Orientation Summer 2025
On June 21, 2025, the Department of English and Humanities at the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh (ULAB) organized the Orientation program for the Summer 2025 term to welcome the newly admitted students in the BA and MA programs. The theme of the event was “Monsoon Beginnings” signifying the buoyant spirit of this tender season. The guest speaker in this session was Radia Al Rashid, a gold medalist and DEH alumna, currently working as an English Language lecturer at Newham College, UK.
The event commenced with a lively speech by the Head of the Department, Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman. She welcomed the newcomers and urged them to make the most of their journey by grabbing the diverse opportunities offered by ULAB. Afterwards, a short video was screened introducing the comfortable environment, adequate facilities, and vast growth opportunities that students can access. Following that, Ms. Rahman invited the faculty members of the department to introduce themselves, while also taking the opportunity to introduce other valued members of the department.
Next, Professor Kaiser Haq took the floor and welcomed the freshers. He encouraged them to explore the world, take up more challenges and opportunities, and maintain an energetic and cheerful attitude throughout their academic journey at ULAB. He advised them to actively seek assistance from faculty members and the teaching assistants. Finally, he shared different success stories of ULAB alumni, encouraging the freshers to pursue higher studies abroad.
As Professor Shamsad Mortuza was abroad, his welcome address was virtually screened. Starting with reminiscing about the monsoon in Bangladesh, Professor Mortuza spoke about the enrichment of faculty resources and departmental programs over time. Then he commemorated the 2024 July Uprising in hopes of igniting a similar spirit and passion in students, while also calling attention to the significance of literature and language in personal, social, and political spheres.
The Orientation Speaker Ms. Radia Al Rashid’s speech followed, where she covered multiple aspects of her university experience, which fundamentally shaped her personal and intellectual development. She highlighted how the academic environment fostered her critical thinking abilities and enhanced her public speaking skills. Ms. Rashid also discussed the challenges English graduates face in securing employment, offering valuable insights into overcoming professional obstacles.
Afterwards, two freshers, Tabeen Siddiki from the MA program and Arwin Shams Siddiquee from the BA program, expressed their enthusiasm about joining the university. Reflecting on their experiences so far, they concluded their speeches with hopeful expectations of a brilliant journey ahead.
Alternating with the speeches, students performed songs and dances to welcome the freshers. Kaisarul Islam, from Batch 242, performed his original song “Bhabonar Mor”. Then Maria Hossain Israt (Batch 251) and Tahsin Zaman Faiza (Batch 251) performed a beautiful duet dance to the songs “Dheem Tana” and “Ayy Brishty Jhepe”. Mony Akter (Batch 242) also danced to a beautiful Tagore song, “Pagla Hawar Badol Din E”.
Towards the end, Neha Ghose, the Advisor to the English Zone, spoke about the various facilities it offers, encouraging students to make the most of the services available. This was followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Md. Mahadi Hasan. He expressed his gratitude to all the essential members of the department who contributed to the success of the program. The program concluded with a group photograph session.
Report by Juairia Khan (233013138)
