Parliament, Honorable members of UGC, Heads and representatives of Diplomatic Missions, Vice Chancellors, Chairman of Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University, Mr. Md. Sabur Khan, Emeritus Professors, Founding Vice Chancellor, Dr. Aminul Islam and immediate past Vice Chancellor, Dr. M. Lutfar Rahman,  Members of the Board of Trustees, Members of the Syndicate, Members of the Academic Council, Deans of Faculties, Directors, Faculty members, teachers, members of the press, Alumni, Guardians of the graduates, organizers, volunteers and the center of attention of today, our graduates: Assalamualaikum, may the Almighty Creator grant you all peace and blessings always!

As we stand here today in the 100 acre lush green Permanent Campus, on behalf of all at Daffodil International University (DIU) and its Board of Trustees and myself, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you all to the 5th Convocation ceremony. Thank you for making the efforts and taking the pains to grace us with your presence at this auspicious occasion honoring the graduates. I thank the Almighty for creating this opportunity for us to get together on this special occasion.

As you may know, the university started its journey in 2002 and will, InshaAllah, be celebrating its 14th founding anniversary on January 30, 2016.

As we move into the 5th Convocation of Daffodil International University, 3682 graduates are going to be presented for degrees of which 2897 will be awarded Bachelors and 785 Masters including a total of 44 foreign graduates.

Respected audience,

With the approval of Ministry of Education, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, DIU started its academic offerings on March 16, 2002. At present, the university conducts thirty five academic programs under five faculties. Nearly 15,000 students are enrolled at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in the university with over 500 teachers and about 450 administrative officials supporting the academic activities. The main objective of the university is to turn out broadly educated and technologically oriented graduates capable of attaining to a meaningful career and making a positive contribution to the development of the nation.

In line with Vision 2021 and Digital Bangladesh, almost all the academic and administrative services of the University have been digitalized and the University has emerged as one of the prominent ICT oriented universities of the country. In recognition of its efforts, the University has been handed the WITSA (World Information Technology Services Alliance) Global ICT Excellence 2014 award.

The university maintains academic collaborations with nearly two hundred renowned universities and organizations in fifty countries of the world. We conduct joint research programs leading to PhD degrees for young teachers, employees, and students with a number of foreign universities. We have over 200 international students from different parts of the world. Students are provided with broadband internet and on-campus WiFi facilities and dedicated internet browsing laboratories. The students are provided with laptops free of cost under the project of “One Student, One Laptop”. In addition, the joining teachers undergo a rigorous teacher training and orientation program each semester.

The university conducts academic programs from three elegant campuses at Dhanmondi, Uttara, and Ashulia in Dhaka city. A permanent Campus of the university has been established at Ashulia that should ultimately accommodate over twenty-five thousand students as well as teachers, officials, and associated supporting staff. The facilities at the permanent campus include the elegant entrance, academic buildings, students’ hostels, guest houses, and sports playgrounds with modern facilities.

Dear Graduates – a few words for you.

As you officially move into the real world to stand on your own feet, you are like a new born just released from the mother’s womb. To the baby it is an unfamiliar environment. Rather than being afraid, on the contrary, the baby takes a keen interest and wants to know more and more about the real world. Some babies even lick the floor to know what it tastes like. They take on the challenges of learning wholeheartedly. Regardless of the number of times the baby falls, the baby continues till he/she successfully learns how to walk. So, as you walk into the real world, I want you to take on the challenges as a baby would, with a keen interest in finding problems and, never stop trying to solve the problems you face.

In addition to the spirit of a baby, you now have the skills of a graduate. Become a problem solver. Use the subject skills you have as a resource. You also have another advantage that many previous generations of graduates did not have – you are socially networked. Make best use of these networks to connect with like minds. Get together and collectively solve problems of the real world.

On the path to success, you will face many problems, many setbacks. As you keep chasing your target, each problem and setback will make you stronger and better at facing future challenges. You are the citizens of a modern world. Become an entrepreneur and contribute your skills to build a better Bangladesh. If you get a job, do so only temporarily to learn how to set up a business. Ultimately become a job giver rather than a job seeker.

Keep in mind that you are the ambassadors of your Alma Mater – Daffodil International University (DIU). The world will recognize DIU through your efforts. So keep supporting DIU in any way that you can to make it a world-class institution.

Finally, just as we trust a brand manufacturer, trust the Creator who has created the human brand and has taken the trouble to create you individually – the best of creation, a unique human being. Be grateful to Him for giving you the opportunity to experience an intelligent life, derive satisfaction and utilize the opportunity to know His Attributes.

Finally, again, I express our gratitude to Honorable Minister and Honorable Convocation Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid, MP, Honorable Minister and the Chairman of the Convocation Ceremony. Thank you, Distinguished Convocation Speaker, His Royal Highness Crown Prince, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, for your time and outstanding speech. We will gratefully remember you and your presence on our campus in the years to come. May the Almighty bless you with peace and happiness always.   

Thank you all.