Events

In this page you can find out information about the ongoing and recent past events regarding BUET Alumni Association. The event calendar below outlines the recent events with short synopses. Navigate the links below to find out more.

BUET Alumni Association and The Daily Star jointly sponsored a Roundtable Discussion on the Prospect of Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh

On 9 May 2009, BUET Alumni Association and The Daily Star jointly sponsored a Roundtable Discussion on the Prospect of Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh at the Headquarters of the Daily Star at Karwan Bazar, Dhaka. The dialogue was participated by 22 nuclear energy experts, senior government officials, politicians, academicians, journalists and business sector representatives. The consensus was that, given the huge shortage of energy that is stifling the development of the country, Bangladesh should not wait any longer to initiate a nuclear energy generation plant that would produce about 1,000 megawatt electricity. As this type of project takes a long time to complete, there is little time to waste. A full transcription of the dialogue published by the Daily Star on 10 May 2009 can be seen using the following internet links: http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=87579 http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=87552

The BUETAA RE-UNION 2009

An Event to Remember

The BUET Alumni Association (BUETAA) celebrated its Reunion 2009 in a festive manner on 13 February at the playground of BUET. It was a beautiful day, with a clear sky, crisp sunshine and cool temperature. About 2,000 people participated in the day-long event. Prof. Mohammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate, came as the Chief Guest and the keynote speaker. Among the participants were former Vice Chancellors and Professors of BUET, present Vice Chancellor and faculty, BUET alumni (the senior most alumnus was a graduate of 1951) and invited dignitaries. The playground was beautifully decorated with festoons and two large areas made of colorful “shamiyanas” housed the indoor activities -- one for the inaugural function, cultural function, etc. and the other for serving food. In addition, a number of smaller stalls were erected for serving the various needs of the event. The event got extensive coverage in the local media. The Inaugural Function The inaugural function was preceded by a festive, colorful balloon-releasing ceremony by the Chief Guest. It was chaired by Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice Chancellor of BRAC University and President of the Association. The function started with a recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an and prayer for the departed soul of Prof. S.K.H. Eusufzai, former professor of the Civil Engineering Department of BUET, and later Ambassador to Sweden, Norway and Iceland, who passed away two days ago. Dr. Sadiqul Islam Bhuiyan, Executive Director of BUETAA, delivered the address of welcome. In welcoming all participants and invited dignitaries, he mentioned the happy coincidence that the Reunion day is also the first day of Spring (Boshonto) in Bangladesh, a day of joyous and festive celebrations. He gave a brief background of the formation of the Association in 2003, its formal registration in 2006, and some of its past activities. He happily mentioned that the membership strength of the Association has crossed the 1,000 mark during the current week and expressed hope that it will continue to grow in the coming months and years. On behalf of the Association, he expressed profound gratitude to Prof. Mohammad Yunus, the Chief Guest, for joining the Reunion 2009 of BUETAA. In his keynote speech, Prof. Mohammad Yunus mentioned that BUET has rightfully earned a global reputation as an institution of excellence in the technology sector. He recalled his personal relationship with BUET alumni that started many years ago when Grameen Bank benefited from their intellectual inputs in meeting the challenges of its information management needs. He proudly reminisced the experience of recently meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA about one hundred BUET graduates who are engaged in the R&D activities of the Intel Corporation, one of the most powerful players in the global ICT sector. He asked the question: why is it that, with all the talents and intellectual resource that we have, Bangladesh is still one of the poorest nations of the world? Prof. Yunus gave a briefing on Grameen Bank’s various anti-poverty programs and its educational support program for the poor, through which thousands of young students are getting college and university education, including engineering education. He asked the young graduates to apply their knowledge and spirit to become entrepreneurs and be in a position to create jobs rather than seeking jobs from others. He shared his dream of seeing a Bangladesh that will be internationally known for its innovative applications of scientific knowledge for human welfare and poverty elimination. The audience was also addressed by Prof. Abdur Rouf, acting Vice Chancellor of BUET, who presented a picture of today’s BUET in terms of its academic programs and facilities, and also its limitations with respect to funds, laboratory facilities, etc. He proudly cited examples of BUET students’ excellent performance in various global competitions held in recent years on computer programming and technology applications, a fact that is envied by their competitors from many internationally renowned technical universities of the world, and enhanced the reputation of BUET and Bangladesh. He mentioned that BUET has produced 20,043 graduates with Bachelors degrees since 1962 when it was established as a university; 2,376 Masters graduates since 1965 when this post-graduate program was initiated; and 61 Ph.D. graduates since this program was first started in 1983. Prof. M.M. Safiullah, Vice Chancellor of BUET, could not attend the inaugural function as he was out of the country but returned home in the evening to attend the remaining activities of the day. Mr. Arif Al Islam, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GrameenPhone, which sponsored the inaugural event, also addressed the audience and presented interesting information about