Shibir leads BAU freshers’ reception after three decades

BAU Correspondent:

Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) unit, welcomed the freshers of the 2024–25 academic session through a colourful and well-organised reception ceremony on Friday.

The Freshers’ Reception and Career Guideline Programme took place in the morning at the university’s central playground, drawing the participation of more than a thousand students.

The event was chaired by Abu Nasir Toha, president of the BAU unit of Chhatra Shibir. The organisation’s central president, Md Zahidul Islam, attended as chief guest. Professor Dr. Md Ruhul Amin, convener of the university’s Provost Council; Professor Dr. Abu Zofar Md. Moslehuddin of the Department of Soil Science; Professor Dr. Md. Moshiur Rahman of the Department of Agronomy; Professor Dr. Md. Delwar Hossain, among others, were present as special guests.

The central field was decorated with flowers, banners, and a red carpet for the occasion. A bus-shaped photo booth and a “Thoughts on Chhatra Shibir” board were installed, attracting freshers who began gathering from 8:30am. Attendees received welcome gifts including bags, T-shirts, notebooks, books, pen holders, and key rings. Former Shibir leaders now working in various agricultural sectors, along with university teachers, delivered career-oriented and motivational speeches. Between sessions, performers from Ingit Sangsad presented Islamic songs.

Addressing the programme, Chhatra Shibir’s central president Md Zahidul Islam said the organisation “has always opposed tail-based politics,” adding that it supports those who work in the interest of Islam and the nation. “This generation will no longer tolerate blind loyalty or brotherhood-based politics. Nobody can force students into processions anymore—its chapter ended on August 5,” he said.

He also alleged that Kolkata’s cultural influence had been imposed on the country “in the name of Bengali culture,” and called for practising a culture rooted in national identity and dignity. Regarding education reform, he said Chhatra Shibir has submitted a 30-point proposal aimed at improving education, research, and technical skills in the country.

In his concluding remarks, BAU unit president Abu Nasir Toha said freshers at BAU are “fortunate,” as such a programme was organised after 34 years. “Your active participation has encouraged us. To strengthen the nation’s agricultural sector, freshers must step forward and become honest, skilled, and principled individuals who can contribute to positive change,” he added.