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BRAC University organized an orientation program for freshers who enrolled in the Summer 2026 semester on the Merul Badda campus in Dhaka on 9 June 2026.
Professor Colin Riordan CBE, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of The Association of Commonwealth Universities, attended as the chief guest.
Earlier in the day, Professor Riordan, who is currently on an official four-day visit to Bangladesh, gave a presentation on the theme of higher education and international collaboration at a campus roundtable organized by BRAC University and the ACU.
Key stakeholders from across the higher education and policy landscape took part in the roundtable.
They included 24 vice-chancellors of the country’s public and private universities and representatives of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, the British Council and the British High Commission in Bangladesh.
ACU member universities were prominently represented, as were universities considering membership.
At the orientation, the chief guest said the time spent at a university is one of the most exciting journeys that life can offer because it is a journey of exploration.
The new students will explore life, gain new experiences and make lifelong friends along the way, he said.
He advised students to trust their judgement and instincts in life, understand the virtue of calmness which is always appreciated by people and learn how to listen with exquisite attention.
That way, they would learn more and they would bring people with them, because being listened to properly is a powerful means of affirmation, he added.
Highlighting the challenges faced by graduates, Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar noted that only 20% of students in Bangladesh graduate on time, while 40% struggle to secure employment within the first year.
“We do not live for ourselves, we are nobody alone. We are only somebody if we are a part and parcel of the community…that is what the purpose of our life is—to give to the world, to give to society,” he said.
“Imagine the sacrifices your parents have made to ensure you are here and it’s time you start thinking in terms of how you can ensure returns to your parents,” he added.
“Dream big, stay curious, work hard and serve others…never underestimate your ability to make a difference,” said Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury.
Professor Riordan, Professor Arshad, Treasurer Ariful Islam and Registrar Dr David Dowland presented awards to four students in recognition of their recent achievements.
Among them, Hrishin Talukder, a student of electrical and electronic engineering, became the champion of a chess tournament organized at Notre Dame College last April.
Farhat Maisha Arpa, a law student in her final year, published a research paper on the rights of displaced coastal communities.
Ziya Mohammad Sayef Ullah, a student of electrical and electronic engineering, led the development of a rural water purification system that was adjudged first runner-up of a Dutch government-funded incubation contest.
Samarpita Saha Chhnoa, a student of microbiology, led the development of reusable sanitary pads for women with severe disabilities which became the first runner-up of a WaterAid Bangladesh-supported contest.
Audiovisual presentations highlighted the history of BRAC University and the educational philosophy of the university’s founder, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed.
Various features of the university, including the Residential Semester and club activities, were highlighted.
Dean of the School of General Education Professor Samia Huq and Proctor Dr Rubana Ahmed also spoke at the orientation, which was moderated by Student Life Additional Director and Head Tahsina Rahman.
Members of BRAC University Cultural Club performed a dance and the program ended with a
performance by Shohojia.
Other attendees included BRAC Business School Dean Professor Mohammad Mujibul Haque, Office of Communications Director Khairul Basher and senior faculty members from various departments.
Among them were Department of English and Humanities Chairperson Professor Firdous Azim, Department of Mathematics & Physical Sciences Chairperson Md Firoze Hassanul Haque, Department of Pharmacy Chairperson Sharmind Neelotpol, Department of Biotechnology Chairperson Iftekhar Bin Naser, Department of Microbiology Chairperson Nadia Sultana Deen and BRAC Institute of Languages Director Professor Shaila Sultana.