the various services of the company. In his concluding address, Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury thanked Prof. Mohammad Yunus, the Chief Guest, for accepting the invitation to grace the event in spite of his extremely busy schedules. He recalled his association with Dr. Yunus since 1985, when Grameen Bank started computer-based MIS and the occasion when they worked together as Advisers to the first Caretaker Government in 1996 (April-June). Their determined work together during this period succeeded in allowing the private sector ISPs to start offering internet services for the first time, which ushered the age of modern information and communication technology (ICT) in Bangladesh. He proudly recalled the happy experiences of meeting a large number of BUET graduates during his foreign visits, many of whom are contributing significantly in important development activities around the world. Prof. Choudhury stated that the alumni of BUET are a strong force, both intellectually and financially, and, with their support, the Association should be able to provide substantial benefits to the Alma Mater as well as its alumni. In this context, he mentioned that the Association plans to soon embark on a project to construct a new building for BUET which will include state-of-the-art facilities for seminars and conferences. He mentioned that the present membership strength of the Association represents only about 5% of all BUET graduates and expressed hope that many more alumni will join the Association and participate in its efforts to support the Alma Mater develop into a globally recognized center of excellence in all spheres of its academic programs. Engr. Serajul Majid Mamoon, BUETAA’s Vice President for Programs and Development, was the Master of Ceremony for the function. Before closing the function, he called the names of all the companies that sponsored specific components of the Reunion 2009, and, on behalf of the Association, thanked each one of them for their support. At the end of the Inaugural function, GrameenPhone showed a short video on use of science and technology for human welfare. The Registration/Gift Package Each registered participant received a gift package in a especially designed jute bag that included the following items: a journal published for the occasion, which included several articles written by invited alumni, and a members’ directory; a coffee mug especially designed for the event; a baseball cap with BUETAA’s logo; a metal key holder and a car bumper sticker, both carrying the message “Proud to be a BUET graduate”; a note pad; and a pen. Registration materials and gifts were sponsored by The Structural Engineers Ltd., Crown Cement, Standard Ceramics, Star Delta Engineers Ltd., and Nor’Wester Fashions Ltd. The Gastronomical Experience The Reunion 2009 was organized to offer a unique and enjoyable gastronomical experience for the participants. The day started at 8:00 AM with breakfast with pitha-puli (“bhapa pitha, patishapta and daalpuri” prepared fresh onsite), fruit and coffee. Nestle, the renowned food company, erected a colorful kiosk and served complimentary coffee throughout the day. Pitha-puli were available for enjoyment also after the inaugural function was over. Lunch packages supplied by a renowned restaurant were served during the noon break when many performed their Friday (Jumma) prayers. The afternoon snack comprised three delicious items and coffee. After the cultural function was over, the participants enjoyed a sit-down, full-service dinner which was prepared onsite by a renowned “baburchi”. The dinner menu included the following savory items: polao, kebab, chicken roast, vegetables, mutton rezala, and sweet yogurt. The service took place in the beautifully decorated dining area across from the area where the inaugural function took place. The Fun, Festivities and Recreation The event was designed to offer fun, festivities and recreation. At the main entrance of the venue, an old-style musical band played by veterans of the trade welcomed the participants. For children and other family members, four special outdoor items were arranged: (a) five tomtoms (horse-drawn carriages) for riding around the compound; (b) a merry-go-round ride on the for children; (c) children’s sprint event; and (d) a musical chair game for the ladies. Winners of the last two items were given prizes. These were especially enjoyed by many of the family members. Groups of class mates and old friends were seen sitting together in different shaded parts of the playground to gossip and enjoy reminiscing the old days together at the University. A 1951 graduate proudly announced that he gave his wife a tour of the Rashid Bhaban, which presently houses the administrative wing of the University but was the Main Hostel for students in his days, and showed her the room where he stayed as a student. The "Smiti Charon" Hour After lunch, the participants gathered to spend some time reminiscing the old days. Engr. Serajul Majid Mamoon conducted the event. He called in about a dozen alumni randomly, to come to the stage with their spouses and face an “interview” about their professional and family life. Several of the participants shared the most memorable events of their student life at the University, professional life and family life. The program was run with a lot of humor and turned out to be very enjoyable. The Cultural Program A 2-hour cultural program in the evening was a high point of the Reunion. Ar. Qazi Arif acted as the Master of Ceremony for the Program which was sponsored by Sheltech, Eastern Bank Ltd., Prime Bank Ltd., NCC Bank Ltd. and Energypac. The program included dances by Ar. Tamanna Rahman & her troupe representing 'Nrittyom Nrittyoshilon Kendro', songs by Mr. Haider Hossain, Mr. Shahidul Hossain and Ar. Rumana Khan Sraboni, recitation by Ar. Qazi Arif, and comedy performance by Engr. Naveed Mahbub. All of the above-mentioned performers except Haider Hossain and Shahidul Hossain are BUET alumni and well known artists. Haider Hossain, an aeronautic engineer, is a highly popular song writer, composer and singer. The program, with its variety and high quality performances, was an exhilarating experience enjoyed by all. Selected Photos of Reunion 2009 Membership Form and details available on www.buetaa.org.bd.

