Dhaka: President Abdul Hamid on Monday urged all to play a responsible role in making the new generation aware of the country’s history and heritage.

‘It’s our responsibility to make the new generation aware of our history and heritage. If we don’t introduce our children with our history, tradition, agonies and pride, then they won’t be able to become self-esteem citizens. So, you have to link our roots to traditional education,’ he said.

The President said this while presiding over the fifth convocation of the University of Liberal Arts (Ulab) at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city, reports the UNB.  

Hamid said a university is not only a centre of learning but also the best place for research.

‘The role of universities is very important in grooming students and developing them as global citizens. So, you’ll have to engage students in creative activities like  freethinking, discussions on national and international issues, nation-building activities, organisational programmes on contemporary ideas, cultural studies and sports,’ he said.

The President said the practice of creative activities not only helps shape the life of a person, but also deeply influences the collective life.

‘Apart from education in the formation of a nation, the importance of morality is immense. Education helps develop a society, but the education without moral base doesn’t benefit the country, nation and society,’ he added.

The President stressed the need for having creative and talented human resources for the balanced socio-economic development of art, culture and literature.

He went on saying: ‘Enlightened people can bring positive changes in society. Thousands of students are coming out with higher education every year from around 150 universities in government and private universities. There must be specific plans for these students to be employed in respectable occupations. We have to work more to connect education with occupations.’

A total of 1,302 graduates of the university received certificates at the convocation, while three were awarded Gold Medals.  

Dr Zafar Iqbal was present at the function as the convocation speaker. Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Islam Chowdhury and University Grants Commission Chairman Abdul Mannan also spoke on the occasion.