Controversy and Celebration Mark Rajshahi University’s 12th Convocation

Rajshahi University (RU) concluded its long-awaited 12th convocation on Wednesday, celebrating the academic achievements of nearly 6,000 graduates from three cohorts. While the day was marked by ceremonial grandeur, colourful processions and joyful reunions across the campus, it was also overshadowed by allegations of administrative shortcomings, unmet demands from alumni, and visible expressions of dissatisfaction from sections of graduating students.

The convocation day began at around 8:30am with a formal procession, the singing of the national anthem and other traditional observances. The sprawling campus quickly transformed into a festive arena as graduates, clad in black gowns and mortarboards, filled academic buildings, Paris Road and the stadium galleries, capturing photographs and reconnecting with friends after years apart.

The formal programme commenced at 9:30am with a procession from the historic Sabash Bangladesh Field, passing through Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Square before arriving at the university stadium. At 9:45am, the main convocation session began with guests taking their seats, followed by recitations from holy scriptures. Vice-Chancellor Professor Saleh Hasan Naqib presided over the ceremony, while the welcome address was delivered by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Farid Uddin Khan.

Degrees were conferred upon 5,669 students from various faculties and institutes by their respective deans. The degrees were formally awarded by Education Adviser Professor C R Abrar, while the convocation address was delivered by University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor SMA Fayez. Additional remarks were made by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Main Uddin and Treasurer Professor Matiar Rahman. A cultural programme followed in the afternoon.

In his address, Education Adviser Professor Abrar urged graduates to use their education not merely as a means of professional advancement, but as a tool to build a just, humane and corruption-free society. He emphasised ethical leadership, social responsibility and critical thinking, while acknowledging the contributions of families and teachers. Similar sentiments were echoed by Professor Fayez and Vice-Chancellor Professor Naqib, who encouraged graduates to remain resilient in the face of future challenges.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, discontent was evident. A significant portion of seats in the main venue remained vacant, and some graduates chanted protest slogans during the certificate-awarding segment. Many students chose to stay outside the stage area, citing dissatisfaction over invited guests and what they described as administrative indifference to their demands. Abdullah Al Mamun, a graduate, said they had formally announced a boycott of the main ceremony while still attending campus reunions.

Further controversy arose when journalists revealed they had not received formal invitations. Several media professionals criticised the university’s public relations office, with Jamuna Television’s Rajshahi bureau chief Shibli Noman calling the oversight unprecedented in his 25-year career.