A glimpse into the vibrant university clubs in Bangladesh
For most students, their university clubs are a safe space they turn to for guidance and support, a place that nurtures their interests and provides them with various opportunities to explore their passions, build invaluable skills, forge lifelong friendships, and unleash their full potential outside the confines of lecture halls. By immersing themselves in these enriching experiences, students embark on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and holistic development.
This article will give you a peek into several of the vibrant clubs offered by some of the best private universities in Bangladesh.
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BRAC University is renowned for its commitment to excellence in education and social development. The university offers a transformative learning experience with strong academic programs, coupled with an array of extracurricular activities. At present, there are 31 clubs at BRAC University catering to various interests of students and helping to build teamwork and leadership capabilities in them.
One of the notable clubs, The Robotics Club of BRAC University (ROBU), encourages its members to gain skills in the robotics field by participating in robotic competitions to showcase their own robotics projects and attend seminars, and workshops.
"Our club is known for its high achievement in various national and international competitions, most significantly our project for BRAC ONNESHA, the first nano-satellite created by a Bangladeshi university, solidifying our pioneering spirit in space exploration and robotics." shares Md. Shawon Mollah, President of ROBU.
Another notable club, the Debate Club, has recently claimed the very prestigious World University Debate Championship (WUDC) 2022, proving BRAC University Debating Club's dominance in the debate circuit.
Canadian University of Bangladesh
The Canadian University of Bangladesh offers a world-class education that blends academic excellence with a global perspective. Committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals, the university provides a diverse range of academic programs and extracurricular opportunities, such as CUB Sports Club and CUB Social Welfare Club, to enhance students' personal and professional growth.
One such critically acclaimed club, the CUB Carpe Diem-English Club, prepares students for the professional world by organizing different seminars and lecture series and fostering analytical skills through regular participation in English Olympiad competitions.
The club's advisor Md. Abdullah Al Mamun shares, "If you want to see how creative and talented your students are, engage them in club activities." Adding to it, he shares a famous quote by William Bennett, "The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing and arithmetic ...music, dance, painting and theatre are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment."
Chittagong Independent University
Situated in the lively city of Chittagong, Chittagong Independent University (CIU) offers students a vibrant campus atmosphere. The university prides itself on a plethora of extracurricular clubs that complement the academic curriculum through its 18 club organizations.
Debating contributes significantly to the development of logical thinking in society. They recently competed in the National University Debate Competition, representing the talented debaters of the country. Furthermore, CIU's "Law Society" and "Debating and Mooting Club" organize seminars on relevant legal topics.
There are other clubs, such as the English Club, Social Welfare Society, Intrinsic Finance Club, Independent Marketing Club, HRM Society, Cultural Club, Model United Nations Club etc. Stressing the importance of clubs, the driving force behind the Cultural Club, Dr. Robaka Shams, says, "Studies alone do not help a student become a well-rounded individual. Beyond the classroom, creativity, morality, and ethical awareness thrive. Through clubs and organizations, CIU nurtures its students to become compassionate human beings."
East Delta University Bangladesh
Located in the magnetic seaport city of Chittagong, East Delta University possesses a diverse range of student activity clubs, including the EDU Debating Society, EDU Career Club, EDU Computer Club, and more, aimed to develop the learning process of its student body. The clubs provide a platform for students to gain exposure and enhance their skills.
The EDU Social Business Club has become one of the most renowned clubs in the university based on its multiple achievements at various business competitions, such as being champion at the Social Business Plan Competition 2013 and Runners-up at the Social Business Plan Competition 2012.
"Through events and activities, our club allow students to demonstrate their soft skill abilities and enhance their leadership opportunities," explains Tabassum Chowdhury, Director, Directory of School Activities of East Delta University Bangladesh.
International Standard University:
The numerous clubs and events available at International Standard University (ISU) open up a world of possibilities for its students. From Textile Club to IT Club, there's something for every student to participate in.
In a short period of time, the International Standard University Business Club has organized a number of events like the Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages factory visit where students learned and gathered knowledge on the beverage making process, "Campus Meet Up" with City Brokerage where immense knowledge was shared about finance and investments made in the real market, a session on "Digital Marketing" where Creative IT Institute's mentors shared their valuable knowledge.
Recently, ISU business club also organized a session on "Meet Your Mentor" where the marketing superstar of AKIJ Venture, Syed Alamgir shared his experience and gave advice to the students about how to become successful in the real world and ensured the students about their internships.
Independent University Bangladesh (IUB)
Recognized for its academic excellence and progressive learning environment, IUB offers a wide range of extracurricular clubs that enhance students' skills beyond the classroom.
Notably, the Independent University Bangladesh Debate Club (IUBDC), won the championships at the United Asian Debate Championship Bandung 2018, Bangladesh Debate Council Nationals 2022, BUP National IV 2022, as well as the Calcutta Debate Circle CDC-JIS Invitational 2023. IUBDC is also renowned for organizing the IUB Ascension, which is the largest Debate Tournament in South Asia, where participants come from prestigious institutions all over the world such as Oxford, Cambridge etc.
"IUBDC helps students to develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and competitive debating skills through in-house training. It also helps them shine their organizing skills for the future. It's a great way to meet new people and make friends." adds Ahmad Tousif Jami, Director of Debate, at IUBDC.
International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT)
With extracurricular clubs such as the Nursing Society, Civil Engineering Society, and Agriculture Society, IUBAT stands tall as an institution dedicated to fostering excellence in business, agriculture, and technology.
