All set for 50th DU convocation on Saturday

Dhaka University (DU) has completed all preparations to hold its 50th convocation on Saturday at the Physical Education Centre playground on the campus, reports BSS.

Addressing a press conference at DU VC office lounge today, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique said Chancellor President Abdul Hamid will chair the convocation while Bangladesh-origin academic and Vice-Chancellor of University of Western Ontario in Canada, Professor Amit Chakma will deliver the convocation speech.

"A total of 17,875 graduates and post graduates, 61 Ph.D. and 43 M.Phil. students, who passed after the 49th convocation, have registered their names to get their respective degrees conferred through the convocation," said the VC.

A total of 80 students, out of 94 selected for gold medals for their outstanding academic results, will receive their medals in the convocation, he added.

The VC also said DU will confer Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) degree on Amit Chakma in the function.

Professor Amit Chakma, a chemical engineer, was born in Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) in Bangladesh in 1959. He is now serving as the 10th president and vice-chancellor of the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

He obtained his Bachelor degree on Chemical Engineering in 1977 from Institute of Algerien Petrol, Algeria and M.Sc. degree in the same discipline and Ph.D. degree from University of British Columbia, Canada.

He earned reputation all over the world for his research works on natural gas engineering and petroleum waste management.

Arefin Siddiqui said all kinds of security measures have been taken to hold the convocation peacefully.

He sought cooperation of all, including mass media, to make the convocation a success.

Meanwhile, the entire university has taken a festive look marking the convocation. A number of convocation gates have been erected at the entry points of the university.

Today, many students were seen taking photographs wearing dark black gowns, ties and hats across the campus as the distribution of convocation costumes started Wednesday.