9th Convocation

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. In the name of Almighty Allah- The most Benevolent and Merciful. Aas-Salamu-Alaiqum and very Good morning to everyone present here.

প্রথমেই বিনম্র শ্রদ্ধায় ̄স্মরণ করছি জাতির জনক বঙ্গবন্ধু শেখ মুজিবুর রহমান ও মহান ভাষা আন্দোলন এবং মুক্তিযুদ্ধে শহীদদের প্রতি যাদের আত্মত্যাগের বিনিময়ে আজ আমরা অর্জন করেছি বাংলায় কথা বলার  স্বাধীনতা, পেয়েছি সার্বভৌমত্ব ও স্বাধীন বাংলাদেশ।

Dear Guests,
Today we all are here in a very special moment of celebration, glory, and satisfaction. At the outset of this solemn occasion of the 9th Convocation of Daffodil International University, I congratulate the graduates for their hard work, respected parents for their sacrifices and support, and faculty members for guiding them in all the way to complete their study time and management staff for their excellent support and cooperation which truly made DIU a Center of Excellence! So, it is my honor to get the opportunity to thank you all for the tremendous effort you made to make it happen.

Undoubtedly, graduating is a big achievement in life, especially, under these present circumstances. We understand some of you had to face the challenges of the pandemic. And today you are about to celebrate having made it through. Despite the turbulence of the pandemic, you adapted and showed an exceptional capacity for resilience. At this point, I admire all of you, students, faculty, and staff alike, that we could get through these very tough days together.

It’s a great feeling to celebrate your success physically and in person! Because we have triumphed over a historic challenge.

Respected Audience,
The world has just witnessed the COVID Crisis which has caused unprecedented disruption and fundamental changes in the education systems. In this most disruptive situation, Daffodil International University has catalyzed innovation in education systems and ensured total digital transformation of its academic systems. During the pandemic, Daffodil International University kept the activities uninterrupted by adopting technology and using online mechanisms. From day one, the students attended online classes. DIU teachers, students, and management adapted the Smart Edu Systems and Blended Learning Center (BLC) so that students can learn in their preferred mode. We introduced Teaching Apprentice Fellowship Program (TAF), added 50 new modules in Smart Edu to ensure complete systematic operation, and incorporated Mentoring Monitoring Systems and Virtual Internship so that students get proper guidance to prepare
themselves until they enter the job market; added AI-based Drop Out Modules so that each student's performance and the reasons for the absenteeism from the class can be tracked to bring out the best opportunities.

Accordingly, our graduates developed different innovative solutions which are in demand in this time. We are giving the highest importance to developing leadership qualities among students and the team of the entire Daffodil Family. Today at this happy moment, I greatly admire all the heroes who contributed backstage and made it possible. Today, we feel proud to pay tribute to the outcome of your work and commitment.

Dear Graduates,
As I have already mentioned, the pandemic situation has hugely shaken human history. From daily lifestyle to receiving an education- all these components were affected. But the pandemic has taught us that investments in research, scientific, technological, and productive capacities are necessary to develop resilience during emergencies. We have also learned from history that collaboration, cooperation, and the organization of strong technological progress combined with skilled human resources are critical for addressing complex challenges. My proud point is that Daffodil International University has taken initiative to consider these change factors.

You all know how we have transformed the Red Brick Field to the Green Campus during the past 11 years. I believe you all would take it as an example of transformation. We brought changes in the learning environment and made the entire campus area into a learning zone, redesigned the classroom cultures. We made effort to shift the traditional role of education providers to an ‘entrepreneurial’ university model for the enhancement of knowledge. We encouraged all the students, teachers, and staff to get involved in the
research work focusing on industry demand so that we can utilize those research data and findings in the development effort. The decision has been taken to ensure active contribution to the national economy.

Firstly, DIU gave the highest effort to develop a teaching methodology to ensure that learning takes place effectively. Secondly, we took the initiative to transform from a teaching university to a research university. In the third phase. DIU transformed its identity from a Research University to an entrepreneurial university. Phase by phase we upgraded the focus of the University so that we can make meaningful contributions to the society and community. We also developed support units that can help you to explore your ideas.
Our special units are working to develop strong linkages with the industries so that we can help industries to become more productive and bring innovation to develop the national economy. All these efforts have been made considering the demand of the time and unseen competitive future.

