Architecture Updates

Jury week, spring 2013

Generally, the last week of the semester is scheduled for the final juries of the design studios. For this spring semester, the juries of first year to fifth year were conducted from 8 to12 April, 2013. All faculty members were present. Other students of the department attended the jury as well.

Jury and Exhibition of Design Studio 101

The final jury and exhibition of design studio 101, spring 2013 was conducted on 12 April, 2013 at 3 p.m. The exhibition was not only confined to the studio room but also the corridor and the stair way were also part of their display. 

Professor Fuad H Mallick, Pro Vice Chancellor and Chairperson, Department of Architecture headed the critic committee at the jury. Other senior teachers also graced the jury with their presence. 

The final project was about capturing emotions. The students were told to choose a single emotion and express it through their design- 31 students, 31 different emotions and 31 different designs. All had to do it within the space of 1'x1'x3' volume. There were emotions like love and liveliness to cruelty and frustration, from lively to petrified, from respect to guilt. The entire place had turned into a gallery of emotions as they not only displayed their designs but also played with lights and shadows. The jury was open for all. Many others, both inter and intra-departmental students joined in and everyone managed to connect with the captured emotions in their own way.

Faculty visited Disaster (Cyclone) Shelters in Bagerhat

Khondaker Hasibul Kabir, Yasmin Ara and Tahmina Rahman visited Bagerhat from 19 to 22 April, 2013 to evaluate the physical conditions of some of the cyclone shelters there as part of the research project "Engendering Disaster Management in Bangladesh - Physical Inspection of Disaster (Cyclone) Shelters throughout the Country and Recommendations for Measures for Women/ Girl- friendly Renovations". They visited shelters by SDC, Fael Khair, Caritas, LGED and BRAC among others. Some of these were newly constructed and had not been used as shelters yet, and some had been used during Sidr and Aila. Location, condition of the shelter, access, road network, condition of toilet, and water supply, men-women space allocation during use were evaluated. Focus group discussion, key informant interview of the shelter users, and shelter management committee considering gender friendly condition were held. Besides, they visited some Asrayan Prokolpo (rehabilitation projects) in the area.

This project is jointly done with BRAC Development Institute. Khondaker Hasibul Kabir, Yasmin Ara, Mohammad Aminur Rahman and Tahmina Rahman are in the research team from the Department of Architecture.

Lecture session for internee students

Senior assistant director Ms. Asma Banu has conducted a lecture session on 30 April, 2013 for the students of department of Architecture who are going to do their internship in summer 2013 under the course ARC 300: Practical Training. In summer 2013, 42 students are doing practical training in different architectural firms both in Bangladesh and aboard. 

BBS Updates

VC's and Dean's List certificate awarding ceremony

BRAC Business School organized the VC's and Dean's List certificate awarding ceremony for the first time, on Friday 5th April 2013. Previously this event was held university wide, with students from all the departments gathering to celebrate their achievements. However due to an overwhelming numbers of awardees, this semester the authority decided to hold the program separately for each department. And so the stage was set for BRAC Business School to showcase its jewels.

In a particular semester, students earning a GPA of 3.9-4.0 are placed in the VC's List, where as those attaining a GPA of 3.70 - 3.89 is placed in the Dean's List. For the Fall 2012 semester, 52 students of BRAC Business School were placed in the VC's List, while 63 students were placed in the Dean's List. 

The event was graced by the presence of Professor Ainun Nishat, Vice Chancellor, BRAC University, Mr. Rezaur Razzak, Director BRAC Business School and Mr. Suntu Kumar Ghosh, Coordinator, BBA program, BRAC Business School. Professor Ainun Nishat spoke on the occasion, asking those on the VC's List to retain their position, and those on the Dean's List to aim for the VC's. Mr. Rezaur Razzak stressed on the importance of English and proper communication and congratulated the awardees on their achievement. 

The program was hosted by Ruhama Tasneem Chowdhury and Shahed Ehsan Siddique. It commenced with the speeches of Professor Ainun Nishat and Mr. Rezaur Razzak. The certificate awarding ceremony followed with the Vice Chancellor and Director, BRAC Business School handing out the certificates of the VC's and Dean's List respectively. Finally, the program ended with light refreshments, while the awardees basked in their glory, celebrating their achievements.

BBS Faculty members and students attended Inertia Marketing Conference

BRAC Business School (BBS) sent a contingent comprising BBS faculty members and students to a marketing seminar headlined Inertia Marketing Conference. The conference, which was hosted and organized by St. Xavier's College, Kolkata, was a two day event held on the 12th and 13th of April 2013. Ms. Maisha Mofiz and Ms. Sadia Kamal is the two freshman BBS students who made up the team that entered the student case competition arranged for the student participants in Inertia. The BBS team won the 3rd place after intensely competing with other 6 other teams representing business and commerce students from Indian, Bhutanese and Malaysian institutes. Mr. Showvonick Datta, and Mr. Shamim E. Haque, respectively Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the BRAC Business School attended the conference with the students mentoring them in the run up to the competitive events. 

BDI Updates

Royal University of Bhutan Representatives Visit BRAC University

An academic team from the Royal University of Bhutan visited BRAC University from April 8th to 11th 2013. The purpose of their visit was to share academic experience and create a platform for future collaboration. As part of the Global MDP network the RUB is initiating a Masters degree on Development. The primary objective of their visit was to learn about the BRAC University, BDI MDMP program and use it as a model in establishing their own program. Several sessions were arranged for sharing ideas between the two parties. The BDI team led by Dr. Ferdous Jahan shared the BDI experience of launching the MDMP program and provided significant insights into the program. Dr. Rashed-Uz-Zaman and Mr. Alamgir Kabir were also present in the meetings. BRAC University Registrar Mr. Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury joined the RUB team at lunch to welcome them. The RUB team also met Dr. Rizwan Khair at IGS and Dr. Nishat Fatima Rahman at IED. Both these institutes shared their academic programs, ongoing research and publications. The RUB team remarked that this visit was very fruitful for them because BDI could arrange the meetings during the strikes. 

Ottawa University Faculty Visited BDI with a Proposal for Field Research Course

Dr. Nipa Banarjee from the School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, visited BDI in April with a proposal for a field research course in Bangladesh. The course will be offered to students of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Ottawa University. The proposal is developed and will be implemented partially in Ottawa and primarily in Bangladesh by the School of International Development and Global Studies (SIDGS) of the University of Ottawa in partnership with BRAC University, the BRAC Development Institute under it, and BRAC as a development organization (all based in Bangladesh. This 6 credit course will primarily help students understand, through BRAC's experience in Bangladesh, major development issues in low income post conflict countries. The proposed course is scheduled to start from May, 2014. The proposal is being reviewed and to be supervised by Dr. Ferdous Jahan, Dr. Rashed-Uz-Zaman and Alamgir Kabir.

