February 2010

BRACU 5th Convocation

BRAC University 5th convocation was held on February 7, 2010 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. Mr. Md. Zillur Rahman, Chancellor, BRAC University chaired the convocation program. Professor Martha Alter Chen and Professor Linclon Chen, Harvard University, USA addressed the program as the convocation speakers.

Education Minister Mr. Nurul Islam Nahid, MP and Professor Nazrul Islam, Chairman of University Grants Commission were present at the function as special guests. Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice Chancellor, BRAC University delivered the welcome address. Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson, BRAC and President, BRAC University Governing Board also delivered his speech in the convocation ceremony. Among others, students, guardians, faculty members, staff, ambassadors and others distinguished guests also attended the convocation ceremony. The convocation program began with the National Anthem and BRAC University anthem at 11.30 AM and concluded with closing speech by Vice Chancellor Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury at 2.00 PM.

With a mission of fostering the national development process through the creation of a 'Centre of Excellence' in higher education that is responsive to society's needs and able to develop creative leaders and actively contributes to learning and creation of knowledge, the BRAC University started its journey in 2001. Now the university has nine faculties under its undergraduate program and another nine faculty under its postgraduate program.

A total of 563 students including 387 in undergraduate and 176 in postgraduate were given certificates in the 5th convocation.

BRACU Bids Farewell to Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury

BRACU bade farewell to the first Vice Chancellor Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury through a function at Indoor Games Room on February 22, 2010. BRACU Pro-VC Professor Dr. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, BRACU Governing Body members Professor Dr. Anisuzzaman, Mr. Faruque Ahmed Choudhury, Professor Ainun Nishat also addressed the farewell ceremony.

Professor Golam Samdani Fakir in his speech said Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury (JRC) has turned the BRACU into one of the few leading and high quality private universities in the country by virtue of his dynamic leadership, time befitting guidance, well strategic plan and innovative knowledge in running an organization. Terming Jamilur Reza Choudhury a self-enlightened person, Professor Samdani said not only he himself is a great personality but also has made many to be great with his sublime touch.

Dr. Anisuzzaman said Professor JRC has a special quality through which he can easily interact with others and attract them towards him. Professor Ainun Nishat said JRC is a true patriot and a salient son of the country. "Being a world recognized construction engineer, well reputed researcher and versatile academician, he never thinks of going abroad for the better interest of his motherland," he added. Mr. Faruq Chowdhury hoped that the relation that has been developed between Professor JRC and BRACU would never end though BRACU has offered a formal farewell to him. He also hoped that BRACU would get the cooperation from JRC in future whenever needed.

Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury in his speech recollected his memories of the days at BRAC and assured continuation of his cooperation to BRACU any time. Members of BRAC University Governing Board and Academic Council, chairpersons of different departments, faculty members, staff, students and BRACU Alumni members also attended the farewell ceremony which was followed by a cultural programme. Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury joined BRAC University as its first Vice Chancellor on 1st March in 2001.

CRBLP Research Wins BASIS IT Innovation Search Award in SOFTEXPO 2010

Katha - a CRBLP-developed software to translate Bangla text to speech was chosen as the Best Innovative Project during BASIS SOFTEXPO 2010. Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS), the national trade Association of software and IT enabled services companies of Bangladesh, recently held its annual exposition BASIS SOFTEXPO 2010 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. One of the major events at the expo this year was an IT Innovation Search Program designed to discover and reward local innovations in IT. The BASIS jury had selected 3 finalists, two of which were BRACU CRBLP research outputs, to highlight during the expo. The other finalist from CRBLP was Bangla OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software that can convert images of printed Bangla text to editable text. The Katha research team consists of Firoj Alam, S. M. Murtoza Habib, Kamrul Hayder and Naira Khan; the Bangla OCR team consists of Md. Abul Hasnat, Muttakinur Rahman Chowdhury, S. M. Murtoza Habib and Dil Afroza Sultana. Professor Mumit Khan, Head of the Centre for Research on Bangla Language Processing (CRBLP), received the award on behalf the CRBLP research team at the ceremony. 

Open Source Library Management System KOHA at BRACU

KOHA, the first and most advanced Open Source Integrated Library System (ILS) in the world, was launched at BRAC University Ayesha Abed Library on February 24, 2010.

Professor Nazrul Islam, Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC) was present as chief guest. Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice Chancellor, BRACU, Professor Dr. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Pro VC, BRACU and Professor Dr. Mumit Khan (Advisor of ILS Project), Chairperson, Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering addressed the function. While inaugurating KOHA, Professor Nazrul Islam praised the initiatives taken by the BRACU to establish an Integrated Library System (ILS) and trained up library professionals in order to build capacities for other universities. He mentioned that BRAC University has gained the capacity for conducting training for library professionals, which is certainly appreciable.

Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury ranked KOHA as a sophisticated 21st century modern ILS because of its excellent features and characteristics. He expressed his opinion that UGC may consider KOHA for any future project of university libraries. Professor Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, while delivering the welcome address, mentioned that the main purpose of the project was to implement a complete library automation system and develop BRACU as local resource, and in turn helps to build capacity in other libraries who may want to move to automation using KOHA

BRAC University Ayesha Abed Library has successfully completed the project "Creating an Integrated Library System (ILS) using Open Source Software KOHA" with funds from Elsevier Foundation, UK. BRAC University was one of the four universities selected by Elsevier from among 165 applicants from different countries to receive funding for this project Library professionals from different universities and institutes participated in the ceremony. Deputy Librarian Ms Hasina Afroz made a presentation on "Implementation of an open source library management system KOHA: BRAC University experience" in the function.

BRACU Writing Centre Launched

BRACU Writing Centre officially launched on February 28, 2010. The ceremony was honored by the presence and words of BRACU Vice Chancellor Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury and Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Md. Golam Samdani Fakir. The Writing Centre is under the auspices of the Pro-VC office. Much thanks goes to the Centre for Languages (CfL), which took on the responsibility to set up the Writing Centre and to the Department of English and Humanities, which provides the space within its department on the 13th floor; both have been providing logistical support as well. English Language Fellow Lisa Ponzett (CfL) and Fulbright Specialist Kris Peleg (English and Humanities) have been supportive and instrumental also. The Writing Centre has been established to support the entire BRAC University community of faculty and students in all stages of the writing process. The focus is on the writer, not the paper, so the writer retains responsibility and control over what he/she writes. Consultation is provided by student mentors and by Syeda Samara Mortada, the Head of the Writing Centre. They encourage all to come. Hours are Sunday - Thursday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.

Architecture Update

Chairperson attends General Assembly and Conference of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA)
Professor Fuad H Mallick attended the 19th General Assembly and Conference of the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) in Colombo from 15th till 20th February, 2010. The conference was attended by architects from the commonwealth countries. He had meetings accreditation body of CAA and has been nominated to be member of the CAA accreditation board.

Chairperson at the 4th workshop of the Asian University Network for Environment and Disaster Management (AUEDM)
Professor Fuad H Mallick attended and participated at the 4th workshop of AUEDM held in Bangkok from 22nd till 24th February 2010 at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand. Professor Mallick is the Vice President (education) of AUEDM and he presented the Education agenda of the network for the year 2010-2011. The 3rd workshop of the network was held in Dhaka in June last year.

