BRACU EXPRESS an independent monthly publication by BRAC University students Summer XVII | Issue IX
June 18 | 2017
The ground station for BRAC Onnesha already at work ADIBA M PROMA The much-deserved hype regarding the nano-satellite BRAC Onnesha reached new heights on Thursday, May 25th, with the inauguration of the co-satellite ground station taking place on Building 4’s topmost floor. The earth station, called Naster Lab, being part of the terrestrial segment of the spacecraft, is equipped with all sorts of instruments required for effective communication with the nano-satellite. Being the chief guest at the inauguration, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed emphasized on the importance of research for the country’s development. The inauguration
programme included a short video presentation and demonstration on antenna control and data receiving. “Plenty of preparations had to be made before starting the ground station. From getting the right equipment to licensing it, to getting all the necessary data, our team had to struggle a lot,” explained Md Mojammel Haque, who has been working with the project since its conception, and is currently leading the team running the ground station. “The hours are long – usually from 8am to 10pm. The satellite comes about 3 times a day, but often we miss the stronger signals since we cannot stay the night.” The launching of BRAC Onnesha, took place on June 4th in the USA,
and was livestreamed by NASA TV. It can be found on the earth station’s personal YouTube channel Naster Lab. The satellite has now reached the International Space Station on SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The team is also trying to get a machine that will connect the Onnesha ground station to six other ground stations, thus allowing the receipt of more information. A much larger space has already been allotted for the ground station in the new campus of BRAC University. The team which currently includes Jamil Arefin, Arafat Haque, Md Shakiluzzaman, and Adnan Sabbir, plans on training more people so that the station can operate even more efficiently. The date for deployment
from the ISS still has not been fixed but the team is hopeful and eagerly waiting. The deployment, which will be telecasted live, will make BRAC Onnesha fully functional. The satellite can then be used for various purposes, such as finding atmospheric density, and open new doors for research.
The Falcon 9 rocket carrying BRAC Onnesha
Debaters dazzle in Nepal
The journey behind ICBM-2017
ADEEPTO I AHMED
to implement the project consisting of Saif Hossain, Zaheed Husein and NM Baki Billah, who have all contributed a significant amount to the programme One of the biggest events this year – International as well. Conference on Business and Management (ICBM)- Q. While each detail of the conference has been 2017 (September 21-22, Westin, Dhaka) is now meticulously planned, has there been any such only a few months away. In an exclusive interview surprise which took you aback? with the program chair, Associate Professor Dr Md A. When Sir Fazle Hasan Abed informed that he Mamun Habib, we take you behind the story of this would like to be our chief guest and keynote speaker; unique initiative. that was beyond our expectations. Q. Sir, you have been involved with over 50 Q. What are some of the highlights of the conference? overseas conferences. How has A. Our motto for the entire event that led to the inception of ICBMhas been to think in terms of the 2017 and what has the journey quality. We have received more been like so far? than 200 papers and these papers A. Organizing a conference like have all been peer-reviewed and ICBM in Bangladesh has been Scopus-indexed. The rejection rate my dream ever since I joined has been 20%, based on abstract BRAC University. International alone. The heads of big corporations Conferences add immense value to will be coming for the Industry Talk Professor Habib in his office institutions and with that objective session and our keynote speakers ICBM has been organized to add to the value of are all world-renowned scholars. BRAC Business School and BRAC University. Additionally, it is a matter of great pride that our Q. This brainchild of yours has become a mammoth undergrad students have submitted papers and event. How did it all begin? will be presenting those in the conference. The A. The concept of the conference was met with conference has received partnership from several great support from Vice Chancellor Dr Syed Saad foreign universities as well. Andaleeb, who assisted in steering this project. Q. What lies ahead of ICBM-2017? Professor Rahim B Talukder our ex-advisor A. We plan on hosting ICBM-2018 after ICBM-2017 provided valuable help as well in initiating this and so on, to continue its legacy. With time, we plan project. A conference secretariat was then formed on making the brand bigger and better. Let us see.
Kathmandu, Nepal became the latest in peaks conquered by our debaters, as the sole team Champions receiving the trophy sent from BRAC University to the Zonta ViduShe 2017 debate tournament returned with the title. The tournament was the country’s first women’s open tournament. The tournament, whose title may be roughly translated to “bidushi” or “intelligent woman” in Bengali, was won by the sophomore duo of Rifayat Raisa and Iffat Sumaiya. They were the first team into the finals, winning 14 of 15 preliminaries, before taking the finals too in one unstoppable run. The tournament, organized by the Debate Network Nepal, spanned five days from the 17th to the 21st of May. The travelling and exploring made the experience all the more priceless, reported both the victorious returnees. “The tournament was an amazing experience, not just for the debates but because the circuit is so welcoming there. The debating culture is quite different from the one we have here in Bangladesh,” said Rifayat Raisa, Vice President of the BRACU Debate Club.
SUBAH SHAHEEN
2 | BRACU EXPRESS
BRIEFS Forum on mental health in Bangladesh The last of the Speakers’ Forum Series on Faith and Development was held on May 20th, 2017. An astounding number of people filled up the conference room at the Six Seasons Hotel in Gulshan. The speakers spoke on perspectives surrounding mental well-being in South Asia, the role of faith and faith-based practitioners, and how engaging in faith-based approaches might help overcome stigma around mental-illness. The seminar came to an end with Ashna Chowdhury administering a meditative exercise which left the audience with uplifted moods and positive spirits for the remainder of their day. Fabrication Lab opens Initiated in 2014 by submitting an application to UGC, the Fabrication Lab (8th Floor, UB4) was finally opened on 22nd May, 2017. The inauguration was preceded by an address from the Chief Guest, Professor Syed Saad Andaleeb. The project was submitted to UGC’s sub-project Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project (HEQEP) and the second tender was passed and the machinery was bought in 2016. The entire project is funded by World Bank. The four main machines that were brought to the lab are: a laser cutter, 3D printer, CNC router and a 3D scanner. Meet the CEOs in RS Meet the CEOs, the standout seminar took place at BRAC University, Savar campus. Among the speakers were Tareq Amin, founder and CEO of Amin and Jahan Corporation Ltd, and AB Mahmud, divisional merchandise manager of LF Europe & LF Americas. The speakers took turns to explain how RMG is currently one of the most promising industries in the country in terms of export and remittance, and the enormous career potential it holds for business students. They also talked about the trend of negligence shown by fresh graduates towards the RMG industry, and inspired and assured them about the expansion and restructure of this vast sector.
June 18 | 2017
NEWS Lessons in justice, lessons from experience MAHPARA SANJANA Law Alumni Association BRAC University (LAABRACU) organized its first seminar at BRAC University; “Exploring a Legal Career in Bangladesh: An Interaction with the Experts” on May 17th. It was held with an aim of providing the students of the School of Law with an insight into the legal profession. Honorable special guest and one of the keynote speakers Professor K Shamsuddin Mahmood, Dean, School of Law, BRAC University, was the first to deliver his speech. He said becoming a good lawyer involves four stages and getting to the last stage requires skill and perseverance,
and stressed that a good lawyer must be knowledgeable, perceptive, determined and an avid reader. Subsequently, another keynote speaker Justice Siddiqur Rahman Miah, former Justice of the Appellate Division, Supreme Court
Honourable guests and keynote speaker discuss legal practices and values
of Bangladesh, spoke about the struggles of people in the legal profession. He tried to draw a parallel
BRACU shines at EEE day MASHARUL B MAHFUZ A group of BRAC University students participated in “EEE Day 2017 - Inter University Project Showcase”, on the 18th of May, 2017 at the premises of Bangladesh Students showcasing their project University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). The event was organized by Department of EEE, BUET along with IEEE BUET Student Branch with Prof. Shaikh Anowarul Fattah presiding over the entire session. Engineering students from different universities i.e. BUET, RUET, CUET, AIUB and more, along with representatives from prominent organizations like Grameenphone, participated in this event to explore and share brilliant ideas and views. The group of BRACU demonstrated a project titled “Positive Train Control, Command and Communication”, which provides a comprehensive level of safety to the entire railway transportation by means of predicting and preventing any sorts of railway hazards caused by human errors. The project was designed and developed by Masharul Bin Mahfuz (EEE), Md. Shakhawat Hossain (EEE) and Zohair Mehtab Ali (CSE) under the supervision of Avijit Das, Lecturer, EEE, BRACU. The project was appreciated by respective faculties of BUET, especially Prof. Ziaur Rahman Khan, and the participants received invitations for grooming sessions from Grameenphone and Access to Information (a2i). The event concluded with an award-giving ceremony followed by inspirational speeches from Mr. Khandker Shahnur Sabbir, Program Associate, Innovation, a2i. Overall, the event was a true success for intriguing students in creating innovative projects in the future.
between law and religion, thus giving students a message to be fair and principled in their pursuits. His lesson was to go beyond just learning the law, and instead reflect upon it as well. Furthermore, he stated that for lawyers the satisfaction of their clients is primal, and to consider it a duty. Lastly, the third keynote speaker Mr Abdul Matin Khasru, MP, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh, and Chairman of the Executive Committee of Bangladesh Bar Council, asserted that lawyers must be the soldiers of truth and that, no matter what: they must refrain from any and all malpractices. And that serving the society is more important than earning money through immoral means.
Remembrance through songs SHABIBA B HABIB On the occasion of both Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam’s birth anniversary, BRAC University yet again arranged a magical evening of classical music. “Bangla Gaaner Bhabna o Pothchola” was held at the BRAC University auditorium. The event featured a number of eminent guests and comprised of two hours full of songs and poems. Renowned Tagore singer Fahim Hossain Chowdhury and Khilkhil Kazi, the granddaughter of late Kazi Nazrul Islam, were invited as special guest-performers. The event featured duets, solos and dance performances by students of the university, Fahim Hossain Chowdhury himself, and two respected teachers from Chhaayanot. A few selected poems of the much-adored poet were recited by his own granddaughter, with insight into the background of those poems. Students and faculty alike thoroughly enjoyed the evening’s celebration of classical music, since it is hardly a norm around campus.
Dr Sharmind Neelotpol and students performing
BRACU EXPRESS | 3
June 18 | 2017
OPINION & ACADEMICS
Redrawing Gender Boundaries: A conference for women’s literature, by women DR RIFAT MAHBUB A two-day international conference on gender and literature titled ‘Redrawing Gender Boundaries in Literary Terrains’ was held in BRAC University on May 18-19. The conference had 73 paper presenters from national and international institutions. The keynote speakers included Professor Ruth Evans from St Louis University, Missouri, USA, and Professor Niaz Zaman, Independent University, Bangladesh. Professor Evans’ paper was titled “Unrelatability: Reading Literary Works from the Past in the Feminist Present,” and Professor Zaman’s “The Accidental Feminist.” A special concluding talk “Women Writing in India: A Jubilee Reconsideration” was given by Professor Susie Tharu from University of Hyderabad, India. In addition to academic papers, the conference included a special session by Centre for Bangladesh Studies, an independent think-tank, on the topic of struggles against the patriarchy in Bangladesh; as well as a reading session by Gantha, a creative writing platform for women. An exciting session titled “S/ he is S/he!!!: Queering Gender Performativity and Transformativity in Indian Myths and Literature”
was held by a team of faculty members from Jahangirnagar University. Two lectures were given on Language, Literature and Society – the first by Sowyma Dechamma, Assistant Professor, Centre for Comparative Literature, University of Hyderabad, on “Orality, Sexuality, and Caste: A Case of Minority Languages,” and another by Azfar Hussain, Associate Professor of
Audience listens intently as CBS representative speaks
Liberal Studies/Interdisciplinary Studies at Grand Valley State University and Professor of English, World Literature, and Interdisciplinary Studies at The Global Center for Advanced Studies, USA, on “Giocanda Belli and Revolutionary Feminism.” The key focus of the conference was to look at gender and its fluidity through topics such as identity
Big Data: the next big thing SHITAB M ISLAM
On May 14th, the seminar on Big Data and Machine Learning was held in the GDLN Conference room. There have been workshops on Big Data before, but this time it was reintroduced in the context of Machine Learning, an advance form of Artificial Intelligence. Big Data is essentially about handling huge quantities of semistructured or unstructured Data sets. In Machine Learning the machine handles those data automatically, with a particular purpose. As the topics are not included in our BRAC University curriculum, this was a good opportunity for all to explore this new field of research. The seminar had two sessions: the first session was on the introduction to Python and its libraries, using Apache Hadoop and Spark Stack in Big Data applications, conducted by Amit Das and Kalyan Banik, Algorithm Developer at Codemen Solution Inc. The second session was taken by Dr Redwan Hasan Khan, Deputy General Manager and Head of Voice Core Network Operations at Grameenphone Ltd. They all discussed the scopes of Big Data in business and industrial profession, and how it can connect with IoT and inspire start-ups. They also talked about the applications in agriculture, medicine and in different government and non-government sectors. The insight we gain from this seminar is grand: Big Data is the next big thing and in integrating it with Machine Learning, we take what was once only science-fiction and make it reality.
