Graduates at the Dhaka University celebrate their convocation Tuesday, January 13, 2014. Photo: Rashed Shuman

President Md Abdul Hamid today said he is saddened by the absence of ideals in today’s student politics.

“Student politics, in some cases, is now operated based on personal and group interests instead of ideals,” he said today while addressing the 49^th convocation of Dhaka University at its playground.

DU conferred degrees to 6,157 graduates, and 36 students were awarded gold medals for outstanding academic performances.

Hamid called upon all to turn the student politics welfare oriented for the greater interests of the nation.

Hamid, who is also chancellor of the university, said he is not against student politics as it is important to create leadership.

He said Dhaka University has created many eminent politicians who greatly contributed to the country’s independence and national development.

Abdul Hamid called upon the graduates to remember their identity, great traditions, independence and democracy earned through blood, and uphold them.

“Please don’t forget that any negative activities of you can pale the great achievements. So, be careful. Deep respect for the country, people and the university will sharpen your conscience,” he said.

Convocation Speaker Professor Dr Francis Gurry said the graduates are gifted with three great qualities – youth, optimism and education.

Gurry, director general of Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), said these are the qualities that can make differences in the world.

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique asked the graduates to deploy their talents in serving the people and the motherland with patience and diligence, remaining above greed.

He asked them to take the path of rationale and humanity instead of any communal extremism for the wellbeing of the mankind.