MYMENSINGH. June 5: Chancellor of the universities and Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia conferred gradu ate. post-graduate and doctor ate degree on 1516 students of the Bangladesh Agricultural University at Its third convoca tion held on the campus here today, reports BSS.

Addressing the convocation ceremony at the Zainul Abedin auditorium the Prime Minister urged the graduates of the uni versity to evolve a realistic de velopment model which could effectively contribute to the increase of agricultural production and poverty alleviation

Our expectation is to have agricultural technology suitable carry out the balanced and coordinated development programme. she said.

Begum Zia also asked the degree holders of the university to evolve such sustainable technology which would Inspire the crores of disaster-prone people of the country to start life anew.

Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh Agricultural University Dr Shah Mohammad Farooq described the third convocation which was held after 21 years as a milestone in the forward march of the university.

The first convocation of the BAU was held on March 28. 1968 while the second was held on December 31, 1972.

Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. attired in a blue gown, led the Chancellor's procession marking the convocation. s,

The programme began with

recitation from the Holy Quran After announcing the convocation ceremony open, the Chancellor conferred Docto rate degrees on 26 students. Masters degrees on 241 and graduation degrees on 1249 students

Between the second and third convocations a total of 7647 graduates and 2083 Masters degree holders were given certificates witiiout any convocation.

The solemn function was also addressed by Vice Chan cellor of BAU Dr Shah Moham mad Farooq and the former Vice Chancellor of the Uni versity. »r SD Chowdhury, as the convocation speaker K

Describing the near self-sufficiency in food production as a great success in the country's agricultural development the Prime Minister said the major contribution for 'this success came from the Agri- culture University

Agricultural development and Its productivity are Interlinked with higher agricultural education and research, she said, and hoped that the curriculum of this university would be formulated keeping in view the demand of agricultural development.

The Prime Minister said directives had been given to the Planning Commission to estab Hah bilateral links with over seas universities and organisa tions for developing time befit ting agricultural education and research tn the country