politics, gender norms and movements, bending boundaries and transnational women’s writings. From literature (both Bangla and English), film, and media to politics and society, the range of ideas and opinions had been broad and open throughout two days of discussion. The Vice-Chancellor of BRACU, Professor Syed Saad Andaleeb, honoured the guests with Uttoriyos and flowers. The VC graced the ceremony with his valuable speech where he highlighted the various exciting initiatives taken up by BRACU, such as this conference. Professor Firdous Azim, in her welcome address, highlighted the thoughts behind this conference, and thanked everyone for making it possible. In this well-attended conference, it has been promised that selected papers would be published either in a book or a special edition of the BRAC University journal.
Dr Rifat Mahbub is Assistant Professor at the Department of English and Humanities, BRAC University. She has completed her PhD in Women’s Studies from the University of York, England, and teaches courses in women’s literature and feminism.
From here to Deutsche MD FAISAL ARIFIN BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) officially launched the German Language course in November 2016. The first batch of this course was a major success, as one of the graduates is now keen to share his experience of the course, and how it added value to his life at Germany. I am Arifin, currently pursuing Masters of Computer Science at TU Berlin University, Germany. A few months ago, on 28th of March, I arrived in Germany. Before coming here, I had the opportunity to learn German language at BIL. I was
inspiring tutors I found was Mrs Shehla Khan. She is a very hardworking teacher and taught us each and every chapter with care and enthusiasm. I learnt a lot from her about German language, i.e. how to pronounce each letter in German, how to converse in different situations, use of grammar, sentence formation, how to tell time, numbers, colours, foods, meals, setting up a meeting, and much more. The course itself was very pleasant and engaging, through which I met an amazing bunch of peers. This language course is a laudable initiative of BIL, offering opportunities for students to pursue higher studies with full scholarship as most of the universities here are statefunded. Besides, Germany has the strongest economy in Europe, so the job opportunities are also widespread. I
very fortunate to get this course at a time when I was tirelessly searching for options to learn basic German language. The only option available was Goethe Institute where the course fee was quite steep. One of the most supportive and
especially want to thank Lady Abed for giving me and all of us the wonderful opportunity to learn “Deutsche” language. I wish all the success and luck to the continuation of this program by BIL.
4 | BRACU EXPRESS
June 18 | 2017
SPECIAL Midterm Prayers
Ramadan Courtesies You are fasting, and late for class when–beep!! Bag check! It can get difficult, especially when you are hungry, to remember to keep your cool. However, Ramadan is a time for practicing patience, and here are some courtesies you should try to follow (preferably all year around, but especially) during Ramadan:
1. Be especially kind to the Mamas and the Khalas. You come into class, from the heat, and find reprieve in the cold, air-conditioned rooms. They do not. 2. The month is hot, and you are not allowed to drink water: a climb to the 4th floor can seem comparable to Everest. However, some students may have classes as high as the 15th and 19th floors. So when the queues are long, instead of clawing your way into the elevator, consider walking slowly, with breaks, to class and really earn that iftaar. 3. Do not judge those who are not fasting. One’s faith and how they practice it is certainly one’s own business; and it does not align with Ramadan’s religious teachings to shame somebody for eating out in the open. Rather, allow them a safe space – let them know it is okay to have a sip of water in class.
If the scorching heat and the Ramadan traffic were not bad enough, now you also have the midterms to prepare for. While fasting and tackling the midterms simultaneously can seem rather daunting, with a bit of organizing skills, it can be done! By now, you must be quite used to the Ramadan routine. Now the next step is to incorporate studying time into that routine. Sleep cycles often vary from person to person during Ramadan. Find a certain time when you feel active, and allot that time to study. If you’re not being able to concentrate at a stretch, spread your revision throughout the day in smaller parts. Have an hour break between classes? Find a quiet corner in the library to catch up on a few chapters! Since time is quite limited, it is best to start studying as early as possible. Spend a few minutes going over the lectures right after class ends. That way, you’ll remember the topics better and it will be easier for you to revise later. Finally, make sure you get enough sleep the night before your midterms. You don’t have the option of getting a quick coffee or sugar boost right before the exam, and sleep deprivation combined with an empty stomach will only bring detrimental results.
Let’s Get Together Every year in Ramadan, different clubs in BRAC University organize iftaar get-togethers. Generally, these get-togethers take place in the university cafeteria; alternatively, clubs also opt for nearby places in the Gulshan-Banani area. BRAC University Law Society, BRACU MONON, BRACU Drama and Theatre Forum, BRACU Film Club and BRACU Cultural Club are the more well-known clubs that organize iftaar get-togethers almost every year without fail. Former club members and alumni who are still closely related with the clubs are often invited by most clubs. Departments in the university often arrange iftaar parties as well, with alumni and faculty in attendance, as a practice of creating departmental solidarity among students. RS batches have iftaar reunions, though these would of course be less official events. But then, these iftaar gatherings are like a reunion for everyone. Though there are some clubs, like MONON, who go a step further and engage in work for charitable purposes.
Ramadan
BRA spirit of Ramadan at and wishes everyone a
Iftaar Scream
We live in the city of marionettes pulled by traffic. Whatever goal we set, it is still the traffic that gets to decide how long it is going to take to get anywhere. One may call himself lucky if he gets hom University students and not ha blessing during Ramadan. How traffic around Mohakhali, then wh If your budget is low (around Bismillah is right beside BRACU Ajwah in Wireless as other option A gently higher budget of tk. 300 in Banani 11 like Café Hollywood Entro and Alfresco. And if your wallet is handsome, t Nando’s or Café Euphoria. And for those meagre and eager, rescue you. You can easily grab a wings with a bottle of water and b Ramadan is the month of getting family but living in Dhaka city so this is, after all, the month for tol way to deal with it.
BRACU EXPRESS | 5
June 18 | 2017
FEATURE Savar Charms
Kareem
ACU EXPRESS explores the t BRAC University premises a heartfelt celebration of this blessed month.
me before iftaar. Being BRAC aving afternoon classes is a wever, if we ever get stuck in here would we have our iftaar? d tk. 100–250), trustworthy U, with Ghorowa Restora and ns. 0–700 affords one restaurants , Street 11, BFC, Takeout, Café
then you can always check out
there is always a CP coming to pack of chicken fry or chicken bless your tummy. together with your friends and ometimes gets in the way. But lerance: all we need is to find a
The campus life in RS during Ramadan is an experience only a few batches are lucky enough to boast about. The first night before the month of Ramadan, the males go to Markuli Hall to say the tarawih prayers after the usual study hour. After dinner, curfew and the dorm meetings, a lot of people stay up all night until it is time for sehri. These nights are filled with shenanigans and mischief which are, really, the best part about Ramadan during the Residential Semester. BUAC Iftaar for Charity
The gates of each dorm are opened for sehri and this is the only time the students are allowed to roam the beautiful campus by moonlight. Students are given this exclusive peek at the campus in the middle of the night for only a limited time, as they have to make their way back to their dorms almost as soon as they are done with their meal. Everyone is allowed those precious extra minutes of sleep in the morning as assemblies are not mandatory during Ramadan. Class times are reduced and all classes end by half past two in the afternoon. After this, it is smart to head back to the dorms and away from the heat, but who would want to miss out on the fun by being indoors?
On 7th May, BRAC University Adventure Club organized a grand Iftaar Mahfil in honor of the staff that help keep our campus clean. They invited all the staff they could and along with the students, raised enough money for an Iftaar evening. Senior members and juniors were invited and helped in the preparation and output. It is unique in its initiative to give back to the staff that work tirelessly, even in this sweltering heat to ensure we get a good, clean, and safe campus.
Eid Master Plan The estimated date of Eid vacation in BRAC University is from June 22nd and students are already planning their last minute Eid preparations. Many of the BRAC University students, like many other Universities in Dhaka, come from outside of the city to study. Thus, as soon as the university closes off, they all rush back to their hometown to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. Sabrina Bintae Amin, a final year BBS student shared her excitement about going back to her home to celebrate Eid with her family. “My little sister is eagerly waiting for me to get back home so we can start the last minute preparations for Eid as soon as possible,” said Sabrina. And of course, the RS batch is back in town for their Eid holiday, reuniting with friends in Dhaka and taking part in the last minute preparations alongside the students in Dhaka.
6 | BRACU EXPRESS
June 18 | 2017
OFF CAMPUS
Trekking away your troubles SAYEMA S HOSSAIN Ms Sadita Ahmed, lecturer from the EEE department at BRAC University, speaks to BRACU EXPRESS about her rumored wanderlust and adventures. Q. Can you tell us a little about when and why you decided to join BRAC University as a lecturer? A. There is something fascinating about becoming a faculty member in the same department you were a part of as a student. So, when there was an opening, at the push of my friends I applied on the night of the deadline. Q. Outside of the job, what do you enjoy doing? A. Right now, I have had to cut down on a lot of activities as I prepare to leave for my Masters. But until now,
Sadita Ahmed, firespinning in one of her trips
I have enjoyed spending time fire spinning - it really is a whole new world, different from anything else I’ve experienced. You get up on the stage and the crowd goes wild. At first when I joined the department, I used to accompany many of the clubs on their day trips and such. But mostly I spend my time traveling.
In school, we had to learn the map of Bangladesh. I could never get it right, But now I know. Q. Do you have any stand out favourite places you have traveled? A. A few favourites are Bhutan, and these two places in Bandarban Amiakhum and Naikkhongmurong. Naikkhongmurong was a hard trek but the waterfall was so big and so very beautiful. However, my all-time favourite is St Martin’s Island. Q. How do you find the time? A. I spend all of my semester break
traveling. It has gotten hectic before, when I returned to Dhaka at 7 and had a class at 9:30, but as much as you hate that specific moment – it is so much more than worth it. Q. What is on your travel bucket-list? A. I have never really had a list. They say you are not a real traveler until you have one but I could never just jot down the places I want to go. It seems almost like an insult to traveling - you go where the world takes you. Q. Do you have any advice for students? A. I would suggest all students once they have taken care of their academics - go on taking these trips. The experience will change you. Trekking works like meditation, you keep walking and all your worries and troubles leave you for a while. In school, we had to learn the map of Bangladesh. I could never get it right, I could not remember. But now I know. I have been to these places; they are integrated into my being. You want to know your country; this is the way to do it - not from the books.
From the earth, up SAYEMA S HOSSAIN Mree is a small online boutique featuring colourful, comfortable women’s wear. Becoming best friends in school and sharing the same passion, Ishrat Jahan, Doito Bonotulshi and Sarah Ahmed launched Mree in March of 2016. They had collections for Boishakh, Summer and Fall in 2016, and Spring, Boishakh and Summer in 2017. With a team of just three, a tailor and a block-maker on their payroll, Ishrat says that their goal was never to take the world of fashion by storm, but rather to get their ideas out there. Mree provides made-to-order clothes and does not mass-produce their wares. It gives the products a handmade quality which the customers appreciate. As a result, their collections are available
for a limited period of time. On the perks and pitfalls of running a business with friends, Ishrat pointed out that the differences in opinions were made both better and worse by the fact that it was between friends. A snapshot from Mree’s summer collection However, the best part mrinmoy which, according to various of running the business was that she is constantly learning new sources, means ‘made of earth’. And things. On this note, she adds that her it made total sense to the young advice to people considering investing entrepreneurs. When asked to describe the type in their ideas would be to go ahead as of clothes Mree designs, Ishrat told they can always learn any necessary skill through first-hand experience. us that regardless of what the designs “After all, one year ago, I did not know may look like on the rack, it looks what blocking was, or where in Gausia amazing on people. “That’s the beauty of it. That it’s tailored specially for to get the right fabric, but now I do.” The name Mree was derived from each individual. ”
One stop shop:
Anannya
A busy day at Anannya
MAISHA TARANNUM Anannya is a popular name among BRAC University students. For every tiny or big stationary need, Anannya has always been the first choice for most of us. Anannya has been around for almost over a decade. Anannya was established in 2005 with a vision to cater to the students of BRAC University and other schools and colleges around Mohakhali wireless area. Md Hassan Mahmud, the owner of Anannya, became nostalgic while remembering the earlier days of Anannya. “The goal was just to provide necessary stationary to the students around the wireless area. We never planned on expanding our business,” he expressed. “We received a massive response from all the students and consequently brought in more products to feed their evergrowing demand,” he concluded. From first-semester students to the students in their final year, everyone depends on Anannya for their high-quality service. Anannya can provide services such as colour printing, photocopy, lamination, spiral binding, thesis binding, you name it and they have it. Anannya also ensures fast service. “We allow students to access our computers if they have to make slight changes before printing or laminating any copy,” says Hassan. There are a plenty of other stationary shops around the university area. Many of them have been around for a long time. However, Anannya has been every student’s favourite because of their consistent customer satisfaction, graceful customer service and the variety of available facilities.
BRACU EXPRESS | 7
June 18 | 2017
SPORTS & HEALTH
Stay healthy during
Summer derby at ISCC
FAHIM IMTIAZ Cricket BRAC University organised the Inter Semester Cricket Championship 2017 (ISCC) on the 18th of May. Twelve teams were divided into groups of three to compete for the ISCC trophy. Two teams from each group progressed to the quarter finals. Summer 16 was dominating their opponents throughout, with Anam Ul Haque leading the charge. Coming to meet them from the other end of the bracket was Summer 15, who had beaten Spring 16 in the semi-finals
to make it a summer derby final. Summer 15 chose to bowl first, having won the toss. Summer 16 faced a serious batting collapse, losing two of their openers in quick succession, thanks to the brilliant
The victorious Summer’15 squad
left arm of Summer 15’s off spinner, Nuren Mahmud. Summer 16 captain Shakil tried to rally his team, but his
Ramadan
batsmen failed to bounce back and could not put up an intimidating total on the score sheet. Summer 15’s bowlers Nuren, Safayet, Apurbo and Adnan restricted the total to just 57 runs at the end of 10 overs. Summer’15 should have been confident chasing a small total, but their opening duo was also sent to the pavilion without having contributed much to their chase. However, some superb batting from Apurbo and Omar soon dismissed all doubts. The two batsmen went on to build a vital partnership that guided their team to victory having four wickets in hand and more than three overs to spare.
BUFL 2017: Aftermath of the bidding battle SAMIUL MAHIN The summer heat is truly upon us and, along with it, the incredible hype that precedes BRAC University Football League (BUFL). Unofficially dubbed as the “Champions League” of BRAC University, this is a tournament pitting the clubs of BRAC University against one another. Just like every year, Football Club of BRAC University (FCBU) is to set the stage for the biggest sporting event of the year, and it was no surprise
took to their seats at 11:30 AM. The event kicked off with the premiere of the BUFL-7 promo. It set the tone perfectly for what was about to follow. FCBU threw a surprise curveball at the managers this year, by altering the player pairing system from last year’s auction. The available virtual credit for bidding was raised to 6000, and the minimum amount for a bid was set at 400. The managers had to drop all strategy and improvise. There were some early surprises as
BIG MONEY TRANSFERS
Aranya Khan Forward BUEDF 4400 BP
Shahzeer Ehsan Forward BUDTF 4700 BP
that managers were busy recruiting the best players as inconspicuously as possible, and Presidents, securing sponsorship deals for their clubs, since the beginning of the semester. The Bidding Battle was the live player auction held on June 10th in the UB1 Auditorium. The tension was palpable as the club representatives
Naser Rajo Midfield BULS 4800 BP
the newcomers BRAC University Natural Science Club (BUNSC) and BRAC University Economic and Development Forum (BUEDF) snapped up some good players right off the bat. The proceedings of the auction indicated that the clubs were focusing on securing their targets rather than trying to sabotage those of other clubs. It took a considerable
amount of coaxing from the organizers to get them to commit to some of their rumored targets. However, once the big names started dropping, there were no restraints. The highest rated player Naser Rajo was snapped up by Law Society while Drama & Theatre Forum, EDF, Photography Club and Film Club
BEST BUDGET DEALS
Sayed Saad Midfield BUNSC 600 BP
Radiat Hasnat Defense BUAC 400 BP
secured the services of Shahzeer, Aranya, Musaab, and Rashidur respectively. All clubs more or less equally bolstered their team. However, the composed and smart bidding of newbies NSC caught everyone’s attention. Now that the teams have been set, it is time for them to prove their worth.
