Week-long grand reunion in January for BUET's 150 years, Alumni Association announces programme

The BUET Alumni Association is going to organise a week-long programme from January 6 to 13 next year to mark the 150 years of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and its 14th grand reunion.

The programme will include a colourful rally, a memorial lecture, discussion meetings, cultural programmes, a workshop on entrepreneurship development and trips to various places. The details were presented at a press conference held in the seminar room of BUET's Council Building on Wednesday (November 11).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ekramul Haque, who is also the chief patron of the BUET Alumni Association, attended the press conference as chief guest. Professor Mohammad Abdul Motaleb, the association's director of student welfare, coordinator and treasurer, delivered the welcome speech.

In his greetings speech, the organisation's secretary general Engineer Md Atikur Rahman Bhuiya said the 150 years of BUET have created an opportunity to build a strong and effective alumni network. This network will work as a valuable asset for the coming generations, he said.

Veteran actor, writer, theatre director and civil engineer Abul Hayat, a former BUET student, was present at the press conference. Reminiscing about his student life, he said BUET is not just an educational institution, it is a unique institution that teaches honesty, devotion and a sense of responsibility. He said they received not only institutional education from BUET but also lessons in honesty and morality, and that education has guided them in their working lives.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ekramul Haque said students, teachers and former students have an important role behind BUET's current position. Former students are presenting BUET in various places as the university's brand ambassadors, he said, adding that the institutional structure and strong management of BUET, established in 1962, are still taking the university forward.

The vice-chancellor commented that the cooperation of former students and the government is needed to take BUET to the next level. An initiative is being taken to form a 'BUET Development Trust', he said, adding that contributions from the government, former students and large business organisations are needed for this fund.

Engineer Imu Riazul Hasan, vice-president of the Alumni Association and member secretary of the celebration committee, presented the week-long grand reunion programme. He said the first day, January 6, will feature hall-based programmes, former students' gatherings in hall yards, a rally, registration and distribution of souvenirs, inauguration of engineering generation stalls, the Dr Jamilur Reza Chowdhury memorial lecture and a cultural programme.

On January 7, there will be the inaugural programme for BUET's 150 years, discussions on the university's history and achievements, exchange of experiences and advice by former students and a cultural evening. January 8 will feature the main inauguration of the 14th grand reunion, a documentary screening, discussions on BUET's 150-year history and contributions in various fields, distribution of crests and awards to meritorious students and a historical theme-based cultural programme.

On January 9, there will be a workshop on entrepreneurship development, receptions for BUET graduates marking 50 and 30 years, cultural programmes by noted artistes and honours for entrepreneurs and sponsors. In addition, trips to the Sundarbans, a cruise on the Padma River and a visit to Sarah Resort in Gazipur have been arranged from January 10 to 13.

Engineer Md Abdur Rauf, vice-president of the Alumni Association and convener of the celebration committee, delivered the closing speech at the press conference. He said the pro-vice-chancellor's proposed Tk 30 crore fund will be raised at the next council and board of trustees meetings, and necessary initiatives will be taken from the alumni side to implement the proposal.