Md. Nasir Uddin, Gazipur City

A festive orientation program for 546 newly admitted students of the Summer-2026 Term, along with the inauguration of a tree plantation campaign, was held at Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) on Saturday.

The program was attended by the Honorable Minister of Education, Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haque Milon, as the chief guest. The event was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of GAU, Prof Dr. G. K. M. Mostafizur Rahman.

The day's activities began with a colorful rally led by the Education Minister as part of the Prime Minister's nationwide initiative to plant 250 million trees over five years. The rally was joined by Gazipur-2 MP M. Manjurul Karim Roni, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan, along with university teachers, students, officers, and staff. Following the rally, the tree plantation campaign was officially inaugurated through the planting of flowering and fruit-bearing saplings on the university campus.

Later, the orientation program for the newly admitted students was held at the Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium. The Education Minister attended as the chief guest, while MP M. Manjurul Karim Roni and Deputy Commissioner Nurul Karim Bhuiyan spoke as special guests.

Among those present were Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Jahidur Rahman, Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad, deans of different faculties, department heads, directors, provosts, teachers, officers, and staff. The newly admitted students included 513 undergraduate (BS), 30 postgraduate (MS), and three PhD students, making a total of 546.

The program began with a welcome speech by Registrar Md. Abdullah Mridha. Newly admitted students shared their experiences and expectations, while a documentary highlighting the university's achievements and research activities was screened. Proctor Professor Dr. Mohammad Saiful Alam briefed the students on discipline, ethics, university regulations, and admission-related matters.

In his presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. G. K. M. Mostafizur Rahman said that Gazipur Agricultural University has become one of Bangladesh's leading institutions for higher education and agricultural research.

He highlighted the university's remarkable achievements in international rankings, including securing the top position among all public universities in Bangladesh in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2026. GAU ranked 82nd globally in SDG-1 (No Poverty), 66th in SDG-2 (Zero Hunger), and within the 101–200 band in SDG-4 (Quality Education).

He also noted that in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026, GAU ranked 23rd globally in the "Financial Impact-Driven Technology Transfer" category, making it the only public university in Bangladesh to be placed among the world's top 100 in that category. In addition, the university ranked first among agricultural universities and third among all public universities in Bangladesh in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026.

The Vice-Chancellor further stated that since assuming office, he has supported the development of six improved crop varieties. To date, the university has developed 97 high-yielding crop varieties and more than 20 agricultural technologies, making significant contributions to the country's agricultural development.

Addressing the students, Education Minister Dr. A. N. M. Ehsanul Haque Milon said, "In the coming days, students must lead the world through innovation. To achieve this, the government is working to implement a reverse brain drain strategy. Every university in Bangladesh will be developed following the models of Harvard, Cambridge, and MIT."

At the end , the Vice-Chancellor presented commemorative souvenirs to the Education Minister and the Member of Parliament. The day-long event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof Dr. Mohammad Sharif Raihan, Director of Student Affairs.