National University (NU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Amanullah has called for a strong, information-based academic discourse on the role of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in democracy and development, saying such discussions are necessary to present the country’s political history to younger generations through research and objective analysis.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while addressing a discussion meeting organised by the Zia Parishad, National University branch, at the Senate Hall of the university’s main campus in Gazipur marking BNP’s 48th founding anniversary. Amanullah said professional governance, accountability and inclusive administration were essential to transform National University into a modern and efficient institution.
The Vice-Chancellor said universities must operate above partisan identities by prioritising merit, competence and institutional interests. He said National University should be managed according to its own laws, regulations, academic values and professional administrative principles.
“Political parties and governments cannot be considered the same, and universities cannot be treated as organisational structures of any political party,” Amanullah said. He added that an inclusive administrative culture involving teachers, officials, employees and students was needed to advance a large higher education institution like National University.
He said good governance, transparency, accountability and efficient administration were key foundations of a modern university. According to him, following rules in decision-making, evaluating merit and practising responsibility could help transform National University into a more dynamic and public-oriented institution.
Speaking about historical figures, Amanullah said the contributions of important figures in the country’s history and national life should be presented to the younger generation objectively. He said the declaration of independence by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and his role during the 1971 Liberation War were important chapters in Bangladesh’s history.
Referring to the role of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in democratic movements, he said her “firm and uncompromising” role during various political crises was an important part of national history. He said research and discussion on her contributions regarding national sovereignty and multiparty democracy were necessary.
BNP’s founding history is deeply connected with Bangladesh’s political history, said National University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Md Lutfor Rahman. He said strengthening the country’s independence, sovereignty, political rights and national unity had been among the party’s stated objectives.
Another Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr Mohammad Ali Zinnah, said strengthening democratic institutions was important for the country’s progress. He added that awareness among young people about history, democracy and civic responsibilities was necessary.
National University Treasurer Professor Dr Md Nazmul Hossain said individuals who believe in nationalist ideals should demonstrate examples of honesty, dedication and efficiency. He said National University was a family and there should be no divisions within the institution.
The discussion also featured remarks from Professor Dr Fakir Rafiqul Alam, Dean (Acting) of the Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Education, Training and Research and President of Zia Parishad, National University branch. Other speakers included Mia Hossain Rana, Director (Acting) of the university’s Information and Service Department; Md RabiuI Islam, Organising Secretary of the central committee of Zia Parishad; and Yakub Mia, President of Zia Parishad Gazipur district.
Deans of various faculties, department heads, teachers, officials and employees of National University attended the discussion.