We understood the role of the university is to help create more industries. In the developed world, universities are taking the lead. Industries and Academia (I-A) started to work in a more collaborative way. They are concentrating more on social issues, addressing the problems, and trying to bring solutions based on the findings. Therefore, we have started to work on more meaningful ways to set a sustainable solution for the future world. So, at DIU we gave the highest importance to the I-A relationship too. We are focusing on developing collaboration beyond the border. We have not only made close collaborations with Industries but also invited leaders from different sectors to visit us. We did it so that you can learn from them, develop your network, and find your space in the Corporate sector.

The result of our effort is already evident to you. Let me take the opportunity to share some of our success stories. When I travel around the world, I find our students are doing well in leading positions in many Global Companies. The news of some of their innovations and creations makes me feel proud. From the east to the west, north to the south, their presence at the different corners of the world gives me the feeling of our Global Presence. Most importantly, their art of living and art of giving back to society makes me emotional. Maybe this is the exact happiness of our effort.

Dear Achievers,
Therefore, my other proud point is our DIU Alumni. Today, with this Graduation Ceremony, we will be tied up with a lifelong bonding between us. You will become the Alumni Members of the DIU family. You have already seen how strong a network we have nationally and globally. Our Non-Resident Daffodil Alumni UK, Canada, USA, Australia, and Finland already had official gatherings during the past years. Due to the COVID issues, we couldn't meet physically since 2019. But we believe we will meet again, and you will connect through the special platform “Somporko” to keep our bonding as strong as we had during your campus life. We wish that following your fellow members' proud representation in different organizations nationally and internationally, you would also have the same leadership as you are entering into a new professional life and make us proud too. At the same time, you would contribute to society, the community, and to the nation. Because Allah has given you the potential and purpose for your life.

Dear Precious Graduates,
We all are unique by nature and different from each other. We have different DNA, faces, and fingerprints. We are blessed that the Almighty has given us the ability to think, do and contribute. We get one life to achieve the purpose. So today after this Graduation Ceremony we believe you would utilize your potential and set the actual purpose of your life.

To help you reach your destination your respected mentors will guide you all the way. We believe through the Employability 360 program you have already got a solid foundation of professional skills and knowledge on industries. We brought lots of International Programs, Webinars, and Scholarship Opportunities, and some of you already have explored the scopes too. We are connected with a lot of International Universities, Associations, and Professional Networks. Our International Office is working day and night to help you
to boost your career dream internationally and help you to get a cross-cultural experience too. This is also another proud point that our International Network is another vibrant focal point to help you to reach your destination. We are already attached to leading brands and organizations and we did it so that you can collaborate with the global community and explore the opportunities. You can take the challenge and you can avail the same benefits which the students from the rest of the world are getting.

Presently we are nurturing the Z Generation and in the coming days, Alpha Generation will join us to explore the opportunity. We are developing our university focusing on the Alpha Generation, keeping the focus on the demand of the time. We understand there will be a huge change in their expectations, and the way they learn, and do work. There will be a big shift in the job market too. We are developing our services and learning environment focusing on that. You have already seen the Innovation Lab, Venture Capital Ltd, Daffodil
Business Incubators, Knowledgevale, Coworking Space, Marketing Lab, 4IR Lab, lab-based teaching and learning methods so that we can develop your talents and ensure your competencies. We believe it may help you to explore your ideas and achieve your dream. We understand everyone may not like to do the job. Some of you may like to become an entrepreneur and create opportunities for others. Therefore, we tried to create the environment and developed facilities accordingly.

Dear Parents,
We believe in ourselves. You would be happy to know that our students get priority in serving our organizations and therefore 85% of our Alumni are placed in different leading positions at Daffodil Family. It is not because they are our Alumni but they achieved those positions by their quality and skills and competencies. They are frontiers and leaders leading the organizations in this technology-driven arena and it was possible because we created the Tech Savvy leaders to ensure education 4.0. The opportunities will remain
the same in the days ahead. We also brought two dynamic platforms for the Alumni so that you can share your knowledge, skills, and experiences through GoEdu and an IOU.

Respected Parents!
Today is a glorious day for you as your children are finally getting the certificates as a token of achievement of their most arduous educational endeavor. In this long journey, you have always been with us by encouraging your children, which motivated us more to give our maximum effort to them. During the most challenging time, you supported our activities empathetically. Without your support and encouragement, it would not have been possible for us to complete this journey and bring out that wonderful smile on your face
today. We are grateful to you for keeping your trust in us and finally giving us such a thousand successful bright faces, which will be a great asset for all of us.