State of Cities: A Research Jointly Carried Out by BDI and IGS

Institute of Governance Studies and BRAC Development Institute of BRAC University have jointly carried out a research on State of Cities 2012-13. The research was conducted in Narayanganj City Corporation. The purpose of this research is to study the urban services from the lens of urban governance. The objectives of this year's report are:

• Analyze the network structures of urban governance as well as service delivery system and how services are being delivered through governance process
• Studying the ground level actors who are affecting the delivery of services and their roles and effectiveness 
• Studying the role of the mediating actors concerning better service in urban governance process
• Exploring possible reform options to strengthen the governance process
• Presenting a comparative study between Dhaka and adjacent smaller city.
  848 Households from 27 Wards of Narayanganj City Corporation was covered in this survey. Dr. Ferdous Jahan was the research coordinator and team members were Md. Abdur Rahim, Mamun-Ur-Rashid (BDI), Syeda Salina Aziz (IGS). 

BDI Director Chaired a Session at a Symposium Organized by Columbia University and BRAC

Columbia University and BRAC organized a symposium on "Urban Space: Integrated action on health, rights and poverty reduction" from April 19-20. BDI Director Professor S.M. Hashemi was the Moderator and Chair in the session on " Laying the foundations for the Right to the City: The politics and terms of recognition"

Professor S.M. Hashemi as a Facilitator at BRAC's Frugal Innovation Forum

Professor S.M. Hashemi was a facilitator in the session on "Mobilizing Communities" in BRAC's "Frugal Innovation Forum" which took place from March 30th to 31st. 

Dr. Sohela Nazneen at the Politics of Evidence Conference at IDS, UK

Dr. Sohela Nazneen, Lead Researcher and gender expert, at BDI was at Institute of Development Studies (IDS), UK for a conference on "Politics of Evidence". The conference was organized by Big Push Forward Initiative, which brought in academics, practitioners, funders in international development. The central issue discussion in the two daylong conference on April 23-24 was to provide a platform to systematically scrutinize the politics of evidence and its implications for transformational development. Dr. Nazneen facilitated one of the sessions on Day 2. 

Proposal Submission at World Bank for Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA)

CGST/BDI has submitted a proposal for the Global Partnership for Social Accountability (GPSA) of World Bank. The project will be implemented by three partner Civil service Organizations (CSO): BRAC Development Institute (BDI) as the lead partner and Rupantar and Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) as three implementing CSOs. CGST/BDI will lead the project, managing and coordinating overall project activities including reporting and publication. These organizations have the experience of working together and all three have substantive experience in the area of local governance and citizens' participation.

Meeting with World Bank and Survey Initiated for the NARI Project

The World Bank is funding the Northern Areas Reduction of Poverty Initiative (NARI) Project. This is a pilot operation to develop a managed system to support poor and vulnerable women from the lagging districts of the northern areas, who are willing to migrate to work in garment factories in selected Export Processing Zones (EPZs), but who currently lack the social, economic and knowledge resources required to make their transition successful. After a meeting with World Bank BDI arranged training sessions for the survey of this project and the team has already started their work in the field. The baseline survey will identify girls and women who are eligible to enroll in training program from randomly selected number of villages from the five districts from which women will be recruited. 

BDI Director at BRAC's Microfinance Open Day

BDI Director Professor S.M. Hashemi was invited to BRAC's Microfinance Open Day titled "Microfinance: Challenges, Myths and Changing Perceptions" on April 9. He was also a panelist at the session.

BDI Facilitated Documentary Making for the World Bank-EDMB Project

Engendering Disaster Management in Bangladesh is a project funded by the World Bank. The project arranged training sessions for management employees to understand the gender significance of disaster events. For this project a qualitative study was conducted in Patuakhali. Based on these case studies World Bank is making a documentary. It is being made by the Tarek Masud Memorial Trust and is to be credited by Kathryn Masud. BDI research staff facilitated the documentary crew to the households to be interviewed and showed them the survey area. A sea-plane was used to explore the study area.

Training On Management of Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (MLARR) at Pakistan

Second round of the Training on "Management of Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (MLARR) in Pakistan" under the World Bank project, Professional Capacity Building Program (PCBP), was successfully conducted from April 16 to 18. Mr. Asad I. A. Khan, Managing Director, NESPAK thanked Dr. Ferdous Jahan, academic coordinator at BDI for delivering the training. Dr. Ferdous Jahan, a World Bank Consultant from BRAC University participated as an international trainer. The objective of the training program was to provide awareness and guidance on land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation as per local laws as well as financing agencies' guidelines and international practices to institutions engaged in infrastructure planning and development. 

Launching of Centre for Resettlement Studies (CRS) at BDI

Under the project Management of Land Acquisition, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (MLARR), BDI has been continuously contributing in the resettlement sector through knowledge-based capacity building in collaboration with World Bank since 2009. Different academic programs have been delivered in last four years keeping in mind the demand of different level of audiences. MLARR team has also developed a comprehensive manual which is a large collection of articles, reports, and project documents. These achievements have created the need for a distinct institutional space to develop future work. 

Thus BDI has been nominated as National Centre for Resettlement Studies by the World Bank. Projects have their limited time period but BDI MLARR team has both goals and sufficient resources to go beyond and broader the horizon. The centre was launched through a video conferencing program held in Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) centre at BRAC University on 9th April, 2013. Along with BDI, two other centers were launched simultaneously in Administrative Staff College of India and Punjab University of Pakistan. Around 30 specialists participated in the program via online video conversation including AusAID and World Bank representatives. The program was chaired by Maria Correia, Manager, Social Development Unit, World Bank. On behalf of Bangladesh, Dr. Ferdous Jahan, Academic Coordinator of BDI and Director, Centre for Resettlement Studies introduced BDI as a consistent partner of World Bank in the field of resettlement. She also focused on the positive change that has been taking place gradually in this sector. The MLARR team who were present in the program is as follows: 
Dr. Ferdous Jahan, Academic Coordinator, BDI and Director, Centre for Resettlement Studies Dr. Rashed Uz Zaman, Faculty, MDS & MLARR 
Md. Alamgir Kabir, Deputy Academic Coordinator, BDI and Faculty, MLARR 
Md. Saidur Rahman, Coordinator, Centre for Resettlement Studies and
Sharif Abdul Wahab, Research Assistant
Ripon Chakraborty, Research Assistant
Anika Binte Kasem, Research Assistant & MLARR graduate
Anindita Hridita. Research Assistant & MLARR graduate

Follow-up to the Dhaka Resolution 2010 

The Ministers and representatives of the Governments in South Asia, women's Organizations/networks, members of civil society, gathered at Dhaka from the 3rd to 5th October 2010 for the Seventh South Asia Ministerial Conference jointly organized by the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and the UNIFEM South Asia Sub-Regional Office. A Dhaka Declaration was formulated where it was agreed that legislative and policy initiatives to attain women's equality need to continue, and these should be implemented and monitored effectively through institutional mechanisms and that it is vital to undertake concrete actions within the upcoming two year period that involve making women agents of change and that are measurable through qualitative and quantitative analyses to be used by policy makers and planners to further inform programmatic action. In particular it was decided to undertake qualitative and quantitative research to identify specifics of the issue(s) to be addressed, generate gender-disaggregated data in the identified initiative, to develop program design and facilitate their use for advocacy, capacity building, programming, policy and decision making in the particular program intervention chosen. The Ministry of Women and Children's Affair and UN Women chose the program to be studied: "Promotion of Legal and Social Empowerment of Women in Bangladesh (PLSEW)'Phase II to be studied.

