It is necessary to analyze the reasons behind the backwardness of Muslims

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, during the golden age of Islam, the contribution of Muslims in various branches of world civilization, science, literature, history, philosophy, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, astronomy and geography created a history of glorious tradition. Muslims excelled in chivalry, epistemology and literary culture. We need to analyze why Muslims with that glorious tradition fell behind.

He said these things in the speech of the chief guest at the 35th convocation ceremony of the Islamic University of Technology (IUT) on Tuesday (May 30). The convocation is being held at the university campus in Gazipur.

The Prime Minister said that Muslims are lagging behind due to various reasons including discord among themselves, lack of amity and respect for each other, backwardness in the practice of knowledge. To regain this respect, Muslims need to invest again in education and research and develop science and modern technology. Today Muslims are in possession of a significant amount of wealth. We have to use this resource to develop science and modern technology to bring back our lost heritage.

He added that in the modern era, sadly only three Nobel Prizes have been awarded to the Muslim world, which reflects their insufficient contribution to global research and development. Now Muslims need more efforts in the field of science and technology, so that they can contribute more. Especially as the world enters the fourth industrial revolution era with advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, Internet of Things, quantum computing and other technologies.

Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh is a partner in every success of a prestigious institution like IUT and is proud to be the host country of this institution. I believe that education is a lifelong pursuit of excellence. I am glad to know that IUT is always striving to contribute to the qualitative change in the Islamic world by keeping the need for quality education and technological innovation in mind. Graduates of IUT are contributing to the field of engineering and technology not only in Bangladesh and OIC member states, but also around the world.

The Prime Minister said, I hope today’s graduates will continue to strive to increase their capabilities by working closely with technologists, innovators and scientific communities from different parts of the world in the days to come. Our government has provided a grant of 2 million US dollars for the construction of a hostel for girls in this university. I am very happy to see a significant number of women graduates today. I believe, female graduates will be able to make unique contributions to their respective fields with the knowledge they have acquired. I also confirm that the Awami League government will continue to support and assist the various development activities of IUT in the future as well.

He said, I think, by ensuring the recognition of IUT as a world-class institution, it is possible to play a leading role in promoting the capabilities of the Muslim Ummah in the competitive world.

Sheikh Hasina also said that Bangladesh got OIC membership in 1974 due to the diplomatic foresight of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh is the proud host country of University of Technology and has been providing all possible support to its management. We are committed to continue this cooperation in the future as well.

Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Chancellor of IUT Hisain Brahim Taha, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Education Minister Dr. Deepu Moni. In the convocation, the Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Technology, Professor Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam.