BRACU EXPRESS an independent monthly publication by BRAC University students Fall XVII | Vol. II | Issue IV
December 3 | 2017
‘Get Up Speak Up’ goes to RS in front of the audience by inviting a Muslim, Hindu, and
Nishat Shahara
Christian students from BRAC University to share their
stories and converse.
Journalist
The first guest speaker excited the audience’s attention
November 13th at BRAC University, Savar campus,
when he admitted to empathizing with violent jihadist
a workshop was held on religious intolerance. Titled
ideas about an Islamic caliphate. His story about how
“Matters of Faith”, the seminar was conducted by Get
isolation, friendlessness, and deep unhappiness drove
Up Speak Up to bring the conversation about religious
him to find refuge in religion and the promises of jihadism
discrimination, and “an alienated generation” turning to
sparked empathy and interest among students.
religious extremism and militancy, to the generation being discussed.
The
speakers
shared
stories
about
interfaith
prejudices. But as members of a ‘civil society’, our common
relationships (what does a Hindu boy do when he loves a
Formed by a group of BRACU students, the Get Up
response to news of such horrific incidents is to continue
Muslim girl?), converting religions, and being evicted from
Speak Up initiative is an online campaign that aims to raise
scrolling through our feed. How should we change our
apartments for being a minority.
awareness about interfaith dialogue and the possibilities
apathetic responses to problems of such tragic and wide
offered by a space for conversation on religion.
breadth? Can we?
The event concluded with an incredibly engaging Q&A session. Members from the audience brought up poignant
The speakers began by pointing out examples
The workshop pointed out how we often ignore
points on the institutionalization of Muslim ideology in
of minorities in Bangladesh facing violent religious
problematic posts online, which reveal much about the
Bangladesh, steps open to an individual, and the need for
intolerance: the torture of Hindus before the 2015
inherent beliefs we hold as a people. The second part
more of these spaces. Zareef Tajwar Karim, CFO of the
elections, the land grabbing and displacement affecting
of the session invited guest speakers to speak on their
campaign, said, “The responses we got from the audience
Buddhist communities, forced migration of Santal villages.
personal experiences of faith-based bigotry. The campaign
were smart and incisive. It showed that the work we were
Minorities are inevitably the victims of ingrained phobic
attempted to create a space for interfaith dialogue right
doing was actually relevant and necessary.”
Incubation Program, HULT Prize 2018
BeF Presents Corporate League Marium N Oishee Journalist
The second phase of the HULT Prize event took place at BRAC University on the 8th of
with 5 finalists competing
November.
spectacular
Hossain, a graduate of BRAC Business School, who spoke on social entrepreneurship. He
for
consisted
recounted one of his trips to the rural areas of
Mamoon,
Bangladesh, where he witnessed how difficult
Assistant Professor at BRAC
it was for the poor families to receive quality
Business
Fardina
education for their children. His experience
President
motivated him to open a school in Syedpur,
ever national business competition, creating a milestone in clubbing history. With participants from a total of 35 universities from throughout the country, the competition was conducted in three rounds. A 100 groups (of 3 members) were selected to take part in the initial round, which commenced on line the 27th of October till October 30th. The second round, held on November 2nd, consisted of 50 teams solving strategic
cases
in
front
of
a
distinguished panel of established
Hafiz,
some
The first speaker at the event was Md Adnan
presentations. The jury panel this
of
organized the institution’s first
Journalist
was held on November 7th,
through
Economics Forum (BeF) recently
business personnel. The finale
in an intense battle of words
BRAC University’s Business and
Najibah Rahman
round
Mahreen School,
Assistant
Vice
and Branch Manager, BRAC Bank
Bangladesh, despite countless inhibitions.
Ava also stated that this year’s HULT Prize
and Syed Najmus Saquib, Dy.
After a Q&A session, the session moved on.
at BRACU is the most competitive, since there
Senior Vice President, Green Delta
The floor was taken by Mirza Tanzim Sami,
were over 65 teams which registered initially.
Insurance and Marketing Advisor,
Campus Director of HULT Prize at BRACU, who
From there, a top 50 was selected, and at
Sylhet Sixers.
talked about pitches and time management in
present, there are 26 finalists. This time, over
The champion of the event
presentations. He reiterated the five criteria for
25 teams registered from Residential Semester
Team
Duo-Chrome
from
judging: the team, the specific problem, solution
itself, greater than any number of teams in the
Bangladesh
University
of
with the exact details of how implementation
past.
was
Professionals (BUP) who received Tk 50,000 as prize money, with
would work, and how feasible the idea is.
Ava concluded: “The definition of success
Following her former teammate, Tasneem
is different for all of us. Some of us want fully
BRAC
Omar Ava, Campus Director of HULT Prize at
funded trips to see the world, some of us want
University as the first runner-
BRACU, highlighted the important do’s and
to have a strong resume, some of want to do
up, who received Tk 30,000 and
don’ts. She said, “The incubation program is
social good and make impacts. I think HULT
finally, Team Shoelace from BUP as
something newly designed for this year’s HULT
Prize is the answer to all of these! So, if you’re
the second runner-up, winning Tk
Prize at BRACU. Teams got to meet beneficiaries
still wondering if you should join HULT Prize,
20,000 as reward.
from slums right at BRACU.”
there’s one answer: just do it!”
Team
Breakeven
from
2 | BRACU EXPRESS
December 3 | 2017
NEWS & EVENTS
BRIEFS
Celebrating Vintage Dhaka
BRAC University celebrates IEEE Day IEEE Day came to BRAC University on November 22nd, an international event where members of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and other engineers come together in their local communities and host activities that embrace IEEE Day’s theme “Leveraging Technology for a Better Tomorrow”. Along with IEEE Student Branch members, the event was attended by Dr Shahidul Islam Khan, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mohammad Zakaria Haider, System Engineer at Grameenphone Ltd, and Md. Anamul Hoque, lecturer at the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. After the inspiring speeches, those present rallied around the university with an IEEE Day banner. Pharma Poster Challenge 2k17 On the 23rd and 24th of October, the Department of Pharmacy arranged for a ‘poster challenge’ to encourage students in the field of research and development to build relationships with the pharmaceutical industry. Students from different years participated in the challenge; their work was displayed for evaluation to the faculty and invited guests. A prize giving ceremony was held on the 26th of October in which the respected Chairperson, Dr Eva Rahman Kabir presented certificates to all the participants and special certificates were given to the first and second position holders from each category. As one participant and runner-up from the third-year category, Jimut Aditta, put it, “Competitions like this help us to get out of our comfort zone and try new things. Researching for the topics, presenting and preparing the posters are all new experiences and I had a great time doing this. I believe it will help in the future as well.” E-Mail for Alumni BRAC University, in collaboration with Google, is offering email service to all alumni. Students, who have received an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from BRAC University are entitled to get a professional-grade Google G Suite for Education account to share, including an email at the University›s domain (Example: @g.bracu.ac.bd instead of @ gmail.com). This will grant them shared access to Drive, Calendars, Docs and more additional storage across Gmail and Drive. All G Suite alumni accounts are being governed by the IT Systems Office in collaboration with Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations (OCSAR) and Office of the Registrar. G Suite from Google Cloud is a set of intelligent apps including Gmail, Docs, Drive and Calendar to connect the people within institute, no matter where in the world they are. Alumni must request for BRAC University Alumni email and all request shall be processed by OCSAR.
Najibah Rahman and Tashfia Zaman Journalists Treasurer S N Kairy, Head of
Students, faculties, and staff indulged in
Relationship
Management
food and refreshments from stalls like
Office Ismat Shereen, and
Haji Biriyani, Bismillah Kabab, Beauty
Senior Assistant Director of
Lassi, Grand Nawab Biriyani, Burger e
Administration Nurul Islam
Kellafote, Agun Paan, Thanda Gorom,
Bulbul, were also present
and various others.
during
inauguration.
on campus managed to feast on all the
The event was made even
mouthwatering delights no matter what
more special by the gracious
the condition of their wallet was.
the
presence
On Sunday, 29th October 2017, the
of
Rahmat
Ali
In
light
of
The food lovers
Dhaka’s
traditional
students of BRAC University witnessed
(Department of Theatre and Performance
craftsmanship, merchandises like bangles
a glorious event full of colours, food,
Studies, University of Dhaka), Wahida
and nakshikatha bags were also available
culture and our heritage: “The Old Town
Mollick (Department of Theatre and
for everyone. The students of BRACU also
Fest”. This kind of event was a first at
Performance
of
set up their own stalls, offering clothes
BRAC University, hosted and sponsored
Dhaka), Anisul Haque (Associate Editor
and accessories. Alternatively, Nagordola,
by ‘IPDC’ along with BRAC University
at Prothom Alo) as celebrity guests. Vice
palki and horse-carts were arranged to
itself and other co-sponsors.
Chancellor Syed Saad Andaleeb also
add more festivity to the event and make
visited the program and enjoyed the live
it more memorable. Apart from being
Kawali performance later in the day.
one of the exuberant festivals BRAC
With the tagline, ‘Puran Dhaka-r Oitijjhe, Jaago Uchchashey’, the day-
Studies,
University
long program was initiated by Lady
A total of 26 diverse stalls were set
University has ever hosted, it was also a
Syeda Sarwat Abed upon the release
up to showcase and celebrate the rich
charity event as the stall owners decided
of two pigeons. Respected Pro Vice-
Bangladeshi cuisine, with the flavours
to donate a percentage of their sales for
Chancellor
of Old Dhaka being the main attraction.
the Rohingya refugees.
Professor
Ansar
Ahmed,
ADwiz 2017 arranges workshop Safir Zawad
On the 18th of November, a workshop was arranged by BRAC University Business Club (BIZ BEE)
Journalist
with an extravagant opening ceremony
held
on
October
17th. Over 90 teams from 22
for the participants of the 2nd Round
universities across the nation
of Berger ADwiz 2017, at the BRAC
submitted
University Auditorium. Berger Paints
Cases. After the submissions
Bangladesh Limited and BIZ BEE have
were reviewed by judges, the
decided to organize Berger ADwiz 2017
top 25 teams advancing to the
to encourage students to explore their
2nd Round were announced on
hidden creativity and bring forward
the 16th of November, with the
their marvelous ideas.
2nd Round being held on the
In the 1st Round, 25 teams out of
their
TVCs
and
November 25th.
more than 90 have been selected for
Berger Paints Bangladesh is
the 2nd Round, on the virtue of their
the Title Sponsor of this event.
TVCs (Television Commercial). As a
Sidratul Talukder and Raquib Chowdhury speaking at the event
result of their participation in the 2nd Round, a workshop has been arranged to prepare them for the forthcoming rounds of the competition, with the TVCs of the top 25 teams being shown at the workshop. The main speakers at the workshop were Sidratul Talukder, Director
of
Innovation,
X
(Digital
Marketing Agency); Raquib Chowdhury, Creative Director, X (Digital Marketing Agency); Mahreen Mamoon, Assistant Professor, BRAC Business School. Their main objective was to explain marketing concepts like ATL, BTL & Digital
Marketing to participants from a nonbusiness background and to prepare all participants for their presentations in future rounds of the competition. The advisor of BIZ BEE, Mr Ahmed Abir Choudhury, Lecturer, BRAC Business School, was also present. Later on, a draw determining the division of the participating teams into five groups was held. Registration for Berger ADwiz started on October 5th to continue for a month,
Edison Group is the Technology Partner, Bangladesh Innovation Forum is the Strategic Partner, bdnews24.com and banglanews24.com is the online news partner, studentbd24. com is the campus news partner, Radio Shadhin 92.4FM is the Radio Partner, Ekattor TV is the TV partner, Somokal and Kaler Kontho are the Print Media Partners, Jucy, Nescafe, and Maggi are the Food and Beverage partners, and The Daily Star is the Youth Engagement Partner. This event is supported by the Office Of Co-curricular Activities, BRAC University.
BRACU EXPRESS | 3
December 3 | 2017
OPINION & ACADEMICS “Prisoner of your own lifestyle”: Afsan Chowdhury at 9:30 AM
Pharma faculty goes global
Sumaiya Tasnim
Marium N Oishee
Journalist
Mohammad
Journalist
Kawser
Sharif
Siam,
Afsan Chowdhury, prolific
Write it down.” I was writing
journalist and Professor of
judiciously. “Your love should
faculty member at the Department of
BRAC University has always
be
your
Pharmacy, was recently invited as a
known that he wanted to be a
faith should be never ending.
Visiting Professor of Biochemistry to King
history teacher.
You should never betray your
Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, Kingdom
“I would annoy my teachers
country, your family and most
of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Termed as the
a lot back in my day because
importantly, you should never
International Enrichment Program, it is
they would teach things in
betray yourself. Why? Because
an educational initiative taken by a group
class which I already knew,
you can never negotiate with a
of graduates from Cambridge and Oxford
and I would ask question after
traitor.”
University in the UK, in collaboration
unconditional
and
question because I was just so
To bring out of ourselves
with the King Saud University and the
bored!” he said, laughing in
what we have always wanted
Government of Saudi Arabia, to provide
nostalgic reminiscence.
to become, Afsan sir has a
a top-notch and customized education
He believes that making sure that you are not owned
simple rule: “Learn. Somewhere for the spark to happen,
to 400 of the country’s highest achieving
by anybody is tricky navigation. “Everyone eventually
you need to learn and by learn I don’t mean only books.
university level students.
succumbs to their own lifestyle. But you have to make sure
Learn through experience. Learn about yourself; challenge
that the world you create for yourself is worth living in.”
yourself, and you’ll learn!”
This is his second year in a row as a visiting faculty in the biochemistry
Being vocal about your beliefs is important. But Afsan
As I looked at the tall man taking a sip of his morning
program at KSU, a journey that began
sir believes that it is crucial to study and learn before
black coffee, I realised I stood before a professor who
during his days as a graduate student at
one can confidently put forth one’s perspective on an
challenges his students through humour and stories. “If
the University of Cambridge in the United
issue. “Problem with this generation is that it has lost its
you don’t expect anything, you are free. At the end of the
Kingdom.
ambition,” he said, “You are not bothered by anything,
day, Finnegan has to be free!” He smiled at me as I stood to
graduate union of Cambridge University,
because you are most bothered with your own economic
leave for my next class.
based on his credentials, he decided to
When
approached
by
the
There should be no hesitation to start doing what we
apply for this visiting faculty position.