Faculty completed PGD (Post Graduate Diploma) in Shelter Design and Development
Sajid-Bin-Doza, Sr. Lecturer of Department of Architecture completed his PGD (Post Graduate Diploma) in Shelter Design and Development organized by Housing Development and Management HDM, LUND University, Sweden (13th August to 11th September, 2009) and sponsored by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA). The Regional Continuity of the Programme was held in Metro Manila, Philippines from 13th February to 28th February 2010. Mr. Doza's dissertation topic was on "Public and Semi-public Space in Shelter Design"- A Study for upholding an Informal Shelter Situation. In the regional continuity of the programme Mr. Doza also presented his research paper in the International Seminar in Manila associated with 'TAO-Philippinas' and University of Philippines. The research paper is successfully submitted in the SID Archive and he won the Certificate of Diploma provided by the LUND University and Housing Development and Management HDM, Sweden and SIDA

BBS Update

BRACU Student attends Model United Nation Program in Singapore
Ratul Dev, Executive wing coordinator of United Nations Youth & Students Association of Bangladesh (UNYSAB) and a student of the BRAC Business School successfully attended the Nanyang Technological University Model United nations Program, Singapore, 2010. The program was held on February 05-07, 2010. Ratul headed the two-member delegate team from Bangladesh and his position paper was based on the African Union. Model United Nations (MUN) is an authentic simulation of the councils in the United Nations, which has the aim of furthering understanding about the United Nations, educating participants about current and future world issues and developing skills such as debating, negotiation and teamwork.

BDI Update

Resource Person Maitrayee Mukhopadhyay visits
Maitrayee Mukhopadhyay, from the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT) visited the Pathways Programme from 31st January to 5th February in order to conduct interviews with donors as part of the Mobilizing Resources for Women's Empowerment Research. During her visit, the team met with key members of several organizations- Manusher Jonno, IOM, Oxfam, Danida, CIDA, ADB, Norwegian Embassy, Netherlands Embassy and The Asia Foundation. The researchers conducted these interviews in order to learn about the mission of the organizations, the history and goals of its funding strategies and development agendas, and the way they choose to allocate the resources they have.

Data Analyses of Mobilizing Resources Research
The Mobilizing Resources for Women's Empowerment Project under the Pathways Programme was engaged with data analyses during the month of February. The team undertook transcription and analyses of the interviews conducted with the various organizations of their research- Banchte Shekha, Kormojibi Nari, BNWLA and BOMSA. They also gathered official and financial documents of these organizations to note the organizational changes over time.

Discussion on 'Masculinity in Transition: Education, Colonialism and Nation at Aligarh Muslim University'
The Cultural History Research at the Pathways Programme invited Amber Abbas, PhD candidate in the Department of History at the University of Texas at Austin, USA to share aspects of her research on South Asian history. Ms. Abbas traced how ideas of masculinity in 19th Century Britain were entrenched in the ethos of Aligarh Mulsim University, analysed the colonial and national politics played out inside and around the site of the University in the decades between 1930-1950, and analysed how notions of gender expounded by the University shaped the of state-making of Pakistan. 

Launching of research booklets at Ekushey Boi Mela 
The Pathways Programme at BDI launched four of its research reports in Bangla at the Ekushey Book Fair. The publications were launched by Dr. Imran Matin, Deputy Executive Director of the BRAC Africa Programmes, on 20th February, 2010 at the 'Nazrul Moncho' on the grounds of the Bangla Academy.

The reports that have been published are:
i. Narir Chokhey Media: Shombhabonar Notun Dar? by Aanmona Priyadarshini
ii. Kormokhetre Nari: Akangkha o Shimaboddhota by Sakiba Tasneem
iii. Nari o Dhormo: Akti Poribortonsheel Shomporko by Sahida Islam Khondaker and Samia Huq
iv. Nari Andolon abong Shomorthon Toirer Koushol: Akti Porjalochona by Sohela Nazneen and Maheen Sultan

The research reports are available individually for purchase and can also be bought in a boxed set titled Bangladeshey Narir Khomotayon: Bitorko o Shombhabona, that contains the four reports plus an overview piece written by Sahida Islam Khondaker and Firdous Azim. The reports are available through the University Press Limited (UPL) and at the BDI office at BRAC University. 

Appearance on Desh TV
Aanmona Priyadarshini appeared on Desh TV on Friday, 26th February, during its coverage of the Ekushey Boi Mela. She spoke to the media outlet about the four BDI publications that were based on the researches conducted by the Pathways of Women's Empowerment Programme.

Postponement of research in the CHT
The Digital Story Workshop that was scheduled to be held in Rangamati during 23-27 February had to be postponed last minute due to the violence and political instability in the Hill Tract region. The visit by Amena Mohsin, Lead Researcher of the Women and Security Research project of the Pathways Programme, to the CHT also had to be postponed. 

Field research on sex preferences of women
The IDRC-supported research on 'Re-Visiting Devaluation of Daughters in Bangladesh' carried out field work in Komorpur and Faridpur during the month of February. The primary data collection included individual interviews, a census and sex preference surveys. 

Citizenship Rights Fair (Nagorik Adhikar Mela) Dialogue 
A Nagorik Adhikar Mela Dialogue was held on February 28th 2010 with the 57 organisations who took part in the Fair to strategise on building future networks.

Financial Services for the Poor: An Introduction
A fourteen-day introductory course on microfinance started on February 25th. This course is intended for those with little or no knowledge of microfinance. There are 21 participants from Japan attending this course. It provides a broad global picture on the state of microfinance, its emergence and challenges and its future. It will be grounded in the experience of Bangladesh. The certificate distribution ceremony will be held on Monday March 8th at 5:30 pm at the BRAC Centre Auditorium. 

Courses: Bangladesh Studies and Ethics and Culture
BDI is now managing a course on Ethics and Culture and a course on Bangladesh Studies for BRAC University. Currently BDI is in charge of designing and ground-testing the two courses.

CfL Update

Workshop on Habits of High Performing Teachers for Improving Performances
A two-day workshop on Habits of High-Performing Teachers for Improving Performance was conducted by the Pro-VC Md. Golam Samdani Fakir for CfL faculty members on January 30 and February 6, 2010. 

The main focus of the workshop was the 7 Habits and their practical application in relation to knowledge, skills and desire to bring a complete positive change in a human being. In the session, the unique notion of 'interdependence' and 'independence' was discussed thoroughly. Moreover, an emphasis on the well-being of body, mind, heart and spirit together to become a whole person was inspiring for the participants of the workshop. On the second day, a stimulating discussion session was held where all the teachers participated and shared their reflections.

CfL Faculty Members Participate in an International Conference in Nepal
Lisa Ponjetti, an English Language Fellow, and two other faculty members of CfL, Md. Golam Jamil and Sanjoy Banerjee, participated in the 15th International English Language Conference organized by Nepal English Language Teachers' Association (NELTA) from 19th to 21st February in Katmandu, Nepal. The focus of the conference was 'English in Diversity' and participants from more than fifteen countries joined there. 

