RAJSHAHI — The Vice-Chancellor of Rajshahi University (RU), Professor Dr Faridul Islam, has vowed to step back from public leadership if his administration fails to address the core challenges facing students over his four-year tenure. Speaking on Saturday, 29 August, at the central orientation ceremony for the 2025–26 academic session held at the Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium, the Vice-Chancellor delivered an earnest address emphasizing institutional accountability, administrative commitment, and student welfare.
Addressing the newly admitted cohort, Professor Islam acknowledged the vast array of structural hurdles currently affecting campus life. While conceding that resolving every long-standing issue overnight remains impractical, he pledged that his administration would lay down a firm, actionable groundwork for lasting solutions. He disclosed that productive discussions had already taken place with the leadership of the University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding acute campus shortages, specifically addressing student accommodation deficits, the establishment of floating canteens, and necessary modernisations at the university medical centre.
The orientation ceremony served as a landmark occasion for the university administration, marking five months since Professor Islam assumed office. Expressing deep emotion upon addressing the incoming class, the Vice-Chancellor described the gathered youth as the crucial architects of the nation’s future, wishing them an inspiring and seamless academic journey on campus.
The event featured Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the UGC, as the chief guest. Commending the incoming students for securing seats through a rigorous national entrance assessment, Professor Ahmed highlighted that academic excellence stems from sustained perseverance rather than intellect alone. He urged the freshmen to pair their talent with relentless dedication to navigate future global challenges successfully.
Turning to campus culture, the UGC Chairman stressed the importance of protecting intellectual freedom within higher education institutions. He remarked that while universities must remain safe havens for free expression and open dialogue, liberty must always be exercised with a heightened sense of civic responsibility and respect for democratic norms.
The high-profile ceremony drew prominent academic leadership from across Bangladesh. Distinguished attendees included RU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr Abdul Alim, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr Mamunur Rashid, Netrokona University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Khadejjuman Mizan, Kishoreganj University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Habibur Rahman, and Meherpur University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Tozammel Hossain. University syndicate members, faculty deans, department heads, and the administrator of the public relations office were also present to welcome the freshers.
Established in 1953, Rajshahi University stands as Bangladesh’s second-largest higher education institution, accommodating tens of thousands of students across its expansive campus. Managing such a vast student body presents complex logistical demands, particularly concerning residential hall capacities, healthcare access, and subsidized dining facilities. Professor Islam’s public pledge marks a decisive shift towards transparent governance, reassuring the student body that fundamental facility upgrades remain top administrative priorities.