love to do. There might be boundaries and individuals to
The best and most honorable part of his
Of course, Afsan sir, being ‘the (sarcastic) man of the
stop us from being who we are but they should never break
experience, he says, was a visit to his class
world’ he is, had much to say about politics, life and his
us. As I battled my way down the traffic-choked stairs, I
by The Prince (Grandson of King Abdullah
adventures around the globe. But at one point, he spoke
realised that we are all in our 20s. If this isn’t the time to
and Minister of Technology, KSA). It
to me about love and faith. “Let me tell you this kid.
start doing what we love, then when is?
was a privilege bestowed upon only two
stability like everyone else, but look at how generic that makes a crowd!”
visiting faculty members within the King
Conference on Women, Migration and Poverty “Can other disciplines add a new understanding to the dimensions of poverty?” Difficult problems like poverty
into Bangladesh, stories on women’s poverty and migration and policy in the context of Bangladesh.
require pondering upon questions such as this. The
In the second session, Professor Ann Stewart, Dr Hosna
question, posed by Professor Ann Stewart of the School
J Shewly (Vrije Universiteit, The Netherlands), Professor
of Law of the University of Warwick, captures the essence
Andrew Jones (University of Warwick) and Sheikh Rubaiya
of an interdisciplinary conference held on November
Sultana (BRACU) presented their papers.
9th, by Warwick University, the Department of English
In the final session, Rifat Mahbub (BRACU), presented
and Humanities and the Department of Economics and
her paper, which talks about the voices of Bangladeshi
Social Sciences. The conference on Women, Poverty and
migrants. Poet Md Mukul Hossine and Ayesha Siddiqua
Migration sought to take an interdisciplinary approach to
shared respective stories of their migration as well, adding
problems most commonly seen as the domain of economists
further to the paper’s presentations.
and the development sector, in order to formulate a
Professor Azim stated that the primary aim of putting
multidimensional understanding and help envision more
together the conference was to hear and look for women’s
integrated and holistic responses to them.
voices in the context of these real life issues in unexpected
The conference was divided into three sessions. In the
ways. Ways that go beyond but are complementary to the
first session, Professor Firdous Azim (BRAC University),
data and models worked on and with by economists and
Dr Wasiqur Rahman (BRACU) and Md Mahbubur Rahman
the development sector. Efforts like this, made by highly
(Research Fellow, Refugee and Migratory Movements
respectable scholars in their respective fields should be
Research Unit) presented their papers. Their papers focused
both exciting to students on a purely academic level and
on the discourses around women, poverty and migration,
also instructive of the possibilities of the kinds of work they
the gendered dimensions of migration, remittance inflows
can, and perhaps, will need to pursue themselves.
Saud University this year and Sharif Siam and his biochemistry class were chosen give feedback to the Prince. Sharif Siam would like to see BRACU establish and improve collaborations with world’s leading universities in the very near future. He believes that creating more
student-teacher
involvement
and publishing periodical lists of highachievers
would
help
improve
the
education quality of the university. On the other hand, he thinks such faculty exchange systems can be regularized with other foreign universities to fulfill the ultimate vision of BRAC University to become a top ranked university in the South East Asian region. On this note he also wanted to express his gratitude to the Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Ansar Ahmed, the chairperson of pharmacy department Professor Eva Rahman Kabir and the entire faculty of the department of pharmacy for their continuous support and encouragement.
4 | BRACU EXPRESS
Base Camp Bangladesh The Base Camp Bangladesh is an outdoor activity camp 14 kilometers outside the city of Dhaka, in Gazipur. They have managed to put together the experience of being with and around nature, in an artificially designed ‘natural space’ that is incorporated in the surrounding environment. Their swimming pool is not chlorinated water, but underground freshwater pumped into the pool. A wide range of activities is hosted here, such as biking, archery, boat rides, and a multitude of sports. Safety gear is provided for each activity, with trained professionals on stand-by. And, of course, what outdoor camp would be finished without a moderately sized playing field? Reviews of the camp advise spending a night in outdoors under a tent for a truly extraordinary experience. The tents are wellmaintained and clean. The minimum size for tent packages are eight people, and can accommodate up to a hundred. The Camp also has a bungalow to accommodate people in rooms at Tk 3500 per night, “Nature rooms” at Tk 2500 per night; and the tents are available starting September to March, as group packages. Contact information 01952777999, 01942777999 or 01995333111 http://thebasecampbd.com/home/ info@thebasecampbd.com for any queries.
December 3 | 2017
SPECIAL
Cheap Th
After a long, monotonous semester, all students want is to recharge themse your buddies and go on that trip you’ve been planning for the whole semester? are sure to make your break!
Sajek Valley Sajek Valley is located a bit far away from Khagrachhori. Best visited during winter, it must be noted that it can get as cold as 12 degrees celsius around the end of December. A bus takes you from Kalabagan to Khagrachhori, which will cost about Tk 540 and then a “Chander gaari” will carry you the rest of the way. The driver and his assistants stay as well; part of your budget needs to cover their food needs. The Lusai people offer commercialised cottages for tourists to stay, which costs from as low as Tk 1000 per room to above Tk 5000 if you prefer to stay at a tourist resort. A recommended spot is the highest peak in Sajek, Konglak para. This is a few kilometres on your Chander Gari and a thirty-minute hike away, but the the view is worth the hardest of hikes. “Having visited Sajek twice, I would recommend those who want to visit should do so right away, before the spot becomes a hectic tourist spot,” said Tawhid Shahriar, a junior.
Khoiachhara Waterfall Khoiachhara Waterfalls in Mirsarai, Chittagong, are the largest waterfalls in Bangladesh. You take the bus from Borotakiya Bazaar, Mirsarai, and use the Khoiachhara road for about five minutes, after which you will notice a trail leading to these gigantic waterfalls and freshwater natural pools all over the place. The trail will be a two hour trek, during which you have to walk, wade, jump and also swim in a few places. Raad Sharar, senior, says, “Since we went in the rainy season, the trek was a bit difficult, but the waterfalls were just as beautiful. The water was cold and amazing and it was heavy. When we stood by it, it felt like someone was beating us up because the water hit us with that much force.”
Lodging is, as of yet, slightly difficult, so you might have to camp out or go back to Chittagong or Sitakundo for hotels. The locals have fared well in the area, and they provide both food and stay for the night. All in all, the whole trip can be wrapped up within Tk 6000, taking food, lodging, travel and costing into consideration. You should carry dry foods, since the place is not well developed enough for you to get adequate food. Take help from the locals but do take heed of your surroundings and refrain from asking random people who may lead you astray. While this all sounds morbid, visitors have sworn these waterfalls to be better than the famous ones at Doriya Nagar and Himchhori, so pucker up and get packing!
BRACU EXPRESS | 5
December 3 | 2017
FEATURE
hrills
elves with a getaway filled with exhilarating activities. So why not pack up with ? And if an empty pocket is stopping you, here is a list of low-budget trips that
Paharpur Bangladesh is a nation significantly rich in archaeological and historically rich treasures, particularly from the Mughal era. For those who want an experience of exploring some incredible history and architecture, the treasures of North Bengal should be on the top of the list. A trip to Mahasthangarh, the oldest archaeological site in Bogra, is a 5 hours drive. Upon reaching the destination, people usually start with visiting the Shrine and mosque of Sultan Mahi Sawar, continuing with Gokul Medh, Palace of Parshu Ram, Slope of Shila Dewi, and Jibonta(live) Ring-Well. The main tourist attraction, however, is the Mahasthangarh Site Museum, where an interesting collection of recovered pieces are on display. The features are the statues of Hindu Gods, terracotta plaques, and some bronze statues found in monasteries from the Pala period. After an overnight stay in a parjatan hotel in Bogra, travelers can set out for a 2 hours journey to Paharpur, another important archaeological site in Bangladesh situated in the Naogaon district. The Somapuri Mahabhihara, a Buddhist monastery located there, is a World Heritage site declared by UNESCO. The travel can be less time consuming if it is done by public transportation. Consequently, a trip as such will cost around Tk 3500 if you go in a group.
Nilgiri Bandarban is a favourite vacation spot for any Bangladeshi, for their beautiful hills and vivid rolling forests. Nilgiri in Bandarban is the best place you could possibly choose to camp at for a relaxing vacation with your friends. Bandarban Tours offers a perfect tour package for 10 people, inclusive of bus fare from Dhaka, hotel tariff, food, local car fare and guide costing, all for Tk 5000 per person. They provide an itinerary covering Nilachol, Meghla and the famous Golden Temple on the first day, and Chimbuk Pahar, Shailopropaat at Milanchhari on the second. “A trip to the Bandarban will make you feel like you’re on top of the world amidst the sea of green. You see the clouds beneath you, greens all around you, engulfed in the wind and it is breathtakingly beautiful,” said Abdullah Muhammad Salit, a sophomore of BRAC University who visited Bandarban during semester break. Since these are the main attractions at Bandarban, this package is a valuable deal. However, if you prefer travelling alone, you could always stay at tents and literally “camp out” with all your friends! The only downside with the latter would be the Shanti Bahini, but what’s life without a little risk?
