Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed spoke as the chief guest in the Convocation-2025 of Stamford University Bangladesh held at the Bashundhara International Convention Centre. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Nov 22, 2025 (BSS) - Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed has called upon the country’s young generation to help build the future Bangladesh through dreams, hard work and human values.

“New graduates must become responsible citizens and commit themselves to national development. Today, you are entering a wider arena. Your responsibilities are significant, and you must carry them out with sincerity,” he said while addressing the Convocation-2025 of Stamford University Bangladesh as the chief guest held at the Bashundhara International Convention Centre in the capital.

Highlighting the importance of compassion and social responsibility, he said empathy, cooperation and a sense of duty towards others are essential for national progress. “It is not enough to remain busy with one’s own career. One must fulfill responsibilities towards society, family and the country.”

Emphasizing hard work as the key to success, he said “In my 35 years of professional life, I have worked hard at every step. Nothing comes overnight as hard work is the driving force of success.”

Dr. Salehuddin encouraged the new graduates to dream big, saying, “A person can’t move forward without dreams. You should start thinking now about what you want to achieve in the future and in which field you will contribute,”

Referring to the growing importance of competition, the Finance Adviser said that compared to the past, today’s world is far more competitive. “We didn’t face such intense competition in our time. Times have changed—you must prepare yourselves and build your capacities.”

Expressing special gratitude to mothers, he said the sacrifices of mothers play an indispensable role in a child’s success.

Sharing a personal example, he said, “I have one son and one daughter. I couldn’t do much for them myself—their mother looked after every responsibility, from taking them to school to everything else.”

He added that young people must come forward to elevate Bangladesh to a respected position globally. Stressing the importance of humanity, integrity and environmental protection, he said, “We have only one planet—it is our duty to protect it.”

Convocation speaker Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, also addressed the event.

Others who spoke included Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Professor Dr. Farahnaz Firoz, Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Yunus Mia and Registrar Muhammad Abdul Matin.

In her remarks, Convocation Speaker Rizwana Hasan said, “We aspire to a society free of inequality, where politics serves people’s rights and empowerment.” She added that building an equitable and just Bangladesh requires positive changes from within. Despite past injustices and challenges, people’s dreams have repeatedly driven society forward.

Rizwana further stressed that for the sake of the country’s and the planet’s future, utmost attention must now be given to environmental protection and tackling climate change. She called for responsible roles from all in building a humane, environmentally conscious and women-friendly society.

A total of 1,407 graduates from 5 faculties and 14 departments received their degrees at Convocation 2025. For outstanding academic achievement, 10 students received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal and 40 students received the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal.