ULAB bags runner up award at tenth student conference

The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has successfully concluded its 10th Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition, a remarkable two-day event organised by the Department of English and Humanities (DEH). The conference, held on December 19-20, 2024, delved into the theme "Language Weaponization and Socio-Political Change" and showcased the collective efforts of students from public and private universities across Bangladesh.

Afnan Bintey Helal of East West University won the Best Paper Award, while Naffatun Zinan of the University of Dhaka won the Runner-Up Paper Award. "Frauds of Translation," the cultural production by East Delta University, won the Cultural Competition Championship, and "Words to Live By" by ULAB bagged the Runner-Up Award.

Professor SMA Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, graced the event's Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony as the Chief Guest on Friday, December 20, 2024. In his speech, he remarked, "I am grateful to the students for their bravery and intellect. You (young people) are highly courageous and intellectual, as witnessed during the July-August movement. Because of you, we have seen the emergence of a new country." His words added prestige to the two days of academic and creative exploration.

Professor Faiz then presented the awards to the winners of the competition. Prof. Imran Rahman, Vice Chancellor, ULAB; Prof. Shamsad Mortuza, Special Advisor to ULAB's Board of Trustees; Prof. Kaiser Haq, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities; and Ms. Arifa Ghani Rahman, Head of the Department of English and Humanities, were present at the occasion with faculty and students from the participating universities. The winners received a crest, a certificate of recognition, and prize money as awards.

The DEH Inter-University Student Conference and Cultural Competition has become a prominent event in the academic calendar, offering students a platform for scholarly discourse and creative expression. This year, 28 universities from six districts (including Dhaka) presented academic papers on 19th December, competing for the prestigious Best Paper Award. Day Two saw seven universities vying for the coveted Champion's trophy in the Cultural Competition. Academics from non-participating universities ensured fairness and transparency in the adjudication process for academic papers and performances. While presentations covered a range of topics on this year's theme, many focused on the recent 2024 July-August Revolution.