Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, said that safeguarding the environment and addressing climate change must be given the highest priority—for our future and that of the country. She stressed that building an environmentally friendly, just, humane, and women-friendly society requires responsible engagement from everyone in their respective roles.Warning of the consequences of inaction, she said, “The Bangladesh we know today—our children may not see that same map if we do not act now.”
She made these remarks while delivering the Convocation Address at Convocation 2025, organized by Stamford University Bangladesh at the Expo Village of the Bashundhara International Convention Center on Saturday morning.
She stated that challenges such as air pollution, deforestation, and river pollution cannot be eliminated overnight but can be solved gradually through sustained effort. She added that river restoration activities are already underway, while legal and policy reforms for environmental protection are in progress. With proper cooperation, these initiatives will advance more swiftly, she noted.
Highlighting the importance of animal welfare, she said, “Our faith teaches us to show compassion to animals. Yet, we often act with cruelty—not only towards people but towards animals as well. A humane society must show kindness to all living beings and to nature.”
Underscoring the vital role of families, society, and educational institutions in nurturing a better generation, she said that building a just and equitable Bangladesh requires positive change within ourselves. She added that despite injustice and challenges in the past, people’s aspirations have repeatedly shown the way toward progress.
Expressing concern over widespread negative propaganda in society, she urged everyone to remain vigilant and uphold positivity. “We want a society free of discrimination. Politics must center around people’s rights and empowerment,” she said. She emphasized that Bangladesh’s problems run deep and that not everything can be solved in one or two years. Therefore, every citizen must fulfill their responsibilities from their respective positions.
Presiding over the convocation, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Adviser to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology, urged graduates to take responsibility, think and work for society, remain diligent, dream big, and dedicate themselves to serving humanity.
Also speaking at the event were Professor Dr. Farahnaz Feroz, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees; Professor Dr. Yunus Miah, Acting Vice-Chancellor; and Registrar Muhammad Abdul Matin.
At Convocation 2025, a total of 1,407 graduates from 5 faculties and 14 departments were conferred degrees. For achieving the highest CGPA, 10 students received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal and 40 students received the Vice Chancellor’s Gold Medal.
