DEH Commencement Spring 2026
The Department of English and Humanities (DEH) at ULAB held its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 2, 2026, celebrating the academic accomplishments of its graduating BA and MA students. The Commencement theme “To Infinity and Beyond” articulated the infinite nature of knowledge and opportunities, encouraging graduates to continue learning, asking questions, and seeking new information throughout their future lives. The guest speaker for the event was a ULAB MA alumnus, Mr. G. M. Humayun Azam, Manager (Program), Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF).
The Head of the Department, Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, began the event with an uplifting speech, emphasizing the graduates’ ability to embrace the infinite opportunities in the future. She warmly congratulated them and encouraged them to continue applying the curiosity, discipline, and creativity they had cultivated throughout their journey at DEH. She also asked the students to stay connected (to infinity and beyond) and attend any programs organized by DEH, while inviting graduates to suggest workshops they could offer to their juniors. Additionally, she stated that one day they might stand in the same place as the commencement speaker, Mr. Azam, and talk about their own experiences at ULAB. She further congratulated those who have decided to pursue a master’s program at DEH and said she looks forward to seeing them again.
Dean, School of Arts and Humanities, Professor Kaiser Haq observed that everything about human existence is limited—life is limited, and the world is limited. But he urged the graduates to make the world a better place, noting that because the world is finite, competition exists even within a confined space, or “within the cube.” He encouraged the graduates to connect the finite to the idea of infinity.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Shamsad Mortuza, remarked that the future holds infinite promises, challenges, and opportunities, and the main question is how graduates will negotiate those realities. He also highlighted the unique strength of the English department, noting that it has exposed students beyond their textbooks to different experiences. He emphasized that the experiences students have gained are the true beauty of the English department. Professor Mortuza further observed that people from other departments come to the English department because they want to nurture their inner child and creativity. He reminded graduates that in liberal arts, you do not confine yourself to any particular discipline. Instead, you expand and reach your full potential. He then introduced the guest speaker, G.M. Humayun Azam, briefly sharing his academic background. He informed the audience that Mr. Azam completed his bachelor's in Marketing from Dhaka University and later earned his master's degree from ULAB in Literature and Cultural Studies. He also congratulated the graduating students.
The guest speaker, G.M. Humayun Azam, shared that he has served more than 14 years in the development sector, having started his career as a banker at HSBC. Eventually, he moved to the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), an apex development organization, where he currently contributes to large-scale rural development initiatives in Bangladesh especially in the WASH sector. He reflected on his journey as an actor, musician, writer, and development professional, emphasizing that the combination of creative and analytical skills has helped him succeed. He advised graduates that beyond traditional career paths, there are opportunities as monitoring officers, documentation officers, and fundraising professionals in the development sector. He encouraged students to learn to sense and respond to the needs of people, stating that working in development requires reading between the lines and understanding human struggles.
Mr. Azam repeated his advice to visit two new cities in the coming months, suggesting that experiencing different languages and cultures opens the mind. He also encouraged graduates to gain practical life skills such as cooking, swimming, and driving. He urged students to be eager and adaptable in their early careers, treating every job as a training ground. He concluded by advising graduates to open up to others during difficult times and to be the person someone else can rely on. He ended his speech by performing his own song.
After his speech, Mr. Azam was handed a token of appreciation by the Vice Chancellor.
The ceremony also featured cultural performances by students. Mashiyat Hassan (BA 233) sang a song, followed by Samsun Rayna Ahmed (BA 252). A dance performance was also presented by Akhi Dey and Prity Chanda, both from batch 233, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Scholars Program student, Husnul Jannat (BA 222), was awarded her certificate by the Scholars Program Advisor Dr. Md. Mahadhi Hasan, along with committee members Mr. Al Mahmud Rumman, Senior Lecturer, Dr. Mushira Habib, Assistant Professor, and Mr. Sheikh Nahiyan, Lecturer.
Finally, the emcee, Azeema Anhar (BA 232), invited graduating students to share their thoughts and reflections on their time at ULAB. Graduates shared personal memories, academic challenges, and lasting friendships, expressing how the Department of English and Humanities had helped them find their voice and confidence.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Ms. Anika Tahsin, Lecturer, DEH, who expressed sincere appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the program.
The ceremony ended with attendees gathering for delightful photo-session.
Report by Maliha Naz Anowari (242013022)