The overall objective of the project was to strengthen capacity of national and local institutions at formal and informal levels to deliver improved access to justice for women. The project also focused on delivery of justice to women is improved through capacity building and dialogue. Gender-responsive community-based policing is implemented as a prevention strategy against violence and crime. The study objective is to generate empirical knowledge analyzing the existence of VAW and the impact of access to justice among the beneficiaries of Promotion of Legal and Social Empowerment of Women in Bangladesh (PLSEW). This will contribute to strengthen local governance and government services to respond effectively to reduce VAW.

In the last two months data collection has taken place at four sites: Netrokona: 9-15 March 2013; Madaripur: 25 - 30 March 2013; Bogra: 15 - 20 April 2013; and Satkhira 25 - 30 April 2013. Data collection at the four sites has been greatly hampered by the nation-wide political violence and various national, district-wise and local strikes. The local incidents of violence against minorities and also inter and intra political party violence has made it difficult to carry out interviews.

BIL Updates

Orientation Course of RAI Foundation Scholarship Recipients

An orientation course was delivered to the recipients of the RAI Foundation Scholarship at Dev-Pro Centre by BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) from 6th April 2013 to 25th April, 2013. The orientation course focused on skills needed to study in foreign universities. These skills include grooming, presentation ability, computer literacy and counseling.

Four faculty members from (BIL), Roxana Ahamed Chowdhury, Samina Nasrin Chowdhury, Debashismoy Datta and Mohammad Golam Mohiuddin, familiarized the recipients with basic English, presentation skills and grooming. Anjum Ara Eva from counseling unit of BRAC University (BU) and ABM Mostafa Karim from BRAC Learning Division conducted the session on counseling and computer literacy.

Notably, RAI Foundation scholarship is awarded to underprivileged, meritorious female students by BRAC and RAI Foundation, collaboratively, every year. The criterion to receive the scholarship is that a student must have GPA-5 (golden) in her HSC and SSC examinations. 

It is also worth mentioning that this year, ten students have received scholarship to study in Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Fashion Designing.

BIL celebrates Pohela Boishak

On 21 April, 2013, BIL celebrated the Bangla New Year by organizing a get together of all its faculty members. The purpose of this festive occasion was to reinforce the team spirit and bonding within the institute. To connect to the 'Pohela Boishak' essence, the festivity included a feast of traditional foods.

Announcement:

We are proud to inform that three former students of BRAC Medhabikash Program, Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Umme Sharmin Kabir and Rebeka Sultana Doly have joined BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) and BUIED.

Mamun has joined as a Teaching Assistant at BIL, while Sharmin and Rebeka have started working as material developers at BUIED. Simultaneously, they are pursuing MA in TESOL at BIL.

It is worth mentioning that Mamun, Sharmin and Rebeka were all recipients of tuition scholarship of the Medhabikash program, and are graduates from the department of English and Humanities of BRAC University. 

Counseling Unit Updates

Counseling Session for Rai foundation scholarship recipients and Medha Bikash

For last three years Counseling Unit of BRAC University has been visiting the Medha Bikash, a program run by BEP (BRAC Education Program), to conduct a motivational session for the underprivileged students coming from rural and at the same time very successful academic background. Another group of students from the program for Rai foundation scholarship recipients whom BRAC is sending to India for their under graduation under Rai foundation scholarship has been attended with a similar sort of session. The session generally is divided into two segments. In the first segment, the expert Counselor provides a lecture at a class room setting where common psychosocial issues are discussed. In this segment, different psychological issue like: self confidence, stress management, anxiety management, cultural diversity and adaptability are covered. The second segment covers mainly the individual counseling sessions for the students who express their need for individual session.

The latest visit for the Rai foundation scholarship group was held on 10th, 17th and 24th April, 2013. Three different issues were covered on these days, like: separation anxiety, stress management and self confidence, cultural diversity and adaptability, 13 students are participating in the program and 10 students will be selected for this program. Another session was conducted on 11th April 2013 for Medha Bikash students. This time 16 students have participated in this session. These sessions were conducted by Anjuman Ara Eva. The discussion could motivate and inspire them to realize the broader picture of what they are up to. It was participatory and inspiring as well. After the class, individual counseling sessions were done with the students needed that. 

Seminar on 'Parenting'

Children are most precious to most of the parents. Success of the children makes the parents proud, children's responsible behaviors towards the parents makes them happy. Parents dream of a very successful, prosperous and a happy life of their children. But to fulfill these dreams parents' knowledge, approach and skill on 'Parenting' is essential and the scope to acquire them in our society is quite narrow. 

The 'Counseling Unit' of BRAC University felt the need to make some contribution on this field and arranged a seminar on 'Parenting' on 13th April, 2013, Saturday at the BRAC University Auditorium. Farida Akhtar, a renowned Psychologist and Consultant of Counseling Unit was there as the key facilitator throughout the program. Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Director of BIL, Mr. Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, Registrar of BRAC University were present as honorable guests in the seminar. The program started with a welcome speech given by Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed. 

After that, Farida Akhtar took over and introduced herself with the participants who were about 120 in number. Then she played the song 'Ay Khuku Ay' and asked the parents to express their feelings about the song and what they think the song tried to say. Afterwards, the characteristics of adolescents were discussed with the help of Powerpoint slides. The parents also shared their observations in this segment. Then a mini relaxation was performed. Having their eyes closed and lights off the parents were told to think of at least two positive qualities of a successful parent that they possess. Then the characteristics of successful parents were discussed. Finally, Registrar, Mr. Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury concluded the session with a speech thanking Farida Akhtar and all the parents to make the seminar a success. Lastly, the parents shared their feedbacks which were mostly positives as most of them appreciated the initiative and requested for further seminars to be arranged in the future with relevant issues. 

CSO Updates

Networking Session with ACI

To enhance the networking skills of BRAC University students, Career Services Office (CSO) organized a session with ACI Limited on 30 April 2013. The occasion started with a corporate video of ACI and the speakers in the event were Farhana Mahbub, HR Executive ACI, Kaiser Rajib Sherpa, HR Executive ACI and Hasan Tarik, HR Manager ACI. In their encouraging speeches, they mentioned the recruitment process in their organization. They further mentioned how it is important for each student to not only be compatible for a position but to also be careful about the career path they choose. 

As personnel associated with recruiting, they stated the importance of a good CV and interpersonal skills. Often it is seen that competent students do not perform well in the interview due to lack of proper communication skills. To give an idea of an interview scenario a role playing session was also held in the seminar where different students volunteered to play the role of prospective employees for a particular position. Interview do's and dont's as well as other suggestions and tips were given to the students by the HR representatives of ACI. 

