Author and academic Dr. Salimullah Khan has said that the main cause of the decline or collapse of governance is the self-deception of the ruling class.
"When rulers believe that every action they take is unquestionably correct and all other opinions and practices are wrong, deterioration in governance inevitably follows," he said.
Dr. Salimullah was addressing a two-day freshers’ orientation programme for the 2024-25 academic session held at Birshrestha Hamidur Rahman Auditorium at Islamic University in Kushtia on Sunday.
The second day of the two-day event welcomed students from the Faculty of Theology and Islamic Studies, Faculty of Business Administration, and Faculty of Arts.
He further said, "The blood and sacrifices of millions of people under previous regimes have often gone unrecognized, and the consequences were never favorable. Considering the post-July 2024 context, those who have left the country or gone into hiding may return publicly, potentially giving rise to even harsher forms of intolerance."
Highlighting ongoing literacy challenges, Dr. Salimullah said, "Illiteracy still persists at the primary level in our country. Yet we struggle, sometimes violently, to establish universities—many of which were founded at the cost of lives. Meanwhile, primary schools remain underdeveloped."
He pointed to government statistics that 26 percent of our population cannot even sign their name. "Despite gaps in primary and secondary education, we have competed to establish universities."
Presided over by IU vice-chancellor Professor Nakib Muhammad Nasrullah, IU pro-vice-chancellor Professor M Yeaqub Ali and Treasurer Professor M Mohammad Jahangir Alam were present as the special guests.
Deans, faculty members, students, and university officials from various departments were also present on the occasion.
The program began with religious scripture recitation, followed by the national anthem, a moment of silence for the July martyrs, awards for top scorers, floral greetings for freshers, and a university documentary screening. The event concluded with a cultural program.