MAISHA TARANNUM Let us be honest. After fasting for the whole day, it becomes quite impossible to cut down on the food intake during iftaar. As a result, weight gain and lethargy are issues for almost all of us. To prevent that, you can easily stay healthy during Ramadan time if you follow some simple tips. Do not skip sehri: this meal is the equivalent of breakfast during Ramadan. This meal helps your body stay hydrated and fuelled up on energy and nutrients until your next meal at iftaar. It also helps you avoid overeating when you break your fast at sunset. Cut down on sugar and oil: sweet drinks like Rooh Afza will not help quench your thirst. Instead, opt for homemade lemon juice or even seasonal fruit juices. Water is the best choice for Ramadan, so try to consume other drinks in moderation. Try to avoid overly processed foods and add more fruits and soups to your iftaar menu. Skip exercising during fasting hours: exercising while fasting might cause dehydration and dizziness. Allow at least 2-3 hours after eating to begin your exercise routine, to give your body enough time to digest properly. Eat slowly: while it is tempting to overindulge at iftaar after a day of food deprivation, remember that you should slow down. Start with a few dates and water and then wait before having other items. Staying healthy throughout the year is already a challenge, and during Ramadan it can become even more difficult to maintain a good balance of nutrition. However, if a wellmaintained diet is followed then you can keep the weight under control.
8 | BRACU EXPRESS
June 18 | 2017
ENTERTAINMENT POST AND PRE - EID by Fahim Imtiaz
The Signs during RAMADAN Aries – You fast but keep putting on weight. Perhaps eating three extra meals between Iftaar and Sehri is not a wise move. Taurus – New Eid recipes shall be the highlight for you this holiday. Gemini – Yes, you have had every Iftaar platter in town. No, it is not okay to keep posting pictures of it on social media. Cancer – You wish the month would be longer but the days would be shorter. Alas. Leo – Over ambitious Eid plans again, Leo? Have you learnt nothing from last time? Virgo – Broke from Iftaar hangouts? Eat at home this week.
Riddle me this Q. Connect all the 9 points (Fig 1) with an unbroken path of 4 straight lines.
Libra – Best time to pray for a miracle, Libra. The grades need it.
Q. What familiar English word begins and ends with “und” ?
Scorpio – You have transformed into a pious being. Let us see how long it lasts. Sagittarius – Reduce the workload, Sagittarius. You can’t win it all with that growling stomach. Capricorn – Most of your Eid Dawats will correspond with submission deadlines. Eat through the stress. Aquarius – Either your Eid shopping is done or it will not prove fruitful this season. Pisces – You miss Ramadan at Savar campus. Keep reminiscing Pisces because you only tarc once.
Q. What four consecutive letters of the English alphabet can be arranged to spell a familiar fourletter word?
Fig 1
Q. What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years? Q. What room do ghosts avoid? Correction We humbly apologize for an error made in the News Briefs section in the Article ‘As Adventure Awaits’ of Issue VIII. BUAC went on a tour at Shitakunda, Chittagong and the areas they visited excluded Komoldoho Waterfalls, due to heavy rainfall. Sincerest apologies from the BRACU EXPRESS team if any confusion or inconvenience was created because of these errors. If any reader detects any error, factual or grammatical, please send us an email at bracuexpress@gmail.com
Tasvir B Mahabub