The session concluded with a question/answer session where students asked questions on recruitment procedures, suitable positions, job circulars etc.

Internship Orientation Summer-13 

Internship Orientation of the semester Summer 13 was held at the Indoor Games Room of BRAC University on 30th April, 2013. Ms. Asma Banu, Sr. Asst. Director, Career Services Office conveyed the entire process of internship to the potential interns. She also discussed about the rules and regulations for the students to maintain during their internship period. Moreover, she emphasized on the importance and purpose of internship throughout his speech.

Hundred and seventeen registered students from the BRAC Business School (BBS), Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE), Department of English and Humanities (ENH) were present in the session. Shanzida Shahab Uddin CSO Officer conducted the question answer session at the end.

ENH Update 

BA students of ENH, Spring 2013 presented their final theses and internship reports on 27th April 2013. The list of the students' names and their theses' topics are given below: 

The following MA students submitted their theses for the Spring 2013 semester:

Attending International Conference:

Professor Firdous Azim was part of a panel on "Women NGOs and Empowerment in South Asia" held at the Annual Conference of the American Association of Asian Studies (AAAS). This panel was held on 22nd March 2013 in San Diego, USA. 

International Fellowship:

Professor Firdous Azim was awarded a one-week fellowship by the Center for South Asian Studies (CSAS) at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, USA from the 25th to 29th of March 2013. As part of her fellowship, she delivered a lecture entitled "Women Writing in Early Twentieth Century Bengal: Contesting the formation of a new National Identity."

IED Updates

In March 2013, Independence Day was celebrated at 39 SCOPE (Schooling and Counselling for the Children of Post-Primary Education) centres. To commemorate the occasion discussions and cultural activities were held focusing on the importance of the day and members of the community who had been involved in the liberation war were invited to share their experience with students and teachers. SCOPE also marked International Women's Day at 6 centres, where International Mother Language Day was also previously celebrated.

On March 31st, the 5th batch of students studying for the MSc in Early Childhood Development (ECD) students completed their last course of the Postgraduate Diploma level (ECD 528: Policy and Advocacy). From April they will start working on their theses. At the end of the 'ECD 528' course, which had started on February 20th, an informal closing session was held with students and faculty.

Students and faculty members of the MEd in Educational Leadership Planning and Management participated in an event titled: "Curriculum Walk: An alternative way of teaching-learning process". The event - held at Ramna Park, Dhaka on April 04th - was attended by students from the fourth day batch and second evening batch along with faculty members. The main objectives of the event were to explore:

how teaching and learning can take place outside the classroom; how to use available natural resources to teach different types of content; how to manage learning outside the classroom, and; how to engage students in the teaching-learning process. To achieve these objectives participants were engaged in different types of guided activities, including observations, note taking, reflection, group work, presentations and discussions. Through facilitating such activities Mr Subir Shukla and other faculty members of the MEd programme sought to encourage students to think about learning beyond the classroom and without costly materials or a structured syllabus

Students of the second evening batch of the MEd in Educational Leadership Planning and Management along with faculty members visited a BRAC Pre-Primary School, a BRAC Primary School and a BRAC Kishori Kendra (adolescent centre) at Savar on April 13th. These visits helped students to examine the different types of initiatives undertaken at the BRAC schools and centres, which aim to ensure the education of children and adolescents of various ages from poor and marginalised families. Students observed classroom activities and held discussions with the children and adolescents, teachers and school supervisors and local community people, in order to gain an understanding about the curricula, classroom teaching-learning processes and the co-curricular activities followed at the of BRAC schools/centres, as well to explore the involvement of different stakeholders in improving the schools/centres.

The Professional Development Team completed the 17th and 18th batches of training of Head Teachers and AUEOs during the month of April. A total of 41 participants completed the course. Deputy Director (Rajshahi Division) of Directorate of Primary Education was present in the closing and certificate giving ceremony of the 18th batch.

A six-team member of BRAC Charter School Group visited the Kingdom of Bhutan during March. The main focus of the team was to observe how bilingual learning is encouraged in schools. Another important reason of the visit was to understand how Bhutan's "Gross National Happiness (GNH)" vision is being incorporated into the education system. The team paid visits to a total of six schools of which three were government and three were private. Apart from the schools, they visited numerous other government institutions in the capital city of Thimphu and in neighbouring Paro city. The team was also fortunate to listen to the inspiring words of the Honorable Education Minister of Bhutan who expanded on the concept of "Green Schools for a Green Bhutan".

IGS Updates

Roundtable discussion Titled 
Banking Sector Governance: Reforms and Impacts

The Institute of Governance Studies (IGS) organised its second roundtable discussions on topic covered in its flagship report - The State of Governance (SOG) in Bangladesh 2010-11. The roundtable meeting based on the chapter of SOG 2010-11 entitled "Banking Sector Governance: Reforms and Impacts" was held on 27 April, 2013, at the Conference Room of BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka. 
The event was moderated by Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka and Chairman of Unnayan Anneshan. The panel discussants of the roundtable discussion were: Professor Abu Ahmed, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Economic Advisor of Bangladesh Bank and Dr. Khandakar Golam Moazzem, Additional Director (research) of Centre for Policy Dialogue. The meeting started with a welcome speech by IGS Director Dr. Rizwan Khair while M Shahidul Islam, Research Fellow of IGS presented research findings on banking sector reforms and impacts. The discussion was followed by views, remarks and suggestions made by different academics, research experts and professionals working in the country's economic, finance and banking sector such as: Mr. Forrest E. Cookson, Economist, Research and Development Centre, Dr. Nasiruddin Ahmed, Former Chairman of NBR and Research Coordinator of IGS, Mr Hasanuzzam, Project Manager, Access to Information Programme, UNDP and Mr. Ashikur Rahman, Research Fellow of IGS.

IGS Finance Team Attended Training Programme on Global Financial System and Governance

On 5th April 2013 IGS finance team attended a training programme titled "Global Financial System and Governance" at GDLN Centre, BRAC University. This training was jointly organised by Global Development Training Network and BRAC University. The training programme was focused on capacity building and creating awareness about the global financial situation. 

Grant Agreement Between IGS and the Carter Center

IGS signed a grant agreement on 29 April 2013 with The Carter Center to conduct second piloting (Pilot Phase II) of Access to Information Implementation Assessment Tool (ATI- IAT) in Bangladesh. As per the contract, IGS will reapply IAT in six Ministries namely; Agriculture, Customs, Education, Finance, Health, and Justice. Besides, IGS will also conduct focus group discussion, write narrative reports and present findings in a review meeting to be held in Atlanta GA in 19-20 May 2013. Previously, IGS has also carried out Pilot Phase I in Bangladesh along with South Africa and Mexico which was completed with a review meeting in Atlanta GA in December 2011. The meeting was attended by Dr. Rizwan Khair, Director of IGS and Mohammad Sirajul Islam, Research Associate, IGS. 

