Daffodil journalism department marks 20 years, launches ‘Alumni 360’
More than 300 current and former students and faculty members joined a reunion marking the 20th anniversary of the Department of Journalism, Media and Communication (JMC) at Daffodil International University.
The day-long programme, titled "Amader Bochor Kuri", was held at the university's Daffodil Smart City campus in Birulia on 10 July, 2026. The JMC Alumni Association organised the event under the theme "Bisher Banshitey Sudin Ashbe".
Dr Md Sabur Khan, founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Daffodil International University, attended as chief guest and announced the launch of "Alumni 360", a networking platform designed to connect current students with alumni working across different sectors.
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The programme began with registration and an inaugural session at the university's International Conference Hall. Professor Dr Golam Rahman, founding head of the department, inaugurated the event.
Other speakers included Dr Abdul Kabil Khan, convener of the programme; Sakib Mridha, general secretary of the JMC Alumni Association; Dr Aftab Hossain, head of the department; Professor Dr Liza Sharmin, dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; and Professor Dr Mohammad Masum Iqbal, pro-vice-chancellor of Daffodil International University.
Professor Dr Golam Rahman said the strength and success of an academic department were reflected in the achievements of its current and former students.
"Over the past two decades, JMC has produced not only skilled media professionals but also responsible citizens and communication practitioners. 'Amader Bochor Kuri' is a celebration of that proud journey," he said.
A cake-cutting ceremony marked the anniversary, while alumni from different batches shared their professional experiences and memories of student life.
Sharmin Azad Shanta, senior newsroom editor at BanglaNews24 and an alumna of the department, said the anniversary represented the dreams, memories and stories of generations of students.
"The campus has transformed from a few buildings in Dhanmondi to a vast academic space in Ashulia. It is wonderful to reunite with familiar faces and create new memories together," she said.
The programme also featured networking sessions, an open mic, a raffle draw and cultural performances involving alumni, current students and faculty members.
Dr Abdul Kabil Khan said the department had developed skilled, creative and leadership-oriented professionals for Bangladesh's media and communication sectors. He said the reunion would strengthen connections among alumni and support the department's future growth.
Dr Aftab Hossain said the department had grown from a small academic unit with few students into a community of more than 1,000 alumni.
"Our goal is to become one of the best journalism schools in South Asia," he said.
Around 40 student volunteers helped organise the programme.
The department admitted its first cohort in 2006 and was later renamed from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Its graduates now work across journalism, television, corporate communication, public relations, digital media and the creative industries.