Packing Tips ❏ Pack light clothes and cotton ones, for better comfort. ❏ Flashlights are a must. ❏ First Aid Kit, including bandages, pain killers, cotton, Savlon and antihistamines. ❏ Aerosol, or Odomos. ❏ Dry foods like biscuits and chips should go in your bag. ❏ Carry a backpack instead of a suitcase: it has more space and is much more comfortable for movement. Our writers obtained most of their information from the BD Travel Blog, managed by Chowdhury Saif Haider. You can visit their page at https://www.facebook.com/bdtravelblog/
6 | BRACU EXPRESS
December 3 | 2017
OFF CAMPUS
TEN’S 360: Living In The Dream Samiul Hasan
Web Content Manager
badges, and other merchandise. “We helped the bands
From October 25th, 2016, TEN’S 360 started
to earn revenue through official merchandise,” explained
operating officially under its new name. Recently, the
Rafee. “While our customers had the unique opportunity
company hired 12 interns from BRAC University, to keep
to custom print at the same price range as our regular
up with the increasing workload. “We wanted to give an
items.”
opportunity for the students of BRACU to learn useful
Most people do not think about running a startup business in their first year of university life. But then again, most people are not Nazmus Salehin Tushar or
In 2016, their team won the Entrepreneurial
skills and gain an experience working with real clients,”
Rafee Mizan Khan Chowdhury. The
says Rafee. The 30-man team are
founders of the budding marketing
regularly put through workshops
agency TEN’S 360 shared their
to enhance their skills.
fascinating
story
with
BRACU
Rafee believes that rigorous
Express.
research and backing up their
In 2013, Rafee and Tushar, avid
ideas with solid data is one of the
fans of rock music, noticed the lack
reasons why TEN’S 360 has been
of band merchandise in the market.
so successful. “Ever since we
“We found a huge demand, but no
started, we have never stopped
supply,” they told us. With an initial
working for a day,” adds Rafee
capital of Tk 800, they started
with a smile. As an organization,
printing high-quality posters of
TEN’S 360 has never been afraid
popular international rock bands such as Iron Maiden,
Incubation competition organized by the Centre of
Children of Bodom, and Metallica etc. Rafee believes that
Entrepreneurial Development. The seed fund of Tk
“I believe young entrepreneurs should not be afraid
TEN’S posters was the first ever online merchandising
500,000 enabled them to take their business to the next
of failure,” says Rafee. In his opinion, even failing with
store in Bangladesh to combine Facebook marketing with
level. During their research for the competition, the
a start-up can help an individual learn some valuable
cash-on-delivery option. The response from music-loving
members realized that bigger companies were looking to
lessons.
university students was immediate and voluminous.
transition from the print media to the digital marketing
For now, TEN’S 360 aims to move into an office space
Their popularity did not go unnoticed in the local
media. TEN’S decided to provide a “one-stop marketing
of their own and welcome new investors. At the end of the
music scene. By 2014, TEN’S Posters was being invited
solution” to reduce the hassle and cost of the transition
day, the team wishes to leave a lasting example for the
to every concert and music show in the city. Major bands
to digital marketing. Encouraged by the response to
students of BRACU who are looking for a chance to create
like Artcell, Arbovirus, Cryptic Fate, Nemesis, Owned,
their business plan, the company began to integrate
their own legacy in the future.
Homicide, Trainwreck etc, enlisted the team as their
their merchandising expertise with app, website and
official merchandising partner for t-shirts, wristbands,
videography support for its customers.
to take risks or make mistakes.
Lighting up the literary scene: DLF 2017 Deep, soulful music penetrates the air of Bangla
wonderful experiences—green, open and welcoming.
Academy to inaugurate Dhaka Lit Fest 2017. Each day
The Academy’s sparkling lake and colonial-era buildings
starting off with spiritual songs, be it music from the
form the perfect backdrop for post-session discussions on
Baha’i or Kirtan prayers. While many choose to skip this
the marked differences and underlying similarities that
early morning ritual—I can hardly blame them since
simultaneously divide and unify Bengalis as a race.
year’s Lit Fest, as is the case every year, came from young
the festival opens at 9AM—nothing quite captures the
Selima S Kabir
Managing Editor
But the festival’s true charm is in the metaphysical
writers and projects. A common annual feature comes
space it provides. The opportunity to sit and exchange
from Bengal Publications. They are constantly promoting
ideas with like-minded people—often with the biggest
short story anthologies and novellas from aspiring writers
names in the industry—is most attractive. The topics
at the festival.
of discussion are as diverse as they come, touching on
A prominent release this year was a book titled
writing advice, movies, feminism, religion and everything
‘HerStories’, a compilation of the tales of many amazing
in between.
female trailblazers in Bangladesh. Seuty Sabur, Associate
“It’s the whole environment,” says Junaid, a BRAC
Professor (Department of Economics and Social Sciences)
University senior. “The discussions, performances,
worked as one of the many amazing women overseeing
everything makes it stand out from other book fairs.”
the project. Students and alumni from the university
One prominent session this year titled ‘#metoo’ featured a panel of diverse, talented women discussing
were involved in conducting research for and writing the stories in the book.
the current phenomenon of owning up to being a victim
Ishrat Jahan, alumnus, sums it up best: “Dhaka
of sexual assault and calling out the men responsible
Lit Fest has grown to be a highlight every year on my
beautiful and intersectional nature of the Dhaka Literary
for it. In a country where sexual harassment itself can
calendar. It has grown to become a (somewhat) safe space
Festival like the songs it chooses to open each day with.