Respected Audience!
We are now preparing for the future. Getting ready for the transformational change. We have already reached a time when we are debating on the topic, Man vs Robot! On the other hand, it is true that the pandemic situation has given us another scope to think and write a new chapter on higher education. To secure a sustainable position, Daffodil International University is now completely focusing on Outcome Based Education (OBE) to develop ‘Doers and leaders who will lead the innovation and bring solutions to society.

Honorable Minister of Education, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, the Chairperson of the 9th Convocation Ceremony of Daffodil International University (DIU); Honorable Convocation Speaker, Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Nobel Peace Laureate; HonorableMembers of Parliament; Professor Kazi Shahidullah, Honorable Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh; Honorable members of UGC; Honorable Chairman, Board of Trustees, DIU, Dr. Md. Sabur Khan; Members of the Board of Trustees; Members of the Syndicate of the university; Members of the Academic Council; Deans of the Faculties; respected teachers; administrative personnel; media representatives; DIU alumni; parents and guardians of the graduating students; organizers and volunteers; and dear
graduating students: Regards, Salam, and Namaskar, and very good morning to you all.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, management, teachers, administration, and students of DIU, I heartily welcome you all to the 9thConvocation Ceremony of DIU in our vast green campus of Daffodil Smart City.

At the outset, my heartiest congratulations to the graduates of the 9th convocation of DIU on 09 January 2022. This convocation not only implies the success and accomplishments of the graduating students but also marks an important landmark in the history of this institution, especially for its praiseworthy endeavors to cope well with the new demands of the new normal that emerged out of the global crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a time for reflection, for revitalizing our commitment to the future of our country and the following generations. This historic event marks an end and a beginning - an opportunity to push back the imitations and set sights on higher goals.

We are very happy to be a part of the ceremony that recognizes the achievement of the students. While congratulating the graduates, I would also like to congratulate the teachers, administrative personnel, and members of the Board of Trustees of DIU for supporting each graduate on the way to achieving success.

In line with Vision 2022 and Digital Bangladesh, most of the academic and administrative activities of the university have been digitized and the university has emerged as a prominent ICT-oriented university of the country. DIU has set up innovation labs with a view to equipping the students with the knowledge and skills necessary to face the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Students are provided within-campus Internet and WiFi facilities, free laptops, campus TV, and campus radio programs for grooming them up to face the challenges of real life.

At present DIU has the highest number of international students among the universities in the country and the university has emerged as an international university in a real sense, through numerous academic and research cooperation, exchange programs of teachers and students, and over four hundred memoranda of understanding with universities abroad. DIU has been ranked high by several international ranking organizations for quality education and research publications.

The graduates are the ambassadors of their alma mater, the world will recognize DIU through their achievements. At present we are facing rapid changes of the environment as well as changes in our way of life, and I believe that our graduates will adapt to the new situations with responsibility, humility, respect for others, universal human values, and professional ethics.

I felicitate the graduating students once again for the successful completion of the academic programs and their parents for the glorious achievements of their wards. Further, I convey my deepest appreciation to the respected teachers and the management of the university for their sincere efforts in equipping the students with a high standard of education during their time at the university. On this festive occasion, I would like to thank the Convener of the Convocation Ceremony and all those who have worked relentlessly to organize the convocation ceremony that we are hosting today.

I gratefully acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Board of Trustees of the university, especially Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman of the Board, for his visionary leadership and continuous support for quality education, research, and automation of academic and administrative activities of the university amidst the chaotic crisis, emerged out of the recent pandemic.

We are grateful to our distinguished international and local guests and dignitaries for gracing the ceremony and encouraging our students. We are especially grateful to respected Convocation Speaker Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Novel Peace Laureate, for his time and kind words for the graduates and the audience. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, MP for gracing the occasion and representing the Honorable Chancellor of the university and the President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

I wish happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health for you all.

Dr. Dipu Moni MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Education; Mr. Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury MP, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education; Honorable Nobel Laureate Dr. Kailash Satyarthi; Professor Dr. Kazi Shahidullah, Chairman, University Grants Commission; HonorableVice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Lutfar Rahman; Honorable Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. S.M. Mahbub Ul Haque Majumder; HonorableChairman, Board of Trustees, Daffodil International University Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Respected faculty and Distinguished guests:

Thank you for allowing me to stand here and share my experience of being a student at Daffodil International University. It is impossible to describe the experience of four years in a few minutes, but I will try to mention a few significant events.

