Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) has held a training and discussion session with its international students, aiming to strengthen its global academic identity and create a more inclusive campus environment. The programme, titled “Green Campus, Global Minds: International Students Shaping the Future of GAU”, was organised by the university’s Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) on Thursday at the IQAC Seminar Room, with participation from BS, MS and PhD students from Pakistan, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Nepal.
The session focused on recognising international students as a key part of GAU’s future growth rather than simply students from overseas. Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman, Gazipur District Commissioner and District Magistrate Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan, Treasurer Professor Dr Md Safiul Islam Afrad and other senior officials attended the event, where discussions covered internationalisation, campus development and student experiences.
A visual documentary titled “Discovering GAU”, highlighting the university’s history, achievements and development, was screened at the beginning of the programme. Students from different countries later introduced themselves, followed by a welcome address from Director of Student Welfare Professor Dr Mohammad Sharif Raihan and the presentation of commemorative gifts to international students.
Other speakers included Proctor Professor Dr Mohammad Saiful Alam, Director of International Affairs Professor Dr Md Amzad Hossain and Associate Director Professor Dr Mohammad Shafiqul Alam. The session was chaired by IQAC Director Professor Dr Nasrin Akter Ivy.
Director Research Professor Dr Md Moshiul Islam, Registrar Md Abdullah Mridha, Gazipur Additional District Commissioner (Education and ICT) M Rakibul Hasan and Assistant Commissioner (Media and Research Cell) Md Arif Hossain were also present.
Speaking on “A Global GAU Emerging Through the Engagement of International Students”, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr GKM Mustafizur Rahman said in a press release that the university wants to develop “Global Minds” through greater engagement with international students.
“We want to establish GAU as a Global Hub for higher education for international students. We aim to create an environment where students from different parts of the world can study safely, comfortably and with dignity while sharing their cultures and experiences with us,” he said.
Gazipur District Commissioner Md Nurul Karim Bhuiyan, while discussing “Green GAU: A Peaceful, Pollution-Free, Clean Campus”, said the district administration and the university would work together to make Gazipur greener, more liveable and free from pollution.
He highlighted the government’s five-year programme to plant 250 million trees nationwide and initiatives including “Good People for Good Deeds”, urging students to contribute responsibly to environmental protection.
During the open discussion and question-and-answer session, international students shared their campus experiences, expectations, challenges and suggestions with university officials. The administration assured students that their views would be considered and necessary measures would be taken.
The event concluded with a group photo session involving international students and guests, followed by a dinner arrangement.
