Not just certificates, students must develop themselves as confident, skilled, humane individuals: BOU VC Dr Siddiqur Rahman
Md Nasir Uddin, Gazipur
The “Freshers’ Reception and Cultural Program–2026” organized by the National College of Home Economics, an affiliated institution of the University of Dhaka, was held at 10 am on Sunday at Dhaka University TSC Auditorium.
The event was conducted in a festive atmosphere through the formal reception of new students, exchange of greetings, and vibrant cultural performances.
The chief guest of the program was Prof Dr. Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University (BOU) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the National College of Home Economics.
Addressing the freshers, he said, “Entering college or university marks the beginning of new possibilities, new dreams, and new responsibilities in a student’s life. A freshers’ reception is not merely a formal welcome; it signifies the beginning of a new journey of knowledge, human values, discipline, creativity, and self-development.”
He further stated, “The true purpose of higher education is not limited to achieving good academic results or obtaining certificates. Rather, its primary goal is to develop students into skilled, humane, creative, confident, and responsible citizens. In today’s world of technology, innovation, knowledge-based economies, and global competition, students must enrich themselves with contemporary knowledge, skills, and values.”
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that students should not remain confined to textbooks alone but should cultivate critical thinking, leadership qualities, a research-oriented mindset, ethics, and compassion.
Special guest Prof Dr. Mohammad Nazmul Ahsan, Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Dhaka, said, “To survive in this competitive world, the development of knowledge, skills, research aptitude, and innovative thinking is essential.”
The program was chaired by Professor Nurun Nahar Begum, Principal of the National College of Home Economics.