In pursuit of nurturing talent and fostering growth, the IUBAT IT Society has established itself as a dynamic organization by organizing and winning awards in a diverse range of activities such as the NCPC (National Collegiate Programming Contest), IT Olympiad 2021, Inter Polytechnic Programming Contest (IPPC), and more.
"We have built a bridge between the students and the CSE department and shaped the IT landscape within the university by actively engaging students through mentoring classes, programming and robotics sessions, cultural adda, training sessions, regular seminars, workshops, and boot camps. Furthermore, we also contribute to the university's mega programs through voluntary work, demonstrating our commitment to social responsibility." shares Nazmul Alom Nafis, President of IUBAT IT Society.
Southeast University
Southeast University is committed to providing a world-class education and fostering a vibrant campus environment. From Debate Club and MUN Club for those interested in debating, to Language & Literature Club and Photography & Visual Arts Club for students interested in the arts and humanities, the university offers an extensive selection of clubs to engage students in various extracurricular activities.
At Southeast University, the Southeast Cultural Society (SCS), which has been recognized at the South Asian University Fest and India-Bangladesh Solidarity Festival, is renowned for organizing cultural programs such as the Victory Day celebration, Baishakhi Utsab, International Women's Day celebration, and more. By hosting interdisciplinary cultural events and organize interactive programs, they incentivize the students to be proactive and showcase their skills, keeping the university spirit alive.
"We provide a platform for the students and organize many programs like Cultural Talent Hunt, Workshop for song, dance & poetry, and more, that help them improve their self-confidence a lot." shares Dr Israt Jahan Bulbul, moderator of SCS.
State University Bangladesh
Known as a hub for innovation and knowledge dissemination, State University Bangladesh offers three central clubs for their students- Cultural Club, Sports Club and Debate Club.
The Culture Club organizes several seasonal cultural programs such as "Boshonto Utsob", "Robindro Utsob", "Nazrul Utsob", & "Shorot Utsob", among others. Additionally, they organize photo exhibitions, stage drama, dance drama, pronunciation workshop, recitation festival, and more.
The members of the SUB Sports Club also organize Inter-University and Intra-University tournaments with both indoor and outdoor games every semester and participate in tournaments organized by other universities.
"At the State University Bangladesh Debate Club, our students have had the opportunity to participate in national-level debate competitions. Recently, the SUB Debate team won the "UCB Parliamentary Debate" against BRAC University, which was telecasted live through ATN Bangla." proudly shares Md. Abdul Kader Shohan, Senior Executive of Co-curricular Activities at State University Bangladesh.
University of Asia Pacific (UAP)
The University of Asia Pacific (UAP) provides a versatile learning environment for the students with its array of 15 diverse clubs, ranging from the Basketball Club to the History and Heritage Club.
The Entrepreneurship and Career Development Club (ECDC) is one of the dynamic clubs of UAP that arranges programs aiming at developing and honing the corporate and entrepreneurial skills and mindset of the students. ECDC aims to give their students practical experience and knowledge of corporate practices and entrepreneurial skills by organizing events like "Meet the CEO", where students can learn from the corporate leaders and entrepreneurial seminars and workshops like "Entrepreneurs' Fest", "Road to Success", and "Passion to Action".
Mohammad Rakiv, Assistant Professor in the Department of Business Administration and Adviser, ECDC notes, "ECDC aims to bridge the industries' skill requirements with academic learning, developing and cultivating the skills and mindset that a graduate should possess while entering the technology-driven future marketplace."
University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
Known for its focus on interdisciplinary liberal arts subjects, ULAB nurtures critical thinking and creativity among its students. In addition to its rigorous curriculum, the university offers a diverse range of extracurricular clubs, from Adventure Club to History Club, and more. Notably, the ULAB Sustainable Development Club has been a source of inspiration for many students hoping to make a change. By organizing various engaging activities like yoga, pottery making, and tie-dye, they strive to raise awareness and promote sustainability in daily life.
"Each semester, we visit schools to educate young minds about the importance of sustainability. Using engaging stage dramas and activities, we strive to cultivate awareness and enthusiasm for sustainable practices and environmental issues, foster volunteering, enhance networking skills, and promotes individual sustainability for a better tomorrow." shares Sanzida Alam, the club's president.
Uttara University
Uttara University believes in providing students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond the classroom, and extracurricular clubs play a vital role in achieving that goal. They encourage their students to participate in social activities that aid themselves and their community.
Notably, the Uttara University Social Services Club has arranged programs like Flood Relief, Winter Donation, and Iftar Distribution, as well as social awareness programs like Women's Safety, Thalassemia Awareness seminar, free blood group detection and Uttara Clean Drive to help the city and community.
"We try to create a strong network and interaction with organisations who have interest to provide social services in Bangladesh. We also aid our students to gain or develop their professional skills in group dynamics, leadership, cooperation, coordinating activities, communication skills, and enhance the visibility and appreciation of social services among themselves." notes Anila Akter Nilima, Senior volunteer and Organizer of Uttara University Social Services Club.
In conclusion, university clubs in Bangladesh empower students to explore their passions, enhance skills, and make a positive impact. By catering to the diverse interests of students, these clubs create a vibrant learning environment that prepares students for the professional world through engaging activities, mentoring sessions, and participation in national and international competitions. Embracing the power of extracurricular engagement, these universities are nurturing well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
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