IGS Research Team participating on a Certificate Course on "Governance and Development"

IGS research team enrolled in an Executive Certificate Course on "Governance and Development" at North South University started on 5th April 2013. This certificate course is designed based on the Master in Public Policy and Governance programme under the Department of General and Continuing Education (GCE). Professionals working in public sector, defense service personnel, development partners, non-profit sectors and research organization are the potential participants of the course. At the end of the course, the participants will be evaluated through thesis paper and field visits reports. Research Associate Saika Nudrat Chowdhury, Research Assistant Afrina Islam, Nabila Zaman and Kazi Niaz Ahmed participated in this course. This course will be ended by 18th May, 2013.

IGS Research Team Visit to Jessore and Khulna

From 27-30 April, 2013, IGS research team comprising of Kazi Nurmohammad Hossainul Haque and Faiz Ahmed Chowdhury, conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Key Informant Interview (KII) at Jessore and Khulna. This visit was organsied by IGS. The FGDs and KIIs were focused on their working paper on "Tidal River Management (TRM): Community Initiative to Adapt the Climate Change". Besides they also went to the TRM implementation sites. 

Training on Procurement Principles and Management

Participants from PPM Batch-1 and PPM Batch-2 Attended the Training Programme
A training programme, titled Procurement Principles and Management was organised by IGS, BRAC University, at IGS Conference Room. There were two batches in this training programme. PPM Batch-1 was held on 05-06 April and PPM Batch-2 was held on 19-20 April, 2013. As part of core activities of IGS, this training course was offered to enhance the capacity on Procurement Principle and Management. The training was attended by 14 participants for each batch from different organisation. Dr. Rizwan Khair, Director of IGS, awarded certificates among the participants on 6th and 20th April, 2013 respectively through an unostentatious ceremony. The course was conducted by the training wing of IGS.

Admission Test Held for Masters in Procurement and Supply Management (MPSM) 

On 13th April, 2013 IGS, BRAC University held admission test on Masters in Procurment and Supply Management (MPSM) for Summer Semster 2013 at BRAC University. Total 24 participants from different procurement and supply chain organisations were selected through this test. Classes will start from 16 May, 2013. 

Foreign Representatives' Visit to IGS

On 8 April, 2013, a delegation team from the Institute for Sustainable Communities, Vermont, USA, lead by George Hamilton, President of the Institute, visited IGS to discuss collaborative efforts with IGS in the area of training. The team included their Program Director, Asia and Technical Director from Shanghai. 
On 10 April, 2013 a delegation from Royal University of Bhutan lead by Mr.Yangka, Director of Academic Affairs of the University, visited IGS to discuss possible areas of collaboration between IGS and Royal University.

IGS Director's Activities 

Director of IGS, Dr. Rizwan Khair, conducted a workshop on Public Policy Analysis for Joint Secretaries of Government at Bangladesh Public Administration Training Centre at Savar on 11 April, 2013. 

On 28 April, 2013, Director of IGS attended a meeting with the academic advisors for research at the National Defence College, Mirpur.

Dr. Rizwan Khair, Director and Kazi Nurmohammad Hossainul Haque, Senior Research Associate of IGS attended a brain-storming session in the School of Public Health (SPH) of BRAC University on 22 April. The main theme was to design a short course on Urban Health which would be run by SPH in collaboration with IGS and BRAC Development Institute.

ANSA SAR Funded Meetings in Rangpur and Jamalpur

ANSA SAR funded two separate Community Score Card (CSC) experience sharing meetings organized by Manusher Jonno Foundation and PRIP Trust. Manusher Jonno Foundation had organised the experience sharing meeting on 'Primary Education and Social Accountability at Begum Rokeya auditorium of Rangpur-Dinajpur Rural Services (RDRS) Rangpur, on 27th April, 2013. Government and NGO officials, headmasters and presidents of different government primary school managing committees (SMC), District and Upazila level Primary Education Officers, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, union parishad chairmen and members, community leaders, guardians, civil society members, and elite of greater Rangpur participated in the meeting. Ms Nuzhat Jabin, Programme Manager and Ms Aneesa Rahman, Programme Associate from ANSA SAR, represented at the meeting.

On 30th April, 2013, PRIP Trust had organised their experience sharing meeting on Citizen's Engagement for Quality Service at DC Office, Conference Room, Jamalpur. The chief guest was the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Jamalpur, Md Delwar Haider and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jamalpur. Participants included civil surgeons from the Jamalpur Civil Surgeon Office and other representatives of civil society organizations. Mr Musthafizur Rahman Khan, Project Officer, ANSA SAR represented ANSA at the meeting.

ANSA-SAR & PRIP Trust Organised Mobile Phone based Skill Training

From 16-27 April, 2013 ANSA-SAR & PRIP Trust organised a Mobile Phone based Skill Training in Urban and Rural Level for the citizens who are getting public services. In the trainings the citizens were taught how to evaluate the services of public services through mobile software. This training was a part of the project called "Improvement of Quality and Delivery Mechanism of Public Services through ICT based Citizens' Monitoring Initiatives" in Rajshahi. Each of the training sessions had 50 participants. The first four training was held in Rajshahi city for 12 No. ward and remaining three training were held in Dhamkura Union of Rajshahi.

ANSA SAR - PTF Book Launch

ANSA-SAR in collaboration with Partnership for Transparency Fund (PTF) has published a brand new book by Pierre Landell-Mills titled "Citizens Against Corruption- Report from the Frontlines" on 30th April 2013 at India International Center, Delhi. This book tells the story of how groups of courageous and dedicated citizens across the globe are taking direct action to root out corruption. It draws on over 200 unique case studies that describe impressive initiatives undertaken over the past decade by 130 civil society organizations (CSOs) in 51 countries that were supported by PTF to engage directly with public agencies to stop the bribery and extortion that damages peoples' lives and obstructs social and economic progress.

Publications: 

The Financial Express: Saving state-owned banks from government intervention: Tuesday, 30 April 2013 by M. Shahidul Islam 

The Financial Express: Growth in uncertain times: Saturday, 20 April 2013: M Shahidul Islam

The Financial Express: Making central bank operationally effective: Tuesday, 30 April 2013

MNS Updates

Workshop on Medical Biotechnology for Medical Teachers

Professor Dr. Naiyyum Choudhury participated in the above-mentioned workshop held in the Conference Room, Health System Strengthening and Global Health (HSS&GH) Cell Conference Room, IPH Bhavan, Mohakhali, organized by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMBT). Professor Choudhury presented a paper on medical profession in the 21st Century. He mentioned that a Commission on the Education of Health Professionals for the 21st Century-a global independent initiative-was launched in the USA in January 2010 to landscape the field of professional health education, identify gaps and opportunities, and make recommendations for a new generation of reforms a century after the landmark Flexner Report of 1910.This independent Commission of twenty academic leaders from around the world recommended comprehensive reform in the training of healthcare professionals, in a major report published in The Lancet on 4 December 2010. Professor Choudhury pointed out that the Commission proposed a series of instructional and institutional reforms to produce professionals to face the health challenges of the 21st century. Some of the instructional reforms suggested by the Commission included competency-driven, Inter professional and trans-professional education, IT-empowered educational resource, new professionalism etc. Institutional reforms suggested by the Commission included joint planning, academic systems, global networks and culture of critical inquiry. A good number of faculties from both public and private medical colleges participated in the workshop.

