BUET memorial highlights youth role in national dev

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has called on the young generation to uphold the spirit of the July Uprising-2024 and take an active role in building a democratic, humane and discrimination-free Bangladesh.

He made the remarks on Tuesday evening at a memorial meeting and discussion programme organised by the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Teachers’ Association at the University Council Building.

The programme paid tribute to the martyrs of the July Uprising, highlighting their sacrifices and discussing the responsibilities of the new generation in shaping the country’s future.

Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said a prosperous, modern and sustainable Bangladesh can only be built through a combination of democratic values, advanced education, research and technology-based innovation.

He said the spirit of the July Uprising carries lessons of patriotism, justice and responsible leadership for the younger generation, urging youths to apply those values in every sphere of state and nation building.
The minister said longstanding weaknesses in the state and social systems have prevented the country from making full use of its large pool of talented and qualified people.

“One of the main challenges of the present time is to remove these limitations and build a Bangladesh that is free from discrimination, humane and ensures equality of opportunity for the next generation,” he said.

Addressing teachers, Swapon said their responsibility extends beyond academic instruction.
“You are not just classroom teachers, you are the guides of the future generation.

Along with the curriculum, the responsibility of instilling morality, human values, and democratic spirit in the students also falls on your shoulders,” he said.

The minister also assured that the government would positively consider various development-related demands raised by BUET authorities, including infrastructural improvement and further modernisation of education and research facilities.

BUET Teachers’ Association President Professor Dr Muhammad Anisuzzaman Talukder chaired the programme, while BUET Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Shariful Islam attended as special guest.

Representatives of the teachers’ association and university administration highlighted BUET’s infrastructure needs, expansion of research facilities and improvement of the academic environment. Former BUET Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Abdul Hasib Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering Professor Dr Md Abdul Jalil and teachers from different departments also spoke at the event.

The speakers recalled the July Uprising with deep respect and expressed their commitment to building a just, democratic and humane Bangladesh by embracing the ideals behind the martyrs’ sacrifices.
BUET teachers, officials and invited guests attended the memorial programme.