I am Sagor Mojumder from a village called Dupchachia in Bogura. I remember I was not a very good student in my childhood. But primary and secondary school teachers took care of me and guided me well. When I got admitted into a college, I was shattered by an event that made my life painful. I was brokenhearted and life seemed meaningless to me. I, however, continued my studies and passed the HSC exam.

After that, I sat for an admission test at a public university, but I was not successful. I waited for a year and appeared at another admission test, but failed again. I kept on trying and after a long struggle, I had the opportunity to get admitted into a science and technology university. But as I had lost my self-confidence in the process, it started affecting my life as an engineering student. As I was mentally shaken, I thought I would not be able to undertake the responsibilities of an engineer in real life. I was so in confident that I decided to quit my studies. I could not tell my parents about it, so I submitted blank exam scripts for my final examination. I failed the exam and told my parents that I did not wish to study anymore. My elder brother insisted that I should at least obtain graduation from a university.

Then a miracle happened. I suddenly saw an advertisement for a graduation course in the Department of Environmental Science & DisasterManagement of Daffodil International University on Facebook. The course appealed to me and I got admitted into this university. After starting my life here, I came to know a few fantastic human beings. I wish to mention a few of them in order to show my gratitude to them. The first person I want to mention is Mr. Md. Azharul Haque Chowdhury, who inspired me to start dreaming again. But the most important person in my life, who has given me new hope, is Professor, Dr. A.B.M. Kamal Pasha. I saw him going through difficult situations in his own life, but I never saw him without a smile on his face. I learned from him the lesson of not losing hope and starting all over again. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for inspiring me to overcome suffering. I also want to thank Dr. Mahfuza Parveen and Mr. Md. SadirulIslam Khan for their love, support, and kindness shown to me. I will never forget these teachers in my life.

Fellow graduates, never lose hope, start believing in yourself. Don’t be sad or lose self-confidence. Stay positive and you will succeed. May the Almighty bless us all!

Dr. Dipu Moni MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Education; Mr. Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury MP, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education; Honorable Nobel Laureate Dr. Kailash Satyarthi; Professor Dr. Kazi Shahidullah, Chairman, University Grants Commission; Honorable Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Lutfar Rahman; Honorable Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. S.M. Mahbub Ul Haque Majumder; Honorable Chairman, Board of Trustees, Daffodil International University Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Respected faculty and Distinguished guests

My name is Mohamed Abdirisak, graduating from the Department of Civil Engineering – and I feel honored to stand before you today as an international graduate student from Somalia.

First, I want to thank Allah Subhana Tala, without Whose grace, I wouldn’t even be standing here. I also express my gratitude to all faculty members for their kind help in mastering the skills and knowledge that we now possess. You played a pivotal role in molding our personality and encouraged us to reach the highest levels of excellence. My greatest thanks are to our parents for supporting us and always being there when we needed them.

Dear Friends, Congratulations! We’ve made it! All our hard work has finally paid off and we’re all ready to take the next big step in life. I am honored to stand before you today and reflect on our collective journey at this university. The past four years have certainly been tough, but now we’re all here to celebrate our achievements, our victories, and the journey in which we have now embarked toward future destinations.

When we started our first year, no one ever knew how things would change in a few years due to the unprecedented pandemic the whole world is facing. Away from our families, while pursuing our dreams, we worried about our families all the time. However, our experience of Covid was different from theirs. We were safe and were able to continue our studies through online classes. We are grateful to DaffodilInternational University for providing us with a highly successful digital learning environment through the Blended Learning Centre developed by its IT department. This class will never forget how we woke up 5 minutes before online classes and enjoyed the multimodal presentations and interactive lessons provided by our beloved teachers. The best part of it, we never felt left alone in this home away from home.

Graduation marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in our lives. With this chapter closed, I am sure that many of us would be dreaming about the next phase of our lives. We leave here today, but we feel proud of being alumni of Daffodil International University. We celebrate what we have accomplished, and we take with us the sweet memories of our wonderful life here at this university. Thank you, our AlmaMater, may you shine gloriously in the hearts of people everlastingly!

Mohamed Abdirisak Said
Civil Engineering Graduate
Daffodil International University