Dhaka: Describing extremism, militancy and intolerance as the enemies of the country and the nation, President Abdul Hamid on Thursday underscored the need for rooting out these evils from the country unitedly.

‘Extremism, militancy and intolerance have tainted our history and culture. We have to uproot these evil forces from the soil of Bangla unitedly,’ he said while addressing the 8^th convocation of University of Asia Pacific (UAP) at the Dhaka International Trade Fair venue of Sher-e-Banglanagar in the capital, reports the UNB.

Renowned writer and Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) teacher Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was the convocation speaker.

The President, also the chancellor of the university, said it is necessary to remember that the religion is for people’s welfare, not for confrontation, discrimination or inauspicious act.

He asked the graduates to build a happy and prosperous country being imbued with patriotism, firmness of character, social responsibility and professionalism. ‘You have to bear in mind that no national progress is possible without patriotism and a sacrificial mentality.’

Expressing dissatisfaction over the academic situation in private universities, Hamid said the country is yet to get the desired services from them.

‘As a university is the centre of higher study and research, its role is very important in making sure that our graduates compete in the global competition,’ he said.

President asked all concerned not to turn education into a trade commodity. ‘Never turn education into a trade commodity. People who want to invest in education for profit should invest in other sectors. This will bring welfare for them as well as for the nation,’ he said.

Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Prof Abdul Mannan, UAP Trustee Board Chairman Monzoor Ahmed Chowdhury, UAP Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Jamilur Reza Choudhury and Pro-VC Prof Dr MR Kabir, among others, spoke on the occasion.