Lisa Ponzetti conducted two workshops: 'Using Legos to Explore the Learning Experience' and 'Multilevel Classroom: Can the Students Take Control?' Md. Golam Jamil and Sanjoy Banerjee presented two research papers titled 'A Humanistic Approach to Teaching Academic Writing: Learning from BRAC University' and 'Developing Speaking Skills in English through Community Service: EFL/ESL Perspective' respectively. 

BRACU Celebrate Chinese Spring Festival
BRACU CfL and Embassy of China in Bangladesh jointly organised Chinese Spring Fesival on February 28, 2010 at BRACU Indoor Games Room with a view to creating a cultural bridge and exchanging views between the two countries. 

Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice Chancellor of BRAC University, was the chief guest in the function. Professor Md Golam Samdani Fakir, Pro-VC of BRACU, Mr.Qian Kaifu, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy were special guests. Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Director of BRACU CfL, gave a vote of thanks at the function.

Colorful and eye-catching cultural performances by BRACU students were also held. The Chinese traditional 'Lion Dance' was the prime attraction of the celebration. The entire program was presented in both English and Chinese languages.

ENH Update

Trip to Book Fair
Students enrolled in the courses Cultural Studies and Introduction to English Prose were taken to the Ekushey Book Fair on February 13, 2010 as part of their course. Students talked to different publishers, and writers to know about books written on various academic and non-academic subjects. They had to do a presentation on their visit experience. One faculty member, and the DCO of ENH accompanied the students.

Eng 439 Study Trips
Students of Eng 439: Teaching Practicum went on study trips to Academia on 11th February. The course Eng 439 focuses on the techniques and methods of language teaching in the classroom, so this trip allowed students to observe these methods in practice.

Eng 439 students also visited a BRAC school in Comilla on 13th February, to observe the teaching methodology used there. Unlike the other classrooms observed in traditional schools, the BRAC school class was much more learner-centered with emphasis on group activities, student interaction and student participation.

As part of their coursework, the students will be required to write observation reports based on the visits. The study trips were coordinated by the course teacher Ms. Asifa Sultana, Lecturer, ENH.

ESS Update

Student Achievements
In the 5th Convocation of BRAC University Nubaha Mahbub (Valedictorian) of Economics Department got the Chancellor's Gold Medal and Vice Chancellor's Medal for year 2009 with a CGPA of 3.99 out of 4.00. 

Teaching and Presentation by ESS faculty
Dr Minhaj Mahmud, Associate Professor, ESS, has been offered a Visiting Fellow position at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi during February- March 2010. Dr Mahmud has been visiting its Centre for International Trade and Development at the School of International Studies and has given a seminar as well as several lectures on Behavioral Economics and Environmental Valuation for MA and MPhil students at the centre.

Dr. Shahidur Rahman, Assistant Professor, and Ms. Lutfun Nahar Lata, Lecturer, Department of Economics and Social Sciences, presented paper on "Attain and Retain Academic Staff in Developing Countries" and "Relative Deprivation of Children in Dhaka City: A case study of Dhanmondi" respectively at the International Conference on Humanities, Historical and Social Sciences in Singapore on February 28, 2010. 

Dr. Minhaj Mahmud, Associate Professor of Economics at BRAC University presented a paper on "Measuring Trust" at the Department of Economics and Social Sciences, Conference Room, BRAC University, at a seminar session on February 11, 2010.

Seminars/ Presentations Organized by ESS Department
A seminar was organized by the Department of Economics and Social sciences in February 18 2010, entitled, "Regional Differences in Poverty: Are We Asking the Right Question?" and was presented by Dr. Sajjad Zohir, Economic Research Group.

Professor Anis Chowdhury, University of Western Sydney, Australia, and Dr Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director, CPD came to the Department of Economics and Social Sciences as guest lecturers to lecture on "Monetary Policy and Exchange Rate Issues" and "WTO Doha Round Negotiations and Bangladesh Trade Policy: Issues of Interest, and Strategies" respectively on two consecutive seminars held on February 1 and 9, 2010 organized for the students of PGDMA (Post Graduate Diploma in Macroeconomic Analysis).

Research Outcome
A working paper on "Prevalence and Costs of Childhood Diarrhoea in the Slums of Dhaka" written by M. Jahangir Alam, Senior Lecturer, ESS Department, BRAC University was published by the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) on February 2010. This study seeks to identify the engineering, behavioural and socio-economic determinants of childhood diarrhoea and its duration and to compute the resulting costs borne by slum dwellers. The study suggests that more focus on water storage and hand washing in NGO and media campaigns and more concerted efforts by the state to provide clean water 24 hours a day to slum communities would go a long way towards controlling the incidence of childhood diarrhea. For detailed information on the policy brief please visit http://www.sandeeonline.com/publicationdetails_disp.php?pcid=1&pid=875

Village Visit by the Students of Bangladesh Studies 
On February 20, 2010, a total of 70 students of Bangladesh Studies (DEV101) and Bangladesh History, Culture and Society (SOC 102) at Savar Residential Semester went to visit villages in Savar, as part of their academic activities. Department of ESS organized the visit for the students of Spring 2010. The purpose of the visit was to inform students about the rural people of Bangladesh and their lives and livelihoods. Students spent the whole day with the villagers and shared their experiences. 

The Campus Superintendent, Coordinator of Bangladesh Studies, faculty members of ESS, CfL. Counselors and house tutors of TARC, Savar accompanied the students. 

Visit to Liberation War Museum & Rayer Bazar Boddho-Bhumi 
On February 20 & 28, 2010 a total of 202 students of Bangladesh Studies (DEV101) and Bangladesh History, Culture and Society (SOC 102), Savar Residential Semester went to visit Liberation War Museum and Rayer Bazaar Boddho Bhumi, Dhaka, as part of their academic activities. Department of ESS organized the visits for the students of Spring 2010. 

Students were informed about the importance of liberation war in 1971 and it's perspectives by visiting galleries and watching documentary movie. Coordinator of Bangladesh Studies, faculty members of ESS & CfL, counselors and house tutors of TARC, Savar accompanied the students. 

IGS Update

IGS offered technical assistance to the Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) of the Government of Bangladesh in holding the first of the Public-Private Stakeholders Committee (PPSC) meetings in February 2010. The meeting was held on 03 February 2010 in the NEC Conference Room 02 of the Planning Commission Campus in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Air vice Marshal (Rtd.) A K Khandker, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Planning and Chairperson of the Public-Private Stakeholders Committee (PPSC), chaired the meeting. The PPSC is formed under the auspices of Public Procurement Reform Project - II (PPRP-II), which is funded by the World Bank, to create citizen engagement in public procurement processes in Bangladesh, consists of representatives from academia, business community, think-tanks and civil society organizations along with government officials. Twenty-three out of twenty seven PPSC members (or their representatives) attended the meeting.

Journalism Training and Research Initiatives (JATRI) of IGS organized a lecture on "Broadcast Journalism: Past, Present and Way Forward" at JATRI premises on Thursday, 04 February 2010. Prominent broadcaster of Voice of America (VOA), Mr. Anis Ahmed was the key speaker. The lecture was followed by a question-answer session. Senior journalists, media professionals, academic from the University of Dhaka were also present.

A daylong event titled "Review Reflection" was organized by JATRI on 17 February 2010 at BRAC Centre for Development Management, Rajendrapur, Gazipur. The objectives were to get feedback/suggestions from the participants who attended the trainings organized by JATRI so far and to know how they have applied it stheir work. JATRI Training Unit has organized 9 trainings so far where 150 participants from various media houses in Bangladesh attended. Mr. Abdur Rahman, Senior Faculty Member of BRAC Training Division facilitated the event. Some of the suggestions that came out from the participants for further improvement of JATRI included things like offering fellowships, declaring annual awards, organizing trainings abroad, and offering long course for the journalists etc.

Mr. Manzoor Hasan, Director of IGS visited Bangkok, Thailand from 1-3 February 2010 to participate in the Regional Community of Practice meeting on Anti-Corruption. The meeting focused on United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Compliance Reviews and also included a half-day ethics training. The workshop was primarily organized to launch a Regional Consortium that will support UNCAC Compliance Reviews in 6 countries in 2010, namely Bhutan, Lao PDR, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Palau and Solomon Islands. The main objectives of the meeting were to a) Share lessons learned on how to conduct UNCAC Gap Analyses, processes, outputs and outcomes; b) Review a draft Guidance Note on how to conduct UNCAC Gap Analyses; c) Provide a platform for Regional Consortium partners and national counterparts to meet prior to launching the nationally led UNCAC Gap Analysis process.
As a follow-up of this meeting, Mr. Manzoor Hasan also visited Bhutan from February 26-27, 2010 to provide technical assistance to the government of Bhutan in developing a Guidance Note to conduct UNCAC Compliance Review.

MNS Update

MNS Seminar
Mrs. Fardousi Ara Begum, Lecturer of Mathematics at the Department of Mathematics & Natural Sciences (MNS) gave a seminar entitled "Solving one-dimensional heat equation by control volume-method and then comparison with the exact solution" on Thursday, 4 February 2010, at 09.30 am in the Conference Room (UB 1521). The seminar talk was based on the control volume method for the derivation of discretization equations. The heat conduction equation is based on energy conservation principle when the discretization equations are derived by the control-volume method; they represent the conservation of energy, momentum, mass etc. for each control volume. It has been shown that the resulting numerical solution correctly satisfies the conservation of these quantities over the whole calculation domain. Faculty members of MNS and other departments and some students attended the seminar.

Fifth Convocation of BRACU and Award of Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics
The 5th Convocation of BRACU was held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on 7 February 2010. Nudrat Lohani belonging to the first batch of students majoring in Physics in the MNS Department was awarded the BS degree in Physics. She also completed her second major in ECE. Md. Shamsul Kaonain of the CSE Department was also awarded his degree having completed double major in CSE and Physics.

Graduates of MS Biotechnology Programme
Ms. Jebunnessa Chowdhury, Mr. Md. Moazzem Hossain Khan, Mr Md. Nur-Un-Nabi and Mr. Md. Habibur Rahman were awarded MS degree in Biotechnology at the 5th Convocation of BRACU. They were the second batch of the students who were awarded the MS degree. Among the four students Ms. Chowdhury is at present doing her PhD while working as a Research Associate under a USDA Agricultural Project at the University of Dhaka. Others are persuing their careers in various industries. During their short tenure at BRACU, all the students participated in various study tours, attended local and international workshops and presented their research results at various national and international seminars. 

WLDP (WAGGGS Leadership Development Program), Pune, India
Girls worldwide say, "Empowering girls will change our world". This is the concern of the Millennium Development Goals of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts). To empower women it is necessary to develop in them leadership skills. "WAGGGS Leadership Development Program (WLDP)" is such a program all around the world. This is also to support individuals, member organizations and thereby help WAGGGS in achieving its goals for leadership development and membership strengthening. This program is running in the world centres of WAGGGS. This time WLDP was in the Sangam World Centre in Pune, India. Ms. Lopamudra Chakravarty, young leader and member of Executive Committee of Bangladesh Girl Guides Association participated in this program from the 7th February to the 13th February 2010. 

Ms. Chakravarty is a Lecturer in mathematics at the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. In the WLDP, the sessions and workshops were on self-esteem & self-confidence, leadership, motivating others, advocacy, personal development, management and communication, leadership competences, leadership experiences, female leadership, female health etc.They also visited the community project "Niyatis Mobile Creche". This was one experience for them to develop their own leadership projects and skills. They will execute their leadership project in one year. Other than these, they participated in the International Fair and took part in a Maharastrian dinner where they got the essence of the global and Indian culture respectively. Everyday sessions were followed by the flag ceremony. Everything has been done in a disciplined way that Guides are used to do. Learning by doing something helped the participants a lot to learn and they are now committed to execute their skills that they earned from the WAGGGS Leadership Development program. Girls are getting ready to change the world positively. 

WALCOM 2010; 4th International Workshop on Algorithm and Computation
The 4th International Workshop on Algorithm and Computation jointly organized by the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences and the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) was held at the BUET Auditorium on 9-11 February 2010. Professor Naiyyum Choudhury attended the inaugural ceremony as a Member of the Advisory Committee and welcomed the delegates from home and abroad on behalf of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences. Architect Yeafesh Osman, State Minister for Science and ICT, GOB was the Chief Guest and Professor A.M.M Shafiullah, Vice Chancellor, BUET was the Special Guest at the inaugural ceremony. Twenty-five delegates from different countries participated in the Workshop and presented papers covering areas of approximation algorithm, computational algorithm, graph algorithm network optimization, randomized algorithm, string algorithm etc. Out of 61 papers submitted to the workshop from 23 countries for presentation in the Workshop only 23 papers were accepted after peer review by an international review committee. The Bangladesh Academy of Sciences has published the proceedings of the workshop by the prestigious publisher, Springer, Germany. Copy of the proceedings will be made available on request to Professor Choudhury. 

SOFTEXPO 2010: Seminar on Role of IT in Policy Formulation on Climate Change Adoption in Bangladesh
Professor Naiyyum Choudhury participated on invitation as a special guest in the seminar on IT and Climate Change, held at the Hall of Harmony, Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, Dhaka, organized by the Bangladesh Association of Software & Information Services. The theme of the seminar was ICT Capability and Climate Change- Bangladesh Perspectives. Professor Dr. Syed Modaasser Ali, Advisor to the Hon'ble Prime Minister on Health and Family and Social Welfare was the Chief Guest and Mr. Mihir Kanti Majumder, Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest GOB was the Special Guest. The seminar covered issues like vulnerability of Bangladesh to climate change, present climate change scenario, consequences of climate change in Bangladesh, induced impacts of climate change, feasible adaptation measures for Bangladesh and how information and communication technology capacity in Bangladesh can support in adopting climate changes. Professor Choudhury emphasized the need for strong public- private partnership for meeting the challenges of climate change and urged upon the BASIS to render their IT skills and expertise in implementing different programmes and activities of the government to cope with the adverse situation of climate change in the coming days.

Seminar on Arsenic Problem and its Mitigation
Professor Naiyyum Choudhury participated in the above-mentioned seminar on Arsenic Problem and its Mitigation, organized by the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences and held at the Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka on 14 February 2010. Professor Amir Hossain Khan, former Professor, University of Dhaka and Fellow, Bangladesh Academy of Sciences presented the keynote paper entitled "Mitigation Aspects of Ground Water Contamination with Arsenic: Bangladesh Perspectives''. Ms Carola Endes of Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Germany presented a paper on "Biosensor to Detect Arsenic in Tube Well Water''and Dr. Abdul Kader, CEO of Vila Vitalis, Germany presented a paper on "Development and Dissemination of Neutraceuticals and Biosensors for Complete Management of Arsenic Induced Syndrome''. Professor Naiyyum Choudhury moderated the seminar and highlighted the present status of arsenic mitigation work in Bangladesh. 

18th Meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Committee on Science and Technology (ECNCST
February 2010 at the Ministry of Science and ICT, GOB and chaired by Architect Yeafesh Osman, State Minister, Ministry of Science and ICT. It may be mentioned that a 51 member National Committee on Science and Technology was formed on 28 July 2009 by the Hon'ble Prime Minister and on the same day the present ECNCST was constituted with 31 Members. Professor Naiyyum Choudhury is a member of the ECNCST.

The meeting discussed the implementation of the decisions of the last ECNCST meeting held on 18 June 2005 including formulation of National Science and Technology Policy, formation of National Science and Technology Foundation, actions taken based on National ICT Policy etc. Professor Choudhury reported the present status of the National Science and Technology Policy. A Review Committee was formed by the Ministry of Science and ICT with Professor Choudhury as Convener to update and modify the National Science and Technology Policy submitted by a Committee in June 2006. Professor Choudhury highlighted some of the revisions and modifications made on the S&T Policy 2006 and proposed that the revised policy document (revised S&T Policy 2010) along with the S&T Policy 2006 be circulated to all the scientific organizations, ministries, NGOs and scientific and professional societies for comments. A one- day workshop may then be organized to deal with all the comments received for incorporation as well as finalization of the National Science and Technology Policy. The meeting accepted the proposal. 

BRACU TA awarded M.Phil Degree from BUET
Mr. Muhammad Lutfor Rahman, Teaching Assistant (TA) of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MNS) Department recently earned the degree of Master of Philosophy (M. Phil) in Physics from BUET. His thesis title was "AC magnetic characterization of nanocrystalline Ni0.50-xZn0.50CuxFe2O4 prepared by combustion technique". He worked under the supervision of Professor A. K. M. Akther Hossain, Head of the Department of Physics, BUET. Mr. Rahman presented his research results in several national and international conferences. He gave an open seminar at BUET on his research work. He also gave a talk on the topic "Characterization of Ni0.50-xZn0.50CuxFe2O4 ferrites prepared by combustion technique" at the National Conference organized by Department of Physics, Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), Bangladesh, on 8 November, 2009. Mr. Rahman also participated at a Poster Session of the International Physics Conference, held on 16 May 2009 at BUET.

SECS Update

IEEE - BRAC University Student Branch Updates
Annual Certificate Awarding Dinner of IEEE Bangladesh Section
The 2010 Annual Certificate Awarding Dinner of IEEE Bangladesh Section was arranged on 13th February at BUET Cafeteria. This is an annual event of IEEE Bangladesh Section intended to award certificates to those who take part in technical talks and seminars round the year under various IEEE sponsored events. The chief guest was Dr. A. M. M. Safiullah, Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Other respected guests included the chairpersons of IEEE Bangladesh Section, IEEE Power Engineering Society Bangladesh Chapter, IEEE GOLD Bangladesh Chapter and members of IEEE and its various societies. Student members from various student branches also participated in this ceremony. Eight student members of IEEE BRAC University Student Branch attended the dinner along with the branch councilor Dr. AKM A. M. Azad, who is also appointed as the "Professional Activities Coordinator" of IEEE Bangladesh Section.

BRAC University Student Attends Harvard Conference 2010
The BRAC University student Shiblee Imtiaz Hasan, from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, attended the four-day Harvard Conference 2010 as a part of the Environmental Panel from February 18 to February 21, 2010.

The conference sessions were divided into two categories, Plenary and Panel sessions. The two plenary sessions on topics "American Foreign Policy: The Obama Administration" and "Changing Gender Roles in Asia: The Evolution of Women's Rights" were participated by all the delegates. There were five panels where delegates with specific interest groups gathered and solved case studies set up by Harvard University Graduate Students. The panel topics were Asian Leadership: How Individuals Matter, Asian Perspectives in the Current Economic Crisis, Asia-Pacific Security, Global Environment Issues: The "Green War" Heats Up, Education Matters in Asia.

RS Update

A Group of Japanese Students Visit Savar Campus
A group of Japanese students from SWITCH- an association of the students of 18 Japanese students whose aim is to strengthening relationship through cultural exchange visited Savar Campus on Thursday, Feb 11, 2010. The group was of 10 students, of which 3 female and 7 male. They arrived at campus at 7 pm on the same day and left on 13th February 2010. They took part in Volleyball, Relay Race, Bou Chee, Kana Machi, Hari Vanga, and Sumo Wresting with our students in a mixed group. They presented their country and gave a vivid picture about their country through a power point presentation and question answer session and in the same way our students also presented Bangladesh in the said way. On February 12 there was a cultural program where the Japanese performed their traditional fashion show and dances and our students did the same. Another group of Japanese students will visit Savar Campus in the second week of March 2010.

1st CfL Weekend at Savar Campus
To push the students up to come up, speak out and flourish his/her respective hidden talent, CfL offers and organizes, like every semester, many different extra curricular activities at Savar Campus in this semester like Jeweler box making, debating, quiz competition, Wall Magazine, creative writing, drama writing and so on. Whatever activities the students are involved in, they are communicating in English with each other, working in groups and nourishing their dormant talent. The first CfL weekend was held on 13th February, 2010.This time the Japanese students also took part in one activity with BRACU students.

Cultural Program 
The Savar Campus experienced three beautiful, enjoyable and amusing cultural evening organized and participated by the students On February 02, 13 and 16, 2010. The audience revealed in the rendition of music, dance, fashion show and drama to their heart's content. 

Social-Lab Exercises
The first phase of Social-Lab of the Residential Semester was conducted on February 20, 2010. In the first phase 66 students took part in this unique exercise. The students took over the whole TARC official responsibilities and as such all staff members starting from the Campus Superintendent down to cleaners and laundry persons were on leave on that day. The exercise created a lot of enthusiasm among the students and was conducted successfully.

Museum Visits
69 Residential Semester students of Bangladesh Studies (DEV101) and Bangladesh: History, Culture and Society (SOC102) visited Bangladesh Muktijoddho Jadughar (Liberation War Museum) and Boddho Bhumi on February 20, 2010. Students visited different galleries of the museums and took part in a quiz competition organized by Liberation War Museum. Six students were awarded prizes. The visit was organized by the Department of Economics and Social Science (ESS), which offers the Bangladesh Studies course for all Residential Semester students to acquaint students to the history, society, culture, traditions, archaeology, and art of Bangladesh. Course Instructors of Bangladesh Studies and the staff of RS accompanied the students during the visit.

Village Visit
The first phase of village visit of the Residential Semester was conducted on February 20, 2010 and 67 students took part in this unique activity. These students were divided into six sub-groups under the guidance of one House Tutor and explored different areas and people of those areas. Also two faculties from ESS and one from CfL accompanied some groups under the supervision on the Campus Super. Through this visit, the students came to a real life experience of how life goes on with the poor villagers and what is the taste of life to them. 

Ekushey February
In line with the spirit of Amar Ekushey, RS students observed Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day at TARC, Savar. Students, teachers and staff of BRACU took part in Probhat Ferry (Morning Procession) at 7:30 am and placed floral wreaths at the Shaheed Minar on February 21, 2010. The students of Architecture have recently built the Minar on the campus. A cultural Programme was also organized by TARC Staff in the evening to mark the Day. Students rendered songs on Ekushey. Earlier, Jibon Theke Neya, a movie written and directed by Zahir Raihan, was screened.

Wall Magazine Article
The first issue of Wall Magazine Articles was launched by the Campus Super on February 21, 2010 following the Probhat Ferry. It was inaugurated by Mr. Mahfuzul Bari Chowdhury along with his RS team and most of the RS students were present at that time. 

SPH Update

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS: MPH
Courses
The new MPH academic year started with the course Introduction to Public Health (MPH 501) from February 7-18, 2010. The course was taught by Richard Cash and Dr. Alayne Adams and assisted by Taufique Joarder, Research Associate from the School. 

The course Anthropological Approaches to Public Health (MPH 512) is currently being held from February 21 - March 4, 2010. The course is being taught by Dr Ria Rheis and Dr. Nasima Selima, Senior Lecturer from the School. 

FIELD VISITS
Students visiting urban slums Students learning from village women who participate in BRAC programme. During the MPH 501 course, the students visited several field sites in order to conduct on-site interviews and data collection. The students visited BRAC facilities situated in villages, and ICDDR,B facilities situated in urban slum visit. 

SEMINARS

2nd Annual Training and Knowledge-sharing Workshop on Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC)
The 2nd Annual Training and Knowledge-sharing Workshop' of Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) was held from January 31-February 6, 2010 at BRAC Center Inn. The international workshop and conference was organized jointly by James P Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH), BRAC University and BRAC Health Program with financial assistance from Canadian Global Health Research Initiative, with administration by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). 

Researchers and public health experts from India, Pakistan and Iran apart from two teams from JPGSPH and Gonashasthaya Kendra participated in the workshop. 

Professor Ronald Labonte of University of Ottawa facilitated most of the sessions along with Dr. Thelma Narayan. 
A gala dinner was organized on February 2, 2010 at 7 pm in Banquet Hall of BRAC Inn. The Honorable Secretary of Health, Government of Bangladesh Mr Shaikh Altaf Ali was present in the dinner as Chief Guest. Honorable Vice Chancellor of BRAC University Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury chaired the session. Government officials, policy makers, NGO officials, personnel from international agencies, renowned public health professionals and health systems specialist enriched the gala with their kind presence. 

On February 6, 2010 a seminar on Globalization and Health was arranged at Sasakawa Auditorium, ICDDR,B. Professor Ronald Labonte, Canada Research Chair on globalization and equity delivered an enlightening speech. Dr. Alejandro Cravioto chaired the session. 

The local mentor of the multi country CPHC project is Professor Dr. Anwar Islam, Associate Dean and Director of JPGSPH. The series of programmes were coordinated by Dr. Taufique Joarder with valuable contributions from Mr. Nakib Rajib Ahmed, Mr. Asif Kashem and Ms. Nargis Sultana all from the School. 

Seminar on Mental Public Health by Dr. Joop
James P Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH) arranged a seminar on 'Public Mental Health' presented by Dr. Joop de Jong, Professor of Cultural and International Psychiatry from the VU (Free University of Amsterdam) University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The seminar was held on the February 23, 2010 from at BRAC Centre. Audience composed of personnel from BRAC, BRAC University and other organizations working in mental public health arena. 

OTHER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Contract signing between JPGSPH and UNICEF
JPGSPH signed a new contract with PME division of UNICEF to conduct a short course of two week duration on Evaluation of Development Programme. Prior to the course there was a two day training of trainers from Feb 22-23, 2010 conducted by ADA OCAMPO REGIONAL EVALUATION ADVISOR, UNICEF-APSSC and Jean Serge Quesnel, Consultant CIDA. There were representative from UNICEF, BRAC RED, JPGSPH, ICDDRB, DU as TOT participants.

Dr. Jon Rohde's progress report on JPGSPH
Dr. Jon Rohde, Chair of International Advisory Board of JPGSPH, conducted a series of interviews for his short progress report on the School. He was quite satisfied with the school's activities and progress. 

Internship Scholarship for Advanced Research Methods (CARM)
JPGSPH in partnership with ICDDR,B is offering an innovative internship for acquiring advanced research methods. Six candidates were selected from an interview session at Dr. Tracey Koehlmoos's office in the IPH building at ICDDR,B. The overall goal of the Research Internship Program is to develop a critical mass of MPH graduates with advanced knowledge and expertise in chronic diseases and skills in designing and carrying out research in this area. The primary purpose is to further strengthen the research capacity of the ICDDR,B and the School in the area of chronic diseases 

ACADEMIC STUDY GROUPS (ASG)
ASG on Poverty Reduction Programme of BRAC
On February 28, 2010, ASG was held on the Poverty Reduction Programme conducted by BRAC and presented by Chowdhury SB Jalal, Research Coordinator at BRAC RED. The session included a detailed presentation of the programme and its outcome on the extreme poor community in Bangladesh. 

FACULTY NEWS
Dr. Dina Siddiqi, Visiting Scholar and Coordinator of Sexuality Network, participated in a South Asia Regional Planning Meeting on Conflict, Masculinities and Enhancing Responses for Gender based Violence Prevention, organized by Partners for Prevention, a Joint UNDP-Unifem Programme, in Bangkok, Feb 1-3, 2010.

Dr. Dina Siddiqi, Visiting Scholar and Coordinator of Sexuality Network, presented a paper entitled "Staging the Nation: The Cultural Politics of Islam in Bangladesh" at the plenary session of the Annual South Asia Conference at New York University, the theme of which this year was Powers on the Periphery. February 13, 2010.

Dr. Dina Siddiqi, Visiting Scholar and Coordinator of Sexuality Network, participated in a global consultation for NGOs and UNFPA on ICPD+15, the Beijing PoA and the MDGs, organized by UNFPA in New York, Feb 16-17, 2010. She also chaired the session on NGO recommendations on how to move the ICPD agenda forward. 

Dr. Dina Siddiqi, Visiting Scholar and Coordinator of Sexuality Network, participated in a roundtable discussion on the Role of Shalish in Dispute Resolution at the Local Level organised by Nagorik Uddyog/Manusher Jonno. February 23, 2010.

Dr. Dina Siddiqi, Visiting Scholar and Coordinator of Sexuality Network, presented a briefing paper on the global consultations on ICPD plus 15 at a National Workshop on Beijing Plus 15, organised by the National Coalition on Beijing Process and the Department of Women's Studies, Dhaka University, February 25, 2010. 

Dr Farah Mahjabeen Ahmed attended a technical meeting-cum-training event on Private Public Partnership in Health Services from February 1-4, 2010 in Bangkok organized by The Asia Network for Capacity Building in Health Systems Strengthening (ANHSS) in conjunction with the World Bank Institute and the Centre for Health Economics, Faculty of Economics, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.

Md. Tanvir Hasan, Research Associate at JPGSPH, attended the 2nd Workshop on Public Health Informatics from February 1-12, 2010 held at the Center of Excellence for Biomedical and Public Health Informatics (BIOPHICS), Faculty of Tropical Medicine,
Mahidol University, Bangkok Thailand. The theme of the workshop was "Improving Health Outcomes through Interoperability". The participants of the workshop were from several different countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippine and China (Yunnan). The workshop was organized by the BIOPHICS in collaboration with the Center for Public Health Informatics (CPHI) University of Washington under the support by the Rockefeller foundation.

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS FEBRUARY 2010

Dr. Anwar Islam, Associate Director and Dean of JPGSPH published an article on Ensuring Health for All, in New Age, English daily newspaper on February 25, 2010. 

Dr. Anwar Islam, Associate Director and Dean of JPGSPH published a paper titled Traditional Healthcare Systems in Cross Cultural Perspectives: An Overview in the International Journal of Cross Cultural Studies. The second author of this paper is Dr. Profulla C Sarker, Senior Policy/Advocacy Advisor for the National Food Security and Nutrition Surveillance Project, and as an Adjunct Professor.

Dr. Anwar Islam, Associate Director and Dean of JPGSPH published a paper titled Linking between Good Security and Nutrition: A Conceptual Issues in Theoretical Framework in the South Asian Anthropologist. . The second author of this paper is Dr. Profulla C Sarker, Senior Policy/Advocacy Advisor for the National Food Security and Nutrition Surveillance Project, and as an Adjunct Professor.

Dr. Profulla C Sarker, Senior Policy/Advocacy Advisor for the National Food Security and Nutrition Surveillance Project, and as an Adjunct Professor, published a book titled Women in Patriarchal Society published by Serial Publications, New Delhi. 

Dr. Nasima Selim has published an article: Cultural Dimensions of Depression in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study in Two Villages of Matlab in the peer reviewed journal published by ICDDRB, Journal of Health, Population & Nutrition, 28 (1), pp. 95-106, February 2010.Accessible in the internet: She also co-authored another article Impact of flooding on Feeding Practices of Infants and Young Children in Dhaka, Bangladesh Slums: What are the coping strategies which has been accepted by a peer reviewed journal, Maternal & Child Nutrition.

Student Affairs Update

Intra University Football Tournament 2010

Football Club BRAC University launched the much awaited Intra University Football Tournament 2010 on the 19th of February. The tournament is organized in the BAF Shaheen College field. The tournament was inaugurated by the honorable Vice Chancellor of BRAC University, Jamilur Reza Chowdhury. He was accompanied by the Pro Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Student Affairs Director of BRAC University and the principal of BAF Shaheen College. The opening match was between the defending champions Spring 07' and Fall 07'. In total 11 teams are participating and there will be 19 matches played with the officials being hired from Bangladesh Football Federation. Football Club BRAC University is hopeful about the success of the tournament and wishes to introduce more tournaments in the short future.

SAUFEST MOU signed between the Association of Indian Universities and BRACU 
On 24 January 2010, a three member team from the Association of Indian Universities [AIU] including Dr. Beena Shah, Secretary General AIU, Dr. S.M. Kant, Director Youth Welfare, Panjab University and Mr. David Sampson, Under Secretary AIU visited BRAC University to discuss the holding of the South Asian Universities Youth Festival, SAUFEST 5 in October 2010 at BRAC University. An MOU was signed by Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice Chancellor, BRACU and Dr. Beena Shah on behalf of BRACU and AIU respectively. 

Seminar on the 'One Laptop Per Child' Project
The seminar was held on the 2nd February 2010 at the MNS conference room UB1521 at 4:00pm, conducted by George Hunt, a retired computer engineer who used to work for Hewlett Packard, currently volunteering as a support volunteer for the OLPC. The Chairman of Ankur ICT Development Foundation, Jamil Ahmed was present as a guest and some faculty members of the BRACU CSE Department were also present, namely Dr. Md Khalilur Rhaman, Md. Omar Faruqe, Md. Shamsul Kaonain and Nabila Naushin. The focus of the seminar was on the deployment of the XO laptops in Bangladesh and the role of students in it. Mr. Hunt expressed his hopes for Bangladesh and threw challenges at us expecting us to rise up to it and ride the wave of technology that is sweeping over us.

Changing 2010
On 11th February 2010 at 5:00pm in UB-0123, many enthusiastic freshers attended and joined BUCC. The event started with a slideshow presented by Sadat Sakif Ahmed briefing the new members on the club activities in the previous year and detailing the core disciplines of the club, followed by a documentary "Google Epic" chronicling Google's predicted rise throughout the company's history and future. The documentary was followed by another short clip showing some Google search entries throughout a person's life to lighten the serious air. After this, Md. Eftakhairul Islam spoke on his entry into the club and his experiences as well as his expectations from the club, which included more participation from other departments as well as CSE and gave some ideas on what the members might expect in the coming semesters. The final speech was given by Junior Lecturer and BUCC advisor, Annajiat Alim Rasel who gave the members a brief on the upcoming plans of BUCC and how it will affect our chances in job sectors as well as detailing the joining procedures again for the freshers followed by the introduction of the active members of BUCC with the new members. The event ended with light snacks for the members. 

Workshop on web development using PHP kicks off
Starting with a test class on February 20th, Computer Club received an overwhelming response of 77 participants (and counting') who registered at http://faculty.bracu.ac.bd/~annajiat/bucc/php. It attracted students from BBS, EEE, ECE, CSE etc. This workshop is to provide students an opportunity to enhance their potential on web development using current web tools HTML, CSS, javascript and PHP that can be helpful for their future life, studies as well as professional life. The workshop will be conducted jointly by mainly two people. One of them is, one of the top php experts in Bangladesh, Hasin Hayder (http://hasin.wordpress.com). He is currently running a small RnD team Leevio and he is mainly working on open source web applications, tools and applications on facebook platform. He authored several internationally published books on PHP, PHP Template Programming, Object oriented programming with PHP5, facebook application development and many more. The 2nd of them is Tanveer Hasan, IT Director, Tasawr Interactive (http://www.tasawr.com). They kindly agreed to train our students voluntarily as a part of their social responsibility. The workshop is being volunteered by E. M. Yeaseenur Rahman Tahin, Md. Eftakhairul Islam Rain and many others including the participants themselves! Starting from very basic level, this 3 hour long workshop (sometimes more!) is expected to resume from March 6th and to continue on every Saturdays in UB1124 and UB1125. The workshop is being coordinated via 
http://groups.google.com/group/buccphp.

Village Roadshow: A World Unknown Until Now!
'Village Roadshow', an event organized for the first time by BUFC, would remain evergreen in the memories of those BUFC members who were fortunate enough to meet the amazing girls of 'Dustho Meyeder Ashroy' in Gazipur. Dustho Meyeder Ashroy, maintained by Professor Salma, is a safe home for girls aged 5-16 and a team from BUFC set out to pay them a visit.

