The global Covid-19 pandemic has caused the disruption of lives everywhere, but in spite of this, life goes on. The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), one of the top private universities in Bangladesh, has likewise been making tremendous efforts to ensure that students do not suffer academically. As part of this effort, ULAB organised an online Orientation Programme on July 1, 2020 for the incoming students of Summer 2020. 

Dr. Dipu Moni MP, Minister of Education, graced the occasion as the chief guest while Md. Mahbub Hossain, Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education Division, Ministry of Education, was present as the special guest.

In her address to the freshers, the Education Minister said, "You are very lucky to have enrolled in a university like ULAB which is the only Bangladeshi university that placed among the top 50 universities in the World's Universities with Real Impact (WURI) ranking for 2020 in the Industrial Application category. ULAB has brought us national honour, and particularly for the education sector of Bangladesh. It is a matter of great pride that ULAB is placed alongside top global institutions like Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and California Institute of Technology." 

Dr. Dipu Moni also mentioned that the incoming students are fortunate to be in an institution where they have renowned teachers like National Professor Rafiqul Islam, Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam, Professor Kaiser Haq, Professor Salimullah Khan, and Professor Imran Rahman. 

She also said that every crisis presents us with new opportunities. Our success depends on how well we use those opportunities. She stressed the importance of strengthening our family bonds during this time as well as our social values. She also said, "We need to reach out to those who are suffering while continuing to observe all health regulations."

"Hindsight is 20/20," said the Education Minister. "Let us utilise this time to enhance our skills so that when we look back at 2020, our memories are not all filled with sadness. The concept of liberal arts, which encompasses the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and the arts, ensures the building of a wholesome human being. ULAB has provided such an environment for learning so that you can become the kind of human beings that our country needs." Dr. Dipu Moni encouraged the students to not only fulfill the dreams of their families, but also contribute towards fulfilling the nation's expectations from them.

The chief guest also expressed her appreciation for ULAB and its overall research and teaching activities.

During his address to the freshers, Md. Mahbub Hossain, said, "Today's event will be memorable to you all who have enrolled at ULAB for your degrees because you are in the presence of renowned and well-respected individuals who have shared their valuable insights with you. Their words will enrich your lives and you can use them to enhance your lives as you move forward."

He also stated that, "Although degrees are important, it is the work we do that identify us. With the degree as our foundation, we must aim to become responsible citizens and human beings. Even while looking after our personal well-being, we must also think about our nation and our people.  ULAB has been playing a significant role in this regard."

National Professor Dr. Rafiqul Islam and Kazi Nabil Ahmed MP, Member, ULAB Board of Trustees, also addressed the students while Dr. H M Jahirul Haque, VC, ULAB, gave the welcome speech. In his speech, he requested the new students to seek knowledge always and to present a united front as members of the ULAB community.

Priyanka Chowdhury, ULAB alumnus, spoke to the incoming students of ULAB on behalf of the ULAB alumni body. She emphasised on how ULAB's curriculum prepares students for the workplace. 

Professor Imran Rahman, Special Advisor to the ULAB Board of Trustees and Dean, ULAB School of Business, who conducted the program, gave the freshers an overview about ULAB. 

Dr. Kazi Anis Ahmed, Vice President, ULAB Board of Trustees; Ameenah Ahmed, Member, ULAB Board of Trustees; Professor Shamsad Mortuza, Pro-VC; Professor Milan Kumar Bhattacharjee, Treasurer; Lt. Col. Foyzul Islam (Retd.); Registrar; Heads of the departments; students; faculty members; administrative staff; and guests participated in this online orientation for incoming students.