Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar addressed the first convocation of the North Pacific International University of Bangladesh (NPIUB) at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Nov 29, 2025 (BSS)- Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar laid importance on reducing expenses of education to allow the rural student to pursue their studies as they are the country’s future.

She said this while addressing the first convocation of the North Pacific International University of Bangladesh (NPIUB) at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here.

The adviser said education system run by NPI University is enabling boys and girls from rural areas to pursue higher education at a low cost.

Farida said the North Pacific International University is located in Manikganj, a birthplace of many distinguished persons like language hero Rafiq, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen apart from many other sufi-derbesh and intellectuals.

She hoped that the students of the university will work for the country with dedication and responsibility.

She said many rural women rear up cows and goats to bear the educational expenses of their children. This reality highlighted the importance of the higher education.

Farida Akhtar also mentioned that introduction of evening courses in the university has created opportunities for in-service individuals to pursue higher education.

Dr. Valerie Ann Taylor, founder and chief coordinator of the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) in Savar was present as special guest while Prof Dr. Mohammad Kaykobad of BUET was present as the Theme Speaker. 

Chairman of the Bangladesh Accreditation Council Prof Dr. Mesbahuddin Ahmed, UGC member Prof Dr. Mohammad Anowar Hossain, President of the Association of Private Universities of Bangladesh Dr Md Sabur Khan and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the university Engineer Md Shamsur Rahman addressed, among others, on the occasion.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Md. Forhad Hossain gave welcome speech while Treasurer Prof Dr. Mir Mahfuzul Haq gave vote of thanks.

A total of 467 students of the NPI University were awarded bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the convocation. 

In addition, four students received the Chancellor’s Award, one received the BOT Chairman’s Gold Medal, seven received the Vice Chancellor’s Award, six received the Dean’s Award and two received the Academic Excellence Award.