If Dhaka University Is Oxford, Rajshahi University Should Be Built as Cambridge, Says Rizvi
BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that if Dhaka University is Oxford, then Rajshahi University must be built up as Cambridge. He also said the tradition, education and research environment of Rajshahi University must be raised to an international level.
He made the remarks on Saturday (31 October) as chief guest at a discussion meeting organised by the Rajshahi University Alumni Association at the Krishibid Institution in the capital.
Rizvi said he felt as if he had returned to his own home after a long time. Many memories are tied to the Rajshahi University campus, its buildings and its green grounds. The pride and joy of studying at the university have still not faded from memory, he said.
He said he had met former students of Rajshahi University in different countries of the world. They are engaged in various professions. He had also met a former student of Rajshahi University at a large business organisation in the United States. The warmth and joy that student expressed on learning of the university connection was memorable, he noted.
The BNP leader said that although former students of Rajshahi University are engaged in various professions in different parts of the country and abroad, they retain an emotional bond with the university. Meeting former classmates brings the same joy as meeting people from one's own village or home.
Recalling his own student politics, Rizvi said that although there were problems, conflicts and disagreements in student politics in their time, there was also mutual coexistence and generosity. Teachers showed affection to students without considering which student organisation they belonged to. Students also maintained social relationships beyond political organisations.
He said it is very important to preserve social relationships beyond the organisational identity of student politics. That relationship and mutual warmth still exist among former students of Rajshahi University. The alumni association's initiative to preserve the university's memories and work for its development is commendable, he added.
Raising the tradition and potential of Rajshahi University, Rizvi said the university should not be seen only as an educational institution. Many traditional institutions and important establishments are associated with it. The Varendra Museum is also important in this regard. The institution has a reputation at home and abroad, and many guests visiting Rajshahi tour it.
The BNP acting secretary general said there is an opportunity to build Rajshahi University as a vibrant, tree-covered and research-friendly education city. Through the combined initiative of its former students, its tradition and reputation can be increased further, he said.
