Dhaka University Public Administration Alumni Association to prepare action plan for stronger alumni engagement

The Dhaka University Public Administration Alumni Association is set to launch a comprehensive action plan to boost alumni engagement, foster professional development and enhance support for the Department of Public Administration at the University of Dhaka.

The decision was announced at the association's "Strategic Planning Workshop 2026," held at Service Area-1 of Padma Bridge in Mawa, Munshiganj, on 11 July 2026.

Executive Committee members for 2026–27 attended the day-long workshop, which focused on articulating a long-term vision, setting strategic priorities and formulating actionable implementation plans.

President of the Dhaka University Public Administration Alumni Association and Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission Jalal Ahmed inaugurated the workshop.

Secretary General of the association and Additional Secretary to the Government ASM Humayun Kabir outlined the workshop's objectives and intended outcomes.

Joint Secretary General of the association and Convener of the Workshop Implementation Subcommittee Dr AKM Saifullah moderated the sessions.

Brainstorming activities were organised under three themes: "Dreaming Future DUPAAA", "Turning Dreams into Reality" and "Action Plan Preparation".

Participants discussed modernising the association, increasing member participation, strengthening collaboration between senior and younger graduates, promoting social responsibility and facilitating knowledge-sharing and professional development.

The workshop also explored ways for the association to offer greater support to the Department of Public Administration and the broader University of Dhaka community.

Addressing the workshop, Jalal Ahmed emphasised that long-term institutional success requires strategic thinking, consistent planning and active member participation.

He said the workshop aimed not only to develop future programmes but also to strengthen trust, unity and cooperation among alumni. He expressed hope that the recommendations would help make the association stronger, more effective and professionally managed.

ASM Humayun Kabir remarked that the strength of an alumni association depends on the active engagement of its members and urged graduates to participate in its activities.

He described the event as the association's first strategic planning workshop and said implementing its recommendations could help establish the organisation as an effective platform for alumni, students, faculty members and the wider community.

Other participants included Vice President of the association and former ambassador Ruhul Alam Siddiqui; Vice President and retired government official Farhad Jesmin Lity; Joint Secretary General and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Riasat Al Wasif; Publication and Communication Secretary and Joint Secretary to the Government Ratna Sharmin Jhara; and Organising Secretary and development practitioner Hosne Ara Begum.

Cultural Affairs Secretary Moina Khatun Tuli; Joint Secretary for Education and Research and Chairperson of the Department of Public Administration at Cumilla University Dr Mosa Shamsunnahar Hira; Media and Publicity Secretary and Head of Public Relations at SBAC Bank PLC Md Asadullahil Galib; and Office Secretary and entrepreneur Saiful Islam also attended.

Executive Committee Member and retired banker Asadul Mahbub Salam (Nipu); social worker Mohammad Ershad Khan; Manager (Senior Assistant Secretary) at Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited Rafiqul Haque; and entrepreneur Md Saifullah were also present.

During a break, the association congratulated Ratna Sharmin Jhara on her recent promotion to Joint Secretary to the Government.

The association said the recommendations and decisions emerging from the workshop would shape its programmes throughout the 2026–27 term.