be silenced as taboo, the session provided a chance to
for discussions about topics that we usually keep silent
The three-day literary festival is a highlight of the year
freely discourse on the implications of rape culture and
on. It also great to see Lit Fest becoming a platform for
to book-lovers, poets, writers, musicians, academics,
silencing victims of sexual assault..
young authors to be recognized. I think that is going to
Poet Adonis inaugurating Dhaka Lit Fest 2017
philosophers, intellectuals, and of course, students. Bangla Academy sets the perfect stage for such
Another exciting highlight of the event is the space it opens up for young talent. Some of the hits of this
become a very important aspect of the fest in the next few years.”
BRACU EXPRESS | 7
December 3 | 2017
SPORTS & HEALTH
Sixes galore at BUPL 2017
Keep the doctor away
Safir Zawad
Journalist
Samiul Hasan
Web Content Manager
This year’s edition of the BRAC University Premier League began on the 3rd of November. Organized by Cricket BRAC University (CBU), the BUPL is an event every cricketer looks forward to at BRACU, presented with the chance to represent teams fielded by the 12 biggest clubs in the university.
Bound to hit boundaries
BUPL 2017 was hosted at the Shahid Park Field in Mohammadpur.
made it to the quarter finals. Notable
total of 154 set by BUIGC, losing only
The matches featured a lot of fours and
omissions this year’s quarter finals
one wicket.
sixes, as a result of the small outfield.
were BUAC and BIZ BEE, who started
The third quarterfinal saw BUFC
Nonetheless, the tournament managed
off the tournament with one of the
facing off against BUDTF, with BUDTF
to churn out a few thrillers and shockers
strongest teams on paper.
making light work of the daunting total
along the way.
Quarter Final matches took place
of 169 set by BUFC, winning the match
on the 18th of November. The first
with 1.2 overs to spare. The fourth,
groups, with the top 2 going forward to
quarterfinal
against
and last quarter final, went to the last
the quarter-finals. Matches consisted
FCBU, with BUCuC keeping in step
over, as Monon chased down the target
of 12 overs per innings. The group
with the spirit of the group stages,
of 147, set by BUEDF, with 4 balls to
stage started on the opening day of the
smashing 165 runs for the loss of 3
spare.
tournament, and ended on November
wickets in 12 overs. This turned out to
All in all, it was a great day to
17th. BUCuC and BUDTF from Group
be an easy chase for FCBU though, with
chase down targets. Unfortunately the
A, BUIGC and BUEDF from Group
the target being chased with 20 balls
semifinal and final matches could not
B, BUFC and FCBU from group C,
left. BUEC faced BUIGC in the second
be concluded in time for this issue’s
and BUEC and Monon from Group D
quarterfinal, with BUEC chasing the
coverage.
12 teams were divided into 4
pitted
BUCuC
Journalist
group stages progressed in a round robin format, as the teams competed for the top two qualifying spots. The semifinal draw pitted RS 37 against 42, and RS 45 were faced with RS 43.
The referee needed
to be on alert to keep track of the ball flying left and right on the In the end, five teams
table, as the rallies raged. RS 37
Club (BUIGC) organised the RS
(RS 37, 42, 43, 44 and 45) signed up
managed to best the team from
Table Tennis Championship 2k17
to participate. This tournament was
RS 42, while RS 43 bested RS
at the Indoor Games Room. A
organised in the spirit of nostalgia,
45, to book a place in the final.
maximum of two teams, consisting
hearkening
of 3-5 players, from each Residential
playing table tennis in Anondopur.
for the glory of being crowned
Semester batch could sign up for
The teams were divided into two
the best RS Table Tennis team.
this event. Though the tournament
groups. As there was an uneven
The matches had every spectator
was scheduled to begin on the
number of participating teams, an
at the edge of their plastic chairs
8th of November, the registration
extra team consisting of members of
as neither team gave the other an
deadline was extended as not many
BUIGC was added to the tally. The
edge. The exciting final ended 4-2
teams registered within the initial
competition finally began on the
out of 7 sets in favour of RS 37.
the
hours
spent
Both
face during your sporting ventures. Soreness and bruises It is a well-established truth that you simply do not want to get hit by a ball in the winter. Aside from the mottling bruises, the pain is the annoying lingering kind. Body soreness is also a more frequent possibility in winter time. Sprains and strains The colder weather requires more effort to warm up the muscles and often lack of proper warm-up
can
lead
to
sprains
and
strains.
teams
there is a high risk of you hyperextending a limb or rolling an ankle. To make it worse, it takes ages to heal. Winter is harsh on the major joints of the
afternoon of 10th November. The
to
problems. Here are some of the issues you might
Joint dislocation
Mustafa Jamil
deadline.
