Jagannath University eyes second convocation as over 21,000 graduates await ceremony

Jagannath University is preparing to host its second convocation as expectations rise among students following the appointment of the new Chancellor, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Despite the university entering its 21st year, it has held only one convocation since its inception, which took place in 2020.

The university administration has tentatively scheduled the second convocation for January 30, though officials noted that the date remains subject to change based on the President’s official itinerary and security requirements. As the Chancellor, the President’s participation is mandatory for the ceremony, and university officials are coordinating with his office to finalize the proceedings.

The delay in hosting a second convocation has spanned over six years, leading to a significant backlog of graduates. According to university records, approximately 21,000 students from the 2014-15 through the 2020-21 academic sessions—including recipients of undergraduate, postgraduate, M.Phil, and Ph.D. degrees—are eligible to participate.

The first convocation, held on January 11, 2020, at the Dhupkhola field in Old Dhaka, saw nearly 19,000 graduates receive their degrees in the presence of the then-President and Chancellor, Abdul Hamid. Since then, various administrative hurdles and scheduling constraints have stalled subsequent efforts, despite initial plans in 2022 to organize a ceremony for earlier batches.

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For many graduates, the convocation represents a vital milestone that provides formal recognition of their academic tenure. Many former students have since entered the workforce or moved abroad, and they view the event as an opportunity to reconnect with the campus and peers. While graduates can currently collect their original certificates from the controller of examinations office, many express a sense of incompletion due to the absence of the formal ceremony.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Md. Raisuddin, who assumed office in March as the university’s eighth head, stated that the current administration is committed to addressing the expectations of the student body. He emphasized that the university is working diligently to facilitate the event, noting that once the schedule is confirmed, the administration will expedite the preparation of certificates, venue management, and logistical arrangements.

As preparations begin, the university must now balance the complex logistics of managing a large-scale event for 21,000 participants. The focus remains on securing the President’s confirmation, which will trigger the formal commencement of registration, gown distribution, and final ceremony planning.