BRAC language institute celebrates 20th anniversary
Brac Institute of Languages at Brac University marked its 20th anniversary on 30 April with a commemoration of cultural diversity.
The event united students, alumni, academics and guests to highlight the role of languages in connecting people, cultures and opportunities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, speaking as special guest, said the university promotes intercultural dialogue and celebrates cultural traditions to foster global understanding and boost its standing as a prominent institution in the Global South.
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He also stressed the importance of strong and diverse partnerships, adding that long-term relevance depends on "celebrating life itself".
Stephen Forbes, Country Director of the British Council Bangladesh, attended as the chief guest and stressed that languages connect people across cultures.
Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, Founder and Adviser of the Brac Institute of Languages, stated that the institute is committed to enabling talent, ability and opportunity to overcome language barriers.
Tamara Hasan Abed, Chairperson of the Brac University Board of Trustees, and Erum Mariam, Executive Director of Brac Institute of Educational Development, also attended.
Alumni recounted experiences, including how learning a foreign language at the institute helped one graduate become a doctor in China.
Students of Chinese, French, Spanish and other languages recited poetry and carried national flags to represent various countries.
The institute officially launched its Bachelor of Arts in Applied English Language Studies programme at the event.
Three books were also introduced: a memoir from Brac University's Residential Semester and two English lesson books for school students.
Theatre troupe Drishyapat staged the play while Brac's Social Empowerment and Legal Protection programme presented a folk-theatre performance. The event ended with a concert by the popular rock band Warfaze.
In her closing address, Professor Professor Shaila Sultana, Director of Brac Institute of Languages, stressed the institute's achievements and outlined its future plans.
