Dhaka University English Department alumni reminisce, rediscover, reengage

These days, social media sites are likely the easiest, fastest way to reconnect with old classmates. Still, nothing beats face time to forge new memories.

This proved to be true for more than 600 alumni of Dhaka University’s Department of English on Friday, who reconnected and celebrated their ties to it with old friends.

They made it back to the campus, more precisely at their once-favourite haunt TSC, rolling back the years at a reunion organised by English Department Alumni Society (EDAS).

The weather was made to order on a wintry afternoon as alumni and families made their way to the venue.

Finance Minister AMA Muhith (L) browses an EDAS souvenir at the reunion

A little chatter with old friends

Graduates in powerful positions in a wide range of fields reunited with fellow alumni casually, shared their memorable moments, and mingled as good friends.

Bear hugs, back slaps, and exclamatory moments of recognition gave testimony to the wonderful relationships forged years ago that have remained and grown throughout the years.

Amidst the laughter and hugs, they reconnected, rediscovered, and reengaged for several hours with old friends and department seniors and juniors.

They enjoyed winter cakes and traditional Bengali snacks as they used to do during the campus days.

Time to take a group selfie

RAB chief Benazir Ahmed (red tie) is all smiles

The English Department started its journey in 1921, the year the Dhaka University was established.

EDAS, formed in 1986, organises the reunion on the last Friday of January every year. Students who passed in years from 1955 to 2013 were involved in organising this year’s event.

The former English Department students started showing up at the decked-up TSC at around 3:30pm. 

A stage was raised on the TSC ground and a ‘Shakespeare Corner’ was tucked into the mix.

As ripples of laughter interspersed with chatter, and singing swept through the gathering, the ex-students of the department filled up on winter cakes and delicacies like ‘Puri-Singara’, ‘Fuchka-Pakora’, ‘Jilapi’, and ‘Jhalmuri’.

Among the attendees were Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, prime minister’s former principal secretary Abdus Sobhan Sikder, Commerce Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamun, RAB Director General Benazir Ahmed, Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam, bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi, actor Ramendu Majumdar, former Dhaka College principal Anisur Rahman, DU English Department Chairman Rubina Khan, Prof Shawkat Hossain, Prof Kaiser Haq and Prof Sadrul Amin.

There was still time for savoury snacks

Professor Shawkat Hossain hugs his junior in the department Azfar Hossain

Azfar Hossain, who teaches liberal studies and interdisciplinary studies at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, was the toast of a small crowd the moment he walked in.

“Hey, how are you doing! It’s been a long time. You’re looking great…,” greeted someone, pleasantly surprised.

“Come close, want to take a photo with you…”

Jahangir Hossain, standing close by, said, “He is a bright star of our department. The joy is even greater to have him among us after so many days.”

Azfar Hossain said, “We all wait for this event. We’ll get together, recall memories, stand by others in joys and sorrows, enquire about others and indulge in gossip.”

EDAS President Wazir Sattar

EDAS General Secretary Toufique Imrose Khalidi

EDAS President Wazir Sattar and General Secretary Toufique Imrose Khalidi went around the venue speaking with the alumni.

Ramendu Majumdar, who graduated in 1965, told bdnews24.com, “I spent time here in great joy... It feels very nice to join this annual event.”

For Habiba Akhtar, a student of 2002-03 session, it was the first time at the reunion. “I could not come before as I was outside Dhaka. I have seen teachers and old friends here.”

Russell Jamadar and Naznin Farhan, a couple who graduated 10 years ago, said they did not want to miss the event for anything.

A 2005 graduate, Farhin Akhtar was having a great adda next to the seniors.

“It’s an amazing experience. I caught up with many old friends. I want to be here every year… I want to get hold of the loved ones,” said Akhtar who brought along her child.

RAB’s Benazir Ahmed also waits for this get-together.

“I wait for the whole year for this event. After spending the afternoon in fun, we’ll return to work and again start waiting for the next year’s event,” he said.

Students from the 1984-85 batch pose for a group photo

Scattered small crowds

Former secretary Sobhan Sikder said, “I try to come here and enquire about others despite being so busy.”

EDAS General Secretary Khalidi presented the annual report at around 4:30pm.

And the EDAS encouraged alumni to not only come back, but to give back. It distributed prizes among the meritorious undergraduate and graduate students.

The new EDAS committee for 2016 was announced in the evening with Sattar and Khalidi being re-elected.

The Society announced at the reunion that it would organise a river cruise on Feb 12.

The event drew to a close with a musical show and a raffle draw in the evening. Singer Bappa Majumder enthralled the English Department’s former students with his popular numbers.

He took the crowd on a remarkable ride through the diverse worlds of Bangladeshi music.

The alumni said their goodbyes for now, but they promised they'll be back!