World Intellectual Property Day Seminar on Creativity-the Next Generation

On the occasion of the World Intellectual Property Day, the Department of Patents, Design and Trade Marks (DPDT), Ministry of Industries, GoB organized a one-day seminar on Creativity-The Next Generation at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel on 26 April, 2013. Professor Naiyyum Choudhury was invited to present the keynote paper on the occasion. Mr. Dilip Barua, Honourable Minister for Industries, GoB was the Chief Guest on the occasion. While Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Honourable Minister for Cultural Affairs, GoB and Mr. Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, President, FBCCI were present as Special Guests. In his keynote paper Professor Choudhury outlined the important aspects of intellectual properties emphasizing patents, trademarks and copy rights, advantages and disadvantages of IPR particularly the TRIPS in relation to the developing countries. The fast moving economy from the resource base to technology base and finally to innovation base has thrown new challenges to the developing countries in research, development in terms of creativity and innovation. The key to success in the K-economy, he said was very much dependent on human capital or knowledge worker, a paradigm shift in R&D approach and a strong support for innovation and entrepreneurship. A large number of participants from the academic and research organizations, business community, IPR legal experts, NGO representatives and officials of different ministries attended the seminar and took part in discussion.

The Daily Star Round Table titled "Nuclear Power in Bangladesh: Prospects and Concerns"

A Round Table on the above-mentioned theme was held at 10.30 am on April 20, 2013 at the Daily Star Office, Dhaka. Dr. Abdul Matin, former Chief Engineer of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) gave a power point presentation on the theme of the meeting and stressed on the prospects and concerns specifically in the context of the proposed nuclear power plant at Rooppur (RNPP), Pabna. Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akbar, Project Director of RNPP gave the other presentation. Professor A. A. Z. Ahmad and Professor Naiyyum Choudhury gave their comments and suggestions regarding the importance of ensuring safety and development of skilled human resources. State Minister for Science and Technology, GoB, Architect Yeafesh Osman was the Chief Guest at the function presided over by Professor Nooruddin Ahmed, former Vice-Chancellor of BUET. Mr. Mahfuz Anam, Editor & Publisher of the Daily Star and Mr. A.S.M. Feroz, Chairman of BAEC also spoke at the function attended by scientists, engineers and academicians from BAEC and University of Dhaka. 

Workshop on Medical Biotechnology for Medical Teachers

Professor Dr. Naiyyum Choudhury participated in the above-mentioned workshop held in the Conference Room, Health System Strengthening and Global Health (HSS&GH) Cell Conference Room, IPH Bhavan, Mohakhali, organized by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).Center for Medical Biotechnology (CMBT). Professor Choudhury presented a paper on medical profession in the 21^st Century. He mentioned that a  Commission on the Education of Health Professionals for the 21st Century-a global independent initiative-was launched in the USA  in January 2010 to landscape the field of professional health education, identify gaps and opportunities, and make recommendations for a new generation of reforms a century after the landmark Flexner Report of 1910.This independent Commission of twenty academic leaders from around the world   recommended comprehensive reform in the training of healthcare professionals, in a major report published in The Lancet on 4 December 2010. Professor Choudhury pointed out that the Commission proposed a series of instructional and institutional reforms to produce professionals to face the health challenges of the 21^st century. Some of the instructional reforms suggested by the Commission included competency-driven, Inter professional and trans-professional education, IT-empowered educational resource, new professionalism etc. Institutional reforms suggested by the Commission included joint planning, academic systems, global networks and culture of critical inquiry. A good number of faculties from both public and private medical colleges participated in the workshop.

World Intellectual Property Day Seminar on Creativity-the Next Generation

On the occasion of the World Intellectual Property Day, the Department of Patents, Design and Trade Marks (DPDT), Ministry of Industries, GoB organized a one-day seminar on Creativity-The Next Generation at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel on 26 April, 2013. Professor Naiyyum Choudhury was invited to present the keynote paper on the occasion. Mr. Dilip Barua, Honourable Minister for Industries, GoB was the Chief Guest on the occasion. While Mr. Abul Kalam Azad, Honourable Minister for Cultural Affairs, GoB  and Mr. Kazi Akram Uddin Ahmed, President, FBCCI were present as Special Guests. In his keynote paper Professor Choudhury outlined the important aspects of intellectual properties emphasizing patents, trademarks and copy rights, advantages and disadvantages of IPR particularly the TRIPS in relation to the developing countries. The fast moving economy from the resource base to technology base and finally to innovation base has thrown new challenges to the developing countries in research, development in terms of creativity and innovation. The key to success in the K-economy, he said was very much dependent on human capital or knowledge worker, a paradigm shift in R&D approach and a strong support for innovation and entrepreneurship. A large number of participants from the academic and research organizations, business community, IPR legal experts, NGO representatives and officials of different ministries attended the seminar and took part in discussion.

The Daily Star Round Table titled "Nuclear Power in Bangladesh: Prospects and Concerns"

A Round Table on the above-mentioned theme was held at 10.30 am on April 20, 2013 at the Daily Star Office, Dhaka. Dr. Abdul Matin, former Chief Engineer of the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) gave a power point presentation on the theme of the meeting and stressed on the prospects and concerns specifically in the context of the proposed nuclear power plant at Rooppur (RNPP), Pabna. Dr. Mohammad Shawkat Akbar, Project Director of RNPP gave the other presentation. Professor A. A. Z. Ahmad and Professor Naiyyum Choudhury gave their comments and suggestions regarding the importance of ensuring safety and development of skilled human resources. State Minister for Science and Technology, GoB, Architect Yeafesh Osman was the Chief Guest at the function presided over by Professor Nooruddin Ahmed, former Vice-Chancellor of BUET. Mr. Mahfuz Anam, Editor  & Publisher of the Daily Star and Mr. A.S.M. Feroz, Chairman of BAEC also spoke at the function attended by scientists, engineers and academicians from BAEC and University of Dhaka.

"New faces in campus" and "Leaving us"

New faces at BRACU

ESS: Ms. Rubana Ahmed joined as an Assistant Professor in the Economics and Social Science Department in April 2013. 

Ms. Ahmed did her Ph.D in Social Policy from University of Texas at Dallas. Earlier she completed her M.A in Applied Economics from Southern Methodist University and B.A. in Economics from Dhaka University.

ARC: A new faculty member Ms. Saiqa Iqbql Meghna joined as a Lecturer in the Architecture Department in April 2013. She did her Master in Advanced Architecture in Digital Tectonics from Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia and Bachelor of Architecture from BUET.

Admin: Mr. Md. Saiful Islam joined as a Junior Asistant Librarian in the Ayesha Abed Library in last April 2013. Mr. Islam did his M.S.S. and B.S.S in Information Science and Library Management from Rajshahi University.

