Daffodil International University (DIU) celebrated its 13th Convocation on Wednesday at the Daffodil Smart City, where 4,020 graduating students from various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes were formally conferred with their degrees.
The ceremony, marked by academic grandeur, included 3,391 undergraduate and 629 postgraduate graduates.
Professor Dr SMA Fayez, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC), presided over the ceremony as the representative of the president of Bangladesh and chancellor of the University.
During the event, twelve exceptional graduates were honoured for their academic excellence: five received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal, four were awarded the Chairman’s Gold Medal, and three received the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal.
In a message sent for the occasion, Honourable Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus highlighted that the convocation marks a “meaningful chapter” in the graduates’ lives.
He emphasised that the world is moving towards a ‘Three Zero’ future—characterised by zero net carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment. He noted that as graduates of an entrepreneur-friendly institution, they are uniquely positioned to build an inclusive and sustainable world.
Delivering the convocation address, renowned economist and Chairman of BRAC, Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, observed that Bangladesh is in a “critical phase” where quality has superseded quantity.
To avoid the “middle-income trap,” he urged the younger generation to transition from following instructions to becoming problem solvers who uphold strong ethical values and advance knowledge-based work.
He further commended DIU for bridging the gap between teaching and research through its focus on climate-resilient agriculture and fintech.
UGC Chairman Professor Dr SMA Fayez reminded the graduates that “conscience is greater than a degree,” urging them to use their moral strength to distinguish right from wrong while serving the nation. He lauded DIU’s integration of modern technology as a significant contribution to national development.
Dr Md Sabur Khan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DIU, stated that the university’s goal has always been to produce “job creators” rather than mere job seekers. He described the graduates as the university’s greatest strength and stakeholders in the nation’s future.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr MR Kabir added that the university’s “Employability 360” framework has prepared students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, encouraging them to act as global ambassadors of positive change.
The Chancellor’s Gold Medal recipients were Ms. Swapnil Akter Nu, Ms. Jakia Akter, Sourav Gardia, Ariful Rahman, and Muntasir Sarkar.
The Chairman’s Gold Medal was awarded to Anjir Rahman Khan, Md. Tuhin Islam, and Md. Abu Bakar Siddique (received twice), while the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal went to Shahriar Shahid, Bayezid Chowdhury, and Halima Akter.
Valedictorian Ms. Swapnil Akter Nu urged her peers to dream boldly and work with integrity. The ceremony concluded with cultural performances by university clubs and a concert by the popular band Warfaze.