is known to cause injury-prone athletes more
Considering the state of the fields in the country,
RS37 takes the bragging rights, and the trophy
BRAC University Indoor Games
Winter is coming, and with it, a plethora of possible sports injuries. The colder weather
fought
valiantly
body. Hard knocks and falls are quite frequent in contact sports. Sometimes, it may lead to a dislocation of a major joint. Apart from the pain, not getting medical attention can lead to severe long term problems, even loss of movement. Living the fit and safe way Warming up thoroughly before any physical exercise in the winter is extremely important. Not only will it help get your heart rate up, it will prepare your muscles for more prolonged physical exertion. Be gentle with yourself and your body will thank you kindly. Gear and clothing are important too. If you are involved in contact sports, wearing the right protective between
equipment surviving
a
can
be
rough
the
difference
challenge
and
languishing at home with a bruised knee. Wear shin pads or knee guards, and carry a pain spray in your bag at all times. Wearing an extra layer of innerwear can keep you warm and reduce the risk of injuries. Invest in some quality winter sportswear to get you through the chilly evenings. Injuries are the flip side of the joy of sports. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
8 | BRACU EXPRESS
December 3 | 2017
ENTERTAINMENT
JOIN THE TEAM DEADLINE: DECEMBER 24 https://goo.gl/SCCE2S
HOROSCOPE
Stranger Things: once more into the darkness Netflix and the Duffer brothers bring to us Stranger Things an 80s “vintage” scifi horror show. Set in 1983, Indiana, the story begins with the unexplained disappearance of 12 year old Will Byers. While Will’s mother Joyce begins an investigative search with the help of the town’s Chief, Will’s friends Mike, Dustin and Lucas get involved with their own adventure. The investigation eventually spills open portals to other dimensions, mysterious government experiments and a monster set loose on the town. Amidst the drama arrives a strange girl named Eleven who claims to be on the run herself from the “bad men.” As the show hits their second season, the mystery continues with unfinished ties, a couple of new characters and a monster more sinister than ever. Once
WHAT THE SIGNS ARE DOING WHILE GIVING THEIR FINAL “I can do this. I can. I studied all day yesterday! I can totally
ARIES do this. (You didn’t study any other time though.) Crap!”
You actually just woke up to your friend texting you “where r
TAURUS u? rnt u givin ur final?”
“So the answer to this question is obviously...” *Bole chudiya
GEMINI starts playing in your head* “Oh my god.”
CANCER You’re trying to discreetly take out your mobile from your jacket pocket, while the invigilator steadily stares at you.
“I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know.” You start praying
again, the original gang of four, Will, Mike, Dustin and Lucas, wage their war with
LEO in desperation.
the evil that is spreading, a seemingly unstoppable force. The Duffer brothers successfully deliver the show with the skill of basing an ordinary setting into an enigmatic atmosphere of cliffhangers, jump-scares and some significant answers to questions that arose in the first season. The show initially grows at a slow rate but as the drama seeps itself deeper into the roots, it soon picks up pace to deliver and induce feelings of relief, shock, anticipation, and fear in the viewer’s mind. The character development for a few roles is also notable in the second season, which were previously deemed as only marginally significant to the plot were given a more involving and vital stand in the show. Special acclamation belongs to the actors of Will Byers and Eleven, whose skills in acting complemented the gaining momentum of intrigue and fear that kept the viewers on their toes. While the drama involving Eleven’s past and the new members in Mike’s gang seemed unnecessary, if not stretched in a mundane fashion, the central storyline that encircles the monster works brilliantly enough
You started praying in desperation when they gave you the
VIRGO examination paper.
“Oh, I know this!” You spend 30 minutes on one question.
LIBRA “Oh crud, the time.”
You are trying to catch the eye of your friend beside you so
SCORPIO you can double-check your answer with them.
You have already finished your exam. Yeah, you’re just that
SAGITTARIUS good.
You are staring at the clock trying to time tapping your pen on
CAPRICORN your desk with the seconds-hand.
You are studiously avoiding your friend who is trying to catch
AQUARIUS your eye.
You started writing the second you got the question paper
PISCES and you haven’t stopped writing. You know the exam time is over right? Stop?
for the side plot to be accepted in subtlety.
Student Editorial Board Sayema S Hossain
Selima S Kabir Managing Editor
Head of Admnistration
Zahra Mayeesha
Tasvir B Mahabub
Shitab M Islam
Shabiba B Habib News Editor
Adeepto I Ahmed
Adiba M Proma
Editor-in-Chief
Advisory Panel Roohi Huda Rifat Mahbub facebook.com/bracuexpress
@bracuexpress
bracuexpress@gmail.com
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Copy-Editor
Maisha T Iqbal
Off-Campus Editor
Creative Head
Opinions Editor
Fahim Imtiaz Sports Editor
Mahpara Sanjana Design Head
Feature Editor
Samiul H Mahin
Web Content Manager