Mr. Kazi Arif Mahmudul Alam joined as an Admin Officer in the Relationship Management Office in April 2013. He did his B.A. (Hons.) and M.A. in English Literature from University of Development Alternative.

Ms. Pratima Dev joined as a Department Coordination Officer in the Economics and Social Science (ESS) Department in April 2013. She did her both M.S.S and B.S.S in Sociology from University of Dhaka

Mr. Chandan Roy also joined as a Department Coordination Officer in the BRAC Business School (BBS) in April 2013. He completed his BBS and MBS from National University.

Ms. Rakshinda Huq joined as a Career Service Officer in the Career Service Office (CSO) in April 2013. Recently she completed her Graduation in English from BRAC University.

Mr. Joy Deb Protap Sinha joined as an Assistant Procurement Officer in the Procurement Department in April 2013. He did his BBA in Marketing from Northern University Bangladesh.

Left from BRACU

Both Mr. Quazi Mosiur Rahman and Md. Mokarrom Hossain, Lecturer of BIL left BRACU in last April. Ms. Farhana Murtaza Choudhury and Ms. Fatema Tuz Zohora both served as Lecturer in the CSE Department resigned in last April. Ms. Morium Irani, Resident Nurse of Savar Campus also left us in April 2013.

SPH Updates

JPGSPH Hosts Round Table on SOGI Issues at Bangladesh UPR 2013

The Centre of Excellence for Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of the James P. Grant School of Public Health at BRAC University and Boys of Bangladesh (BoB) hosted a roundtable discussion on April 18 on the issues of sexual and gender minorities in relation to the recently held Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 2013 on Bangladesh. 

The event was attended by delegates of various foreign missions, civil society members and members from the sexual and gender minority community. The objective of the event was to present the stakeholders' report prepared for UPR 2013, along with the recommendations made from the concerned community. This interactive discussion sought participant's suggestions on how to lobby member states and the UN more responsibly to put the issues of sexual and gender minorities on the table during the review. 

The participants were shared with the report and urged to ensure that the issue of sexual and gender minorities does not get plunked under the plethora of other human rights issues at the UPR. 

JPGSPH Offers a Course on Public Health Management for TB Programme Managers 

The JPGSPH offered a course titled 'Public Health Management for TB Programme Managers', in partnership with BRAC Health Nutrition and Population Programme, BRAC Learning Division and icddr,b from 13 April, 2013 to 25 April, 2013. The course was attended by 22 participants from the following 20 districts including Dhaka. The participants were mainly senior sector specialists, microbiologist, senior district managers, and district managers from BRAC. The course was inaugurated on 13 April, 2013 and started with a pre-course evaluation. 

A highly qualified resource pool of 24 professionals from government, non-government, national and international organizations provided critical insight into health systems strengthening in light of TB programmes. The course covered topics such as Universal health coverage, Health and Development, Demography and Epidemiology, Health system in Bangladesh, Alma Ata Declaration, Primary Health care, Rational use of drugs, Health care financing, Team building and leadership in TB programme etc. 

The course ended on 25 April, 2013 with a certificate giving ceremony. Participants shared their acquired knowledge from the course. Ms. Ismat Bhuiya, Director Programs, JPGSPH, BRAC University and other personnel of JPGSPH attended the certificate giving ceremony. 

BRAC Vice Chairperson and Director Visit Community-based Midwifery Diploma Program

Dr. Ahmed Mushtaque Raza Chowdhury, Vice-Chairperson of BRAC and the former Dean of the James P. Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH), Dr Kaosar Afsana, Director of the BRAC Health, Nutrition and Population Programme, and Ms Ismat Bhuiya, Director Programs of the JPGSPH, visited Shimantik and Friends in Village Development Bangladesh (FIVDB), two of the six Implementing Partner Organizations (IPOs) collaborating with BRAC University on the Community-based Midwifery Diploma Program (CMDP) on 8 March, 2013. 

The visitors toured the academic and residential facilities of the newly launched 3-year Diploma in Midwifery program, met with the students enrolled in Sylhet and discussed implementation issues and strategic directions of the program with the faculty and staff. They attended a coordination meeting with the faculty, CMDP program staff and the staff of BRAC's Manoshi program staff from Sylhet on 9 March, 2013 where BRAC formally announced the collaboration between Manoshi and the CMDP. The two institutional partners look forward to exploring learning opportunities for students and midwives in the future. 

Student Affairs Updates

BRAC University Adventure Club participated in "The Big Bangla Run" (10 km run)

Staying fit and adventure coincide with each other. Along with knowledge and will power, it is important to keep an athletic routine to be strong to face any sudden adverse situations. BRAC University Adventure Club always wants their members to be physically healthy and fit and a marathon is a good way to prove their fitness. On the 1st of March, 2013 Opal Grammar School and The Big Bangla Run Team lead the people of Bangladesh to a 10 kilometer run for the first time, under the title "The Big Bangla Run" targeting to create mass awareness amongst the people of the country.

Amongst thousands of participants, BRAC University Adventure Club (BUAC) brought a team of 50 led by Omar bin Parvez to the run and polished their hinges and tested their fitness levels. With an average time of 50 minutes to finish the 10 km run, the first student to cross the finishing line from the club was Nerzhor who was timed 35 minutes which was 7 short of the winner of the event. BRACU Adventure Club president Md. Latiful Kabir participated in the run and advisor Md. Shamsul Kaonain was there to encourage the members.

Participating in this event was not only a measure of stamina and athleticism but also a morale booster for the ones who took part in it, firstly because they were all rewarded with a medal for finishing the run within 2 hours, secondly, they reassured themselves that they are capable of doing what it takes to not only accomplish the run, but also to do anything that comes in their way. BUAC is proud to be a part of this and hopes that TBBR team will continue organizing such events in bigger and better scales.

Campus Cleaning Program Spring'13

We the BRAC University Earth and Environment Forum arranged campus cleaning program on 16 March, 2013. Heading of the program was "Campus Cleaning Program Spring' 13". At the early morning the members of the forum gathered on the campus and started sweep up the area of main campus. The purpose of the program was to create awareness among the people especially to the students and stuff of BRAC University, they should understand the campus is our second home and it is our responsibility to keep it clean for our own benefits. Many students left their fast food and gum wrappers and toss cigarette butts behind in the parking lots and even on the main campus which is unhealthy for the environment as well as health. We sweep up the campus and put all the garbage in some bags and put those in a drum of garbage. We the members of BRAC University Earth and Environment wore green color t-shirts on the cleaning program which contains the message that 'New world for new generation'. It gives the message to the people that we should maintain the sustainability of the environment not only for us but for the new generation. While cleaning the campus we received a positive result from the students and stuff, they appreciated us a lot. 

Inter Semester Football Tournament of BRAC University 2013

It was a scorching Friday afternoon when the two best semester teams of BRAC University battled with each other to achieve the ultimate glory. The atmosphere was made electrified by the presence of a large number of supporters as they shouted and cheered for their respective semester teams. The crowd was not at all disappointed as the players of both the teams displayed a scintillating game and played neck-and-neck throughout the match. Ultimately, the semester of Spring 11 edged over the semester of Fall 11 to become the champions of the Inter Semester Football Tournament of BRAC University 2013.