The daylong program was full of activities and was perhaps the most unexpectedly exciting event for the BUFC team. Everyone was totally flabbergasted by the little storehouse of talents. The girls sang songs, danced, recited poems and also acted a scene from William Shakespeare's very popular play, "Macbeth". For half an hour the kids entertained us so much that doing nothing for them seemed unfair. While the girls and their teachers were watching the movie, the BUFC team took a tour outside the classroom, where they were greeted with some astonishing creations by the girls. Starting from the food that they ate to the clothes that they wore, were all hand made by themselves. They also made beautiful potteries and BUFC could not resist from buying one. Then the founder of the institute gave us a closer look on the initial stage of 'Dustho Meyeder Ashroy', which everyone listened intently, in complete silence.

Introview
Introview-Spring'10, such a grand starting of the year 2010 for BRAC University Film Club has taken place on 30th, the last Saturday of January with magnificent and glorious ceremonial festivities. Intro-view session has become one of the regular programs of BUFC now and it takes place every semester. As usual the program was accomplished with various ranges of activities. The theme of this program was Black & White; the color combination which holds great significance. 

Celebrating Triumph Over Annapurna IV
BUFC has been extremely fortunate to be able to organize an event for North Alpine Club Bangladesh (NACB). NACB, a mountaineering and adventure club, visited BRAC on 3rd February, not only to celebrate their successful expedition of Annapurna IV, but also to inspire and motivate the youth of Bangladesh to join them in their quest of conquering the Everest by 2010.

Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury- VC of BRAC University, Mr. Musa Ibrahim- Joint Secretary of NACB, Journalist of Daily Star and proud to mention, a student of BRAC U and other NACB members were part of this very important and exciting event for BUFC.

BRAC University Student Newsletter Publication Celebration
The BRAC University Student Newsletter Publication ceremony was held on February 24th 2010 at UB 1321 (ENH Seminar Room). The honourable Vice-Chancellor Professor Jamilur Reza Choudhury graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his speech he inspired the students to keep writing for the BU Student Newsletter. Two members of the editorial board Zarin Rafiuddin and Farhbee Rahman spoke about their experience of working for the BU Student Newsletter and the design and layout aspects of the Newsletter. The ceremony was well attended by faculty and students from various departments. The ceremony was conducted by the advisor of the BU Student Newsletter Club, Ms. Roohi Huda.

BRAC University Heritage Forum: Fresher's Orientation
BRAC University's one of the club is National Heritage Forum. This club organized 3 programs in this semester. 2nd February 2010 this club arranged a fresher's orientation in the Indoor games room. In this program the club received their new members and introduced their executive body to the fresher. BRAC University National Heritage Forum also arranged a quiz competition. There were a several questions about the world heritage where the students participated. There was prize for the top 3 students. In the orientation program we introduced our club as new dimension.

Fire Dekha
In the 16th February this club arranged another program that was named "Fire Dekha". BRAC University National Heritage Forum arranged three segments Desh k jano, Banglar oytizhobahi pitha and Alokchitro Prodorshoni. Members of the club worked hard and collect the uncommon pithas of Bangladesh. On that day BUNHF arranged a photo exhibition and sold the pithas to the students and faculties of BRAC University. We got a lecture from one of our senior member about the mother language day. The event was one of the most successful events of this club. 

Celebrating International Mother Language Day
After that event Heritage Forum arranged another program in 21st February to celebrate the international mother language day by convey flowers in shahid minar. We started from BU campus at 8.30 am and reached at 9.30 am. We were in the rally for 3 hours and convey flowers to the shahid minar. Brac University Heritage Forum celebrated the event successfully.

Career Services Update

Job update of February 2010:
Depangkar Majumder | BATB
Mohammad Motiur Rahman Topu | BRAC EPL 
Yousuf Galib | Prime Bank Ltd.
Monzur Morshed | Rahimafrooz 
Aiman Ahmed | Bank of Ceylon
Akhdar Fuad Khan | Augere Wireless Broadband Ltd.
Chowdhury Saifuddin Haider | Premier Cement
Ishtiaq Hossain | Prime Bank
Imran Hossain | Anower Securities
Mizbha Hun Nur Rikza | BRAC Bank
Mir Tania Ferdousi | United Commercial Bank
Noor Ahmed Navid | BRAC International
Rajina Rashid | BRAC Bank
Rehenuma Islam | Mahmood Group
Reshat Shabnam | Southeast Bank
Sarah Ahsan | Bengal Group
Tasbir Arafat | BRAC Bank
Tasnin Ferdousi | Concord Group

Internship Update BBA (Spring 2010)

Sl Name Organization
1 Abu Fardous Md Abdullah Choudhury Aarong
2 Masud Parvez ACI 
3 Shariful Hasanul Huque Akij Food & Beverage Ltd.
4 Taslima Jahan Al-Arafa Islami Bank Limited
5 Samira Ahsan APL
6 Monira Mahsharan Arab Bangladesh Bank Limited.
7 Rezwan Bin Mostafa Arab Bangladesh Bank Limited.
8 Md. Ullah Al Mamun Arab Bangladesh Bank Limited.
9 Fatema Ferdoushi Arab Bangladesh Bank Limited.
10 Maisia Hussain Babylon Group
11 Khondhokar Mamnun Ahmed BRAC
12 Shahed Zaman Setu BRAC
13 Imranul Kabir BRAC
14 Shahed Zaman Setu BRAC
15 Joydeep Sinha Roy BRAC Bank Limited
16 Syeda Sake - A - Fatema BRAC Bank Limited
17 Sakshar Barua BRAC Bank Limited
18 Mohammad Emdad Hossain Citi Bank NA
19 Md. Bahauddin Citi Bank NA
20 Rubaya Rahman Concord Group
21 Fuad Quader Concord Group
22 Tanvir Ibna Shafi Concord Group
23 Emran Hussain Dhaka Bank Limited
24 Md. Sazid Chowdhury Grameen Phone Limited
25 Md. Ashikuzzaman Mondol GTZ
26 Iftekhar Ul Karim GTZ
27 Jannatul Rafia HSBC
28 Israt Kabir HSBC
29 Tanzina Zahir Moureen HSBC
30 Imran Sattar HSBC
31 Md. Mohebul Alam Jamuna Bank Limited
32 Moinul Hossain Mercantile Bank Limited
33 Shetu Gupta Mercantile Bank Limited
34 Md. Hasan Sajib Nestle
35 Faisal Rezwan Nestle
36 Shahriyar Hasan Otobi Limited
37 Md.Mehrear Rahman chowdhury Prime Bank Limited
38 Joynub Sultana South East Bank Limited
39 Snigdha Iqbal Standard Chartered Bank Limited
40 Asif Ul Haque The City Bank Limited
41 Nayeem Farhan Trust Bank Limited
42 Sabrina Sultana Uttara Finance Limited

Sector-wise Intern Placement Spring 2010

'Sector' 'Number of Students' '%'
Bank 22 52
FMCG 7 17
Telecom 2 5
Logistics 1 2
Finance 1 2
NGO 4 10
Others 5 12
Total 42 100

Placed by Statistics (Internship, Spring 2010)

'Placed By' 'Number' '%'
CSO 32 76
Self 10 24
Total 42 100