Chattogram City Mayor urges students to drive change at AUW

The 2025 Math and Science Summer School at the Asian University for Women (AUW) concluded with an inspiring call to action from Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, who encouraged students to become innovators and change-makers through science and technology.

Held at AUW's campus on M M Ali Road, the month-long residential program brought together 102 young women from across Bangladesh, including many from remote and underrepresented regions. Organised by AUW in collaboration with Chevron Bangladesh, the program aimed to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and inspire female students to pursue careers in science-based fields.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony on Thursday, Dr. Hossain emphasised the importance of youth leadership in shaping the future of society. "We are on the threshold of the Fourth Industrial Revolution," he remarked. "I hope many of you will become innovators and entrepreneurs who not only thrive in labs or offices but also drive meaningful change in communities."

Dr. Hossain outlined three key directives for the students:

1. Tackle local challenges, such as waterlogging, unplanned urbanisation, and waste management, through innovative solutions.
2. Create businesses and initiatives that generate employment, particularly for women and marginalised groups.
3. Promote awareness around sustainability, public health, and civic responsibility to ensure their ventures benefit both society and the economy.

Chevron Bangladesh has supported the AUW Summer School since its inception in 2019, with a brief pause in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. This year, 102 students graduated, bringing the total number of graduates to 372 since the program's launch.

AKM Arif Akter, Head of Community Engagement & Sustainability at Chevron Bangladesh, highlighted the significance of breaking societal stereotypes. "In many rural areas, there is a persistent myth that women cannot excel in science," he stated. "Our goal is to change that narrative. Every year in July, students receive hands-on STEM training in a multicultural, residential setting. We allocate around Tk 300,000 per student."

Chevron officials at the event included Muhammad Imrul Kabir, Chowdhury Hafez Rumel, Shaikh Zahidur Rahman, Mohammad Ferdous, Tahsin Khan, Md Jahangir Khan, and Ali Ashraf Chowdhury. They reaffirmed the company's commitment to inclusive education and sustainable community partnerships.

The 2025 curriculum included courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer programming, and public health, as well as leadership development and cross-cultural exchanges. Iffat Mahjabin, AUW's Summer School Coordinator, stated that the program has transformed many students' academic and career goals. This year, AUW will offer direct admission letters to 15–20 top performers, allowing them to enroll without taking an entrance exam.

University officials attending the ceremony included Sanaul Karim Chowdhury, Deputy Registrar; Dr. Fatima Mary Sidotam, Dean of Student Affairs; and Dr. Mohiuddin Ahsanul Kabir Chowdhury, Director of the Summer School. They praised the students' resilience and dedication, calling the initiative a vital step in empowering young women in science and leadership.

The event concluded with certificates awarded to all 102 participants, recognizing their successful completion of the program. Many students shared how the experience broadened their perspectives and reignited their ambition to pursue higher education and careers in science.