Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter on Saturday urged students to uphold and enhance the dignity and prestige of their hard-earned degrees through professional conduct, ethics and moral values.
She made the remarks while presiding over the third convocation of ASA University Bangladesh at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center as the chancellor’s representative.
The adviser warned that industrial waste discharged from Narayanganj and other areas flows through the Shitalakkhya River into the Meghna, posing a serious threat to hilsa and other aquatic life.
She said research has found harmful substances such as microplastics, lead and cadmium in hilsa, describing the findings as alarming and stressing the need to keep rivers free from pollution through joint efforts by the public and the government.
Farida Akhter said the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry is responsible not only for cattle, goats, ducks and poultry but also for protecting all animals, including dogs and cats.
Calling on students to remain health-conscious, she warned that smoking and tobacco use are extremely harmful, noting that such habits, often perceived as fashionable, lead to heart disease, cancer and other serious illnesses.
She said a law to control smoking and tobacco use has recently been enacted and is mandatory for all.
The adviser also highlighted the importance of national and natural resources, saying Bangladesh is not a poor country and that its greatest strengths lie in the skills of its people, natural resources, safe drinking water, crop seeds and genetic resources.
She cautioned that future global conflicts may centre on water, seeds and natural resources, urging the younger generation to protect the country and conserve its assets.
Young people should take an active stand against corruption, environmental pollution and unhealthy practices, she said, adding that keeping the country healthy, safe and prosperous is a collective responsibility.
ASA University Vice-Chancellor SM Rezaul Karim delivered the welcome address, while Anti-Corruption Commission Chairman Mohammad Abdul Momen spoke as convocation speaker.
Trustee Board Member Mohammad Faruk and University Grants Commission Member Mohammad Anwar Hossain were present as special guests.
Nearly 4,000 students received degrees at the convocation, including 2,096 undergraduates and 1,900 postgraduates.
The adviser presented chancellor’s awards to six students for outstanding academic performance and vice-chancellor’s awards to nine students.
