Bangladesh Rising Again, Says Mahathir at UAP Convocation

Former Malaysian Prime Minister H.E. Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad stated that Bangladesh, recently plunged into a deep crisis, is now on the path to recovery, with citizens looking toward a brighter future. He delivered these remarks in a video message at the 11th convocation of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP), held on Saturday, 26 July.

Highlighting Bangladesh’s resilient culture and history, Mahathir said, “Not long ago, Bangladesh was engulfed in a deep crisis, but today it is on the path to overcoming it.” He emphasized that overcoming crises requires relentless effort, commitment, and resolve, noting that no nation achieves success without its people playing a central role.

Expressing gratitude for the invitation to address UAP’s convocation, Mahathir described the event as a memorable day not only for graduates but also for their families, teachers, and the university. “This is the day students achieve their anticipated success in higher education, formally marking their journey of knowledge acquisition,” he said. He called convocation a celebration of intellectual achievement and a tradition that shapes character and thought.

Mahathir noted that graduation is the first step in a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, opening doors to further opportunities. “You entered the university as adolescents and leave as adults with new responsibilities to your family, society, and nation,” he said, adding that a nation’s future depends on its youth’s knowledge acquisition.

Addressing the role of technology, Mahathir observed that the world is driven by advancements like artificial intelligence, with younger generations born into this era while older ones strive to keep pace. “This technology, developed and expanded for your generation, is free from emotion and moral judgments,” he said. While new technologies bring hope, he cautioned that some exploit them for personal gain, even against humanity. “Knowledge fosters intellectual growth and discernment of right from wrong, yet some use it to commit crimes against humanity,” he added.

Reflecting on global issues, Mahathir criticized knowledgeable individuals who have perpetrated atrocities, citing massacres and genocides in places like Palestine and Iraq. “Their civilizations may lead the world, but their actions are worse than those of ancient times,” he said, urging graduates to remember these lessons.

He concluded by encouraging graduates to be voices of integrity, using knowledge to distinguish right from wrong. “I wish you success in your future endeavors. May you become a source of pride for your family, the University of Asia Pacific, and Bangladesh,” he said. Congratulations to the graduates for their remarkable achievement.