DEH Commencement Spring 2025
The Department of English and Humanities (DEH) at ULAB held its Spring 2025 Thesis Defense and Commencement Ceremony on May 10, 2025, celebrating the academic achievements of its graduating BA and MA students. The Commencement theme, “Where the Wildflowers Grow,” eloquently captured the essence of each student’s journey—highlighting their resilience, uniqueness, and the graceful manner in which they have each flourished in their own way. The guest speaker for the event was ULAB alumnus and Associate Manager, Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing Division, City Bank, Mr. Mahdi Sayeed Rishad.
The event began with a welcome by the Head of Department, Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman who set the tone with an encouraging speech that highlighted the graduates’ potential to embark on new beginnings. She extended heartfelt congratulations while urging them to carry forward the curiosity, discipline, and creativity they had nurtured during their time at DEH. Special Advisor to the Board of Trustees, ULAB, Professor Shamsad Mortuza, offered his perspective on the theme by comparing graduates to wildflowers who can flourish in any situation.
The guest speaker, Mr. Rishad, was then invited on stage to address the graduating students. He shared his journey from being a BBA student to becoming an MA in English graduate, highlighting the interdisciplinary strength of the program. He emphasized how mastering communication contributed to his corporate success and inspired students by showcasing how an English degree can lead to diverse professional opportunities. He further encouraged students to explore the world that exists beyond their comfort zone and make the most out of their acquired knowledge. Surprising everyone at the end of his speech, Mr. Rishad announced that he is currently a Master in Communications student at the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, ULAB.
Mr. Rishad was then handed a token of appreciation by Professor Mortuza and Ms. Rahman.
Adjunct Faculty and former BELTA president, Mr. Harunur Rashid Khan, also spoke on the occasion. He praised the students’ growth and urged them to embrace lifelong learning and clarity in expression on their journey forward.
Shortly after, a game of Word Association was hosted by the emcee Azeema Anhar (Batch 232) and cohost Aiman Swaad Ahmad (Batch 232), engaging both graduates and faculty in a lively and humorous exchange of spontaneous responses, creating a memorable interlude in the program. Graduating students were then invited to share personal memories and reflections, highlighting academic challenges, lasting friendships, and how DEH fostered growth, belonging, and helped them discover their voice and confidence.
The ceremony continued with the recognition of exceptional students from the Scholars Program, as certificates were awarded to Marium Mardia (Batch 221), Nafisa Tasnim (Batch 212), Marifa Khan, and Fatema Aftab Miah both from Batch 211. Scholars Program Advisor Dr. Md. Mahadhi Hasan, along with committee members Mr. Al Mahmud Rumman, Senior Lecturer, and Mr. Sheikh Nahiyan, Lecturer, was invited to present the graduates with their certificates.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks from the BA Coordinator and Lecturer, Ms. Nusrat Tajkia, who extended her sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of the program.
The event concluded with a group photo session.
Report by Mysha Rashid (232013074)
