Staff Correspondent:

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has called upon students to be responsible citizens and future leaders dedicated to building an environmentally and socially just, discrimination-free Bangladesh.

“Together, we can build a Bangladesh free from exploitation and injustice—a nation that upholds the rule of law, champions justice, and sets an example for others to follow,” she said.

Emphasizing the importance of character and service, she urged the graduates to be compassionate, socially responsible, and environmentally conscious in their personal and professional lives.

The adviser said this while delivering the speech of the Convocation President at the convocation ceremony of the International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT) on Monday at the BICC, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar in the capital, according to a media release sent from her ministry on Monday.

Addressing the graduating students, the Adviser made two simple yet impactful appeals to the audience. She asked to avoid unnecessary honking to contribute to a more peaceful and environmentally friendly society.

She also asked to reduce single-use plastic consumption to combat the growing threat of plastic pollution and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

Reflecting on the resilience of the younger generation, she said, “This dream of a new Bangladesh has been made possible because of your bravery and sacrifices. You have endured hardships and fought for a nation free from oppression and discrimination.” She reminded them that while their education equips them for career success, their true purpose lies in using their knowledge to serve society.

Highlighting the environmental challenges posed by conventional development models, she urged a shift towards a more sustainable approach. “Development should not come at the cost of nature. If we truly wish to progress as a nation, we must redefine our concept of development to minimize environmental degradation and improve sustainability indicators.” She encouraged IUBAT to take a leading role in promoting a model of progress that harmonizes economic growth with environmental stewardship.

As the graduates step into the future, Rizwana expressed confidence that they would uphold integrity, innovation, and social responsibility in their pursuits. “With the education you have received and the careers you will build, I trust you will be the change-makers who drive Bangladesh towards a greener, more just future,” she concluded.

Prof Dr Abdur Rab, Vice-Chancellor, IUBAT;  Convocation Speaker Prof. Dr Tamsin Bradley, Professor, University of Portsmouth, UK; Professor Selina Nargis, Treasurer, IUBAT and Riana Azad, an awarded graduate, also spoke on the occasion.