(more) EID RE-UNION AND RECEPTION OF SENIOR ENGINEERS Friday 17th October 2008 at 3:30 PM at BUET Auditorium All Graduates from 1950 to 1958 (Inclusive) are requested to contact Engr. Serajul Majid Mamoon at 01912204466 for confirmation of participation by 5th October 2008. Members of BUETAA willing to join the Re-Union and BUETAA Graduates desirous of becoming Members may contact any of the following latest by 5th October 2008. Membership Form and details available on www.buetaa.org.bd. BUETAA-Prothom Alo Round Table Meeting BUETAA-Prothom Alo round table meeting took place on 23rd August 2008. The title of the meeting was The Electric Field of Bangladesh : Shortcommings and Probabilities(more) Power Problems of Bangladesh: Problems and Possibilities Access to adequate power is a critically important issue for Bangladesh. Most of the electricity supplied by the government is generated by burning natural gas supplied from a few gas fields. Until a few years ago, many gas exploration experts and analysts had believed that Bangladesh has vast reserves of natural gas that could meet the country’s demand for several decades and, at the same time, would have enough to export gas to neighboring countries. Several donor agencies had pushed the government to go for gas export contracts with multinational companies on the argument that the vast reserve will face diminished values if they remain untapped and un-exported when the demand for it from neighboring countries is high. (more) ANUAL GENERAL MEETING 2008 The BUET Alumni Association (BUETAA) is a GOV-registered independent, non-profit and non-political organization for the alumni of BUET and its predecessor institutions. BUETAA will hold its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Reunion on 11 April 2008 at 5:00 PM at the Central Auditorium of BUET. The agenda of the AGM are follows 1. Introductory comments by the President; 2. Reports of the Executive Director 3. Report of the Treasurer 4. Election of the Board of Trustees 5. Miscellaneous New Board of Trustees and Executive Committee Board of Trustees (Elected on 11 April 2008) Executive Committee (Elected on 10 May 2008) BUET Alumni Association (BUETAA) held its first Annual General Meeting The BUET Alumni Association (BUETAA) held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, 11 April, 2008 at the Central Auditorium of BUET. About 150 BUET alumni attended the meeting. It was presided over by Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury, President of the Association. Prof. AMM Safiullah, Vice Chancellor of BUET and Chief Patron of the Association, was present as the Chief Guest. The President gave a historical background of the establishment of the Association and its main goal and objectives. He stated that BUET has so far graduated more than 20,000 students who are spread all over the world and therefore the Association holds a tremendous potential to blossom into a powerful organization. He urged all alumni to join the Association and to work for achieving the cherished aim of transforming BUET into a center of excellence in education and research with global recognition. Dr. Sadiqul Islam Bhuiyan, Executive Director of BUETAA, and Arch. Kazi Zahedul Hasan, Treasurer of BUETAA, presented their report on activities and achievements of the Association during past year. The reports were unanimously approved by the members. During the discussion hour, many members expressed their high hopes about the future of the organization and made specific suggestions for achieving its objectives. In his speech as the Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor Prof. Safiullah thanked the Association for honoring him with the Chief Patron position. He stated that the Association could support the University in many different ways, but to do that effectively it must clearly understand what the University’s needs are. He specifically mentioned the shortage of funds and laboratory facilities for research as two areas which could be addressed through external support. He also mentioned the example of the seminar organized by BUETAA in November 2007on the need for a strong academia-industry linkage for improving the quality of education and research at BUET as a most useful activity. Responding to a request made earlier by the Executive Director, the Vice Chancellor announced that he will soon allocate an office space at BUET campus for use by the Association. A new Board of Trustees, with representatives from different batches of alumni, was selected through consensus during the AGM. A cultural program in which a number of BUET alumni made brilliant performances in songs, poetry recitation, magic show and stand-up comedy followed the meeting. The final item of the evening’s program was the sumptuous dinner that was enjoyed by all participants. Seminar on “Academia-Industry Linkage for Education and Research: Views from the Private Sector Venue: Civil Engineering Seminar Room of BUET Date: 10 November 2007 Summary of Deliberations The seminar was chaired by Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury, President of BUETAA. Prof. A.M.M. Safiullah, Vice Chancellor of BUET, was the Chief Guest. Four BUET alumni, who are leaders in their respective industries, spoke on different aspects of the theme. They strongly advocated for building a strong linkage between BUET and the industries for advancing industrial growth and economic development of Bangladesh. more... Event calendar 28th July 2007 - Formal inauguration of BUET Alumni Association On 28th July of 2007, BUETAA was formally inaugurated in a ceremony at the BUET Seminar Hall. The activity was organized in co-operation with BUET authorities and in conjunction with the celebration of 60 years of Engineering Education in Bangladesh which had its inaugural program the same morning... (more)