In a speech that balanced a call for national unity with a reaffirmation of academic priorities, Chattogram University (CU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yeahiya Akhtar on Saturday redefined the roles of newly elected student leaders from the hill tracts, urging them to transcend ethnic boundaries and serve the entire student body.
The occasion was a reception ceremony at the CU Law Faculty Auditorium, held to honor students who won the election for the university branch of the Greater Chattogram Hill Tracts Student Council (PCP). The event, marked by a vibrant gathering, shifted from mere celebration to a significant dialogue about identity, responsibility, and the very purpose of a university education.
Addressing the newly elected council, VC Prof. Akhtar delivered a message that was both a challenge and an invitation. “Those who have been elected are not only the leaders of the hills, but the leaders of 28,000 CU students,” he declared, immediately expanding their constituency beyond their traditional base.
He emphasized a unifying national identity as the foundation for this broader leadership. “Those of you who call yourselves hills, call yourselves Bangladeshis,” he stated. “Because first and foremost, we are all Bangladeshis. Don't limit yourself to three districts. You also have to understand the culture of others.”
This call for integration and mutual understanding was seen as a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive campus environment, where student leadership addresses universal student issues like academic facilities, accommodation, and welfare.
Beyond the immediate political message, the Vice-Chancellor articulated a fundamental philosophy about the role of a university. He positioned the institution as a crucible for academic, rather than purely political, development.
“Our dream will come true when the university produces qualified graduates,” Prof. Akhtar said. “The university is not a factory to produce leaders, but a factory to produce qualified graduates.”
Outlining his administration's efforts, he added, “After taking charge, we have tried our best to increase the academic image of the university. We are continuing our efforts to recruit qualified teachers and produce qualified students. We believe that if qualified teachers are recruited, qualified graduates will be produced. Everyone will benefit from this.” This statement reinforced his ongoing agenda to elevate CU’s academic standards and research output.
The event served as a formal platform to welcome the new PCP leadership. The atmosphere was one of proud celebration for the hill tract students, acknowledging their successful electoral participation.
The program was presided over by PCP CU Branch President Bhuvan Chakma and moderated by its General Secretary, Sudarshan Chakma. The presence of senior university officials, including CU Proctor Professor Dr. Hossain Shahid Sarwardy and the Director of the Student Counseling and Guidance Center, Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, underscored the administration's support for the council and its message.
Also present as a special guest was Assistant Professor Islam Munmun Nesa Chowdhury of the Department of History and Culture.
The ceremony featured speeches from prominent figures within the PCP and wider student body, creating a chorus of solidarity. PCC Central President Amal Tripura, Central Assistant General Secretary Sohel Chakma, and Central Organizing Secretary Ronal Chakma addressed the gathering.
The inclusion of voices like DUCSU Central Executive Member Hema Chakma, CU Atish Dipankar Hall Vice-President Ripul Chakma, and Nawab Faizunnesa Hall Vice-President Parmita Chakma highlighted the interconnectedness of student governance across different levels and halls of residence.
Their collective presence signaled a unified front, aligning with the Vice-Chancellor’s theme of broader representation and shared goals for the betterment of the entire student community at Chattogram University.