Also known as the "Football Crusade", the most anticipated football tournament of BRAC University was initiated by the Football Club of BRAC University (FCBU) in 2005. Since then FCBU had been arranging the tournament annually with grand triumph. The club members had been working hard to make the tournament successful. The match officials had been hired from Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) to make sure proper and just playing conditions .Total of 12 teams took part in this tournament to show their very best skills and to prove they are the ultimate best semester. Commercial companies like Novo air, Runner etc sponsored different teams in this tournament.

Like previous year, the Football Crusade 2013 was arranged at the Army Museum Field, Bijoy Shoroni. After five days of a fantastic football fiesta, it all came down to the wires on Friday the 5th. An evenly poised match went on to extra time when the man of the final Tausif Nazran of Spring 11 scored the sole goal to make his team victorious. Rubayet Talat, the captain of Spring 11 was announced the player of the tournament. Xaki of Spring 12 received the golden boot award for his tally of 4 goals. Akib (Spring 11) and Saddam (Fall 11) were declared the best goal-keeper and the best defender respectively. Faculty of BRAC University Mr. Farazul Haque Bhuiyan and PRO Dewan Hasan Mahmud were present to hand over the awards.

BUAC Seminar on: Tourism- A Pathway to Economic Development

On 20th January, 2013, BRAC University Adventure Club organised a seminar titled "Tourism- A Pathway to Economic Development". The objective was to create awareness about the various promising aspects of the tourism sector in Bangladesh. The club also uncovered the second issue of its magazine "Adventure Bangladesh" in the program. Shahid Hussain Shamim, Chairman of Ajiar, Akhtaruz Zaman Khan, CEO of Bangladesh Tourism Board, and Musa Ibrahim, Mountaineer and journalist graced the seminar as guest speakers.
The seminar started by the welcome speech of Md. Shamsul Kaonain, Advisor of BUAC followed by a slide show of the club activities. Md. Ashraf Ullah first gave his vote of thanks and announced the uncovering of the magazine which was handed out by Md. Latiful Kabir, the editor of "Adventure Bangladesh" magazine. The keynote of the seminar was then presented by Sheri Jahan Chowdhury and she highlighted the economic benefits that tourism provides and how its various aspects such as rural tourism and ecotourism can be merged to create an opportunity for sustainable development in Bangladesh. Shahid Hussain Shamim, Chairman of Ajiar explained the goals of his tourism company based on crafts and community. The next speaker, Akhtaruz Zaman Khan, CEO of BTB, discussed about the promising enthusiasm of the new generation for adventure tourism and praised the BUAC for its various such activities. The great mountaineer and journalist, Musa Ibrahim, who was the following speaker, came up with a number of questions toward the authority by sharing his own experience about the sustainability of Bangabandhu Safari Park, improvement of water-routes and river based tourism, success of ecotourism and finally the security for tourists in Bangladesh. The chief guest, Dr. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Pro-Vice Chancellor of BRAC University then gave his viewpoint about tourism. Mr Robin, a special guest representing Monipur tribe, shared his experience highlighting how the tribe was losing its root culture with time. The speeches were followed by a short question answer session where the guests were asked about the various aspects of tourism and its development ideas by the audience. The closing address was given by Mr. Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, the honourable registrar of BRAC University, who chaired the whole session.

Adventure Club participated in Folk festival

On 5th April 2013 BRAC University Adventure Club participated in the Bangladesh Folk Festival, organized by Bangladesh Tourism Board at Bangabandhu International Conference Center. The main objective of this festival was to familiarize the foreigners as well as the locals with our cultural inheritance, at the same time uncover their interest in our tourism activity. BUAC have always endeavored to promote the tourism sector in Bangladesh, already having arranged the 'Tourism fair', few seminars on tourism also publishing two of their magazines, thereby, revealing the opportunities, possibilities, drawbacks of tourism in our country. Bangladesh Tourism Board CEO, Akhtaruz Zaman Khan Kabir is already aware of the previous efforts put by the BUAC in order to promote tourism. So he gave BUAC a platform to interact with the guests to promote tourism among the Ambassadors, foreigners, and local people as well. BUAC fervently tries to promote the different tourist sites of Bangladesh; at the same time, raising the awareness of eco-friendly tourism, sustainable tourism to preserve the environment and hence, this sector. While discussing with the club president Md. Latiful Kabir, chief guest of the program Md. Faruk Khan, the Minister of Civil Aviation & Tourism encouraged the club activities furthermore, promising to support the club so as to achieve its goal. Thousands of people have visited the BUAC stall at the Folk Festival that day and were very much eager to know about the club's activities so far especially the places we have visited and a good number of people also showed interest to become a future member of the club. More still were a handful of representatives from the volunteer organizations wanting to work with the BUAC in future. The praises heard of BUAC's activities that day, made us feel much honored and at the same time inspired us to continue our work in future. 

TLC Updates

Session on 'Effective Presentation: Ways and Means' on April 25

TLC organized and facilitated a session on 'Effective Presentation: Ways and Means' for the students of BRACU department of Pharmacy on April 25th. The focus of the session was- how the students could make their classroom presentations more effective and organized. The session was facilitated by Ms. Sabrina Syed, assisted by Mr. Muhammad Foysal Mubarak, Lecturers, TLC. The session duration was 1 hour and the number of participants was 54. 

TLC Faculty member attended the 47th Annual International IATEFL Conference, UK

Sheikh Mohammad Ali, Senior Lecturer, TLC attended the 47th Annual International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) Conference and Exhibition at Arena Convention Center (ACC), Liverpool, United Kingdom. This was a major ELT event and was consist of over 400 talks, workshops and symposiums. There were five plenary sessions by top ELT professionals. Speakers and participants were present from over 70 countries. In addition, there was a major ELT Resources Exhibition with over 50 exhibition stands showing the latest published materials, teaching resources and equipment, computer software and services. This year a team of nine persons consisting teachers, teacher trainers and academic managers from Bangladesh attended this event. British Council, Dhaka sponsored five teachers and teacher trainers to attend this international conference. Sheikh Mohammad Ali was one of them. Prior to this conference, he also participated in a Pre Conference Event on 8th April which was in a Special Interest Group discussion titled 'Leadership and Academic Management'.

TLC Faculty members attended in the Dnet's Anniversary Programme on April 15.

Ms. Sabrina Syed and Mr. Muhammad Foysal Mubarak, faculty members of TLC attended the 12th year's celebration event of Dnet on April 15. Dnet is a social enterprise working with a view to improving the lives of marginalized people in Bangladesh through social and technological innovations. Dnet is working for teachers' professional development, imparting hands on ICT knowledge to the students through innovative curriculum and developed country wide network of technical support built for keeping ICT facilities in the schools. The 12th year's anniversary program was held at Drik Gallery during April14-16, 2013.