AUW hosts its 7th commencement ceremony

Staff Reporter, Chittagong: Asian University for Women (AUW) celebrated its Seventh Commencement in Chattogram today to the tunes of Tagore's Anondoloke and Aguner Poroshmoni sung by the University's choir representing students from many countries.

The ceremony was held at the Radisson Hotel in Chattogram.

100 students from 12 countries, majoring in Philosophy; Politics and Economics; Economics; Environmental Sciences; and Public Health were awarded with Bachelor's degrees on the occasion.

The Chancellor of the University, Mrs. Cherie Blair, presided over the Commencement.

In her address, Mrs. Blair commented to the graduating class, "You have the talent and the skills, and now the qualifications, to be successful and service-oriented members of the workforce, to be change-makers in your spheres and become ethical and compassionate leaders.”

She noted that "Equal opportunity is of particular significance to us here at the Asian University for Women. This university is one of the battlegrounds on which women refighting for their equal right to education." She went on to say that "Whilst individual dedication to upholding these values is crucial, it is also the responsibility of the lawmakers and the policy makers of the world to nurture and protect these principles".

Two distinguished guests were honoured by AUW with honorary doctorates at the Commencement.  Dr. Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi, Minister of Finance and Chief Advisor to the President in the Government of Afghanistan was awarded an honorary degree of laws. The noted proponent of Ravindra Sangeet Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya was awarded an honorary degree of doctorate of arts.

Vice Chancellor Professor Nirmala Rao, OBE, FAcSS remarked that AUW graduates have already made a profound impact on the economic, cultural and social fabric of the communities in which they live. They work in the private sector with major national and multinational companies; they are also deeply involved with the not for profit organizations working with UN agencies such as UNHCR, WFP, the World Bank and others.  She further noted that AUW graduates, now over 800, span continents and industries, but is tied together beach individual's commitment to transforming their chosen field and contributing to the betterment of their communities.


risingbd/Dhaka/May 11, 2019/Rezaul/AI