The Dhaka University unit of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir organised a day-long “Career Guidelines 2025” seminar for freshers on Saturday, aiming to equip newly admitted students with practical insights into career planning and leadership under the theme “Dream Campus, Dream Career”.

The event began at 10am at the TSC Auditorium with a recitation from the Holy Quran. Freshers from various faculties took part in the programme, which was divided into three sessions. Students from the Faculties of Arts, Fine Arts and Social Sciences attended the opening session.

A panel discussion on career planning, skill development, leadership abilities, future professional readiness and practical experiences featured Professor Belal Hussain of Jagannath University’s History Department, Belal Hussain, chairman of the Arabic Department at Dhaka University, and Supreme Court Senior Advocate Muhammad Shishir Monir.

In his address, Shishir Monir said that although he felt hesitant to “advise” Dhaka University students, experience had taught him the importance of sharing certain realities.

“There is no substitute for experience in people’s lives. You have already taken a big step by getting admitted to the university. Now you must prepare yourselves- how to speak, how to solve problems, how to lead- these are learned through experience,” he said.

He emphasised the value of patient listening, providing appropriate answers at the right time and maintaining emotional control, particularly in professions such as law.

Recalling courtroom experiences, he added, “Patience and the ability to listen are the great strengths of a leader.”

Speaking about the tendency to glorify positions, he said, “A chair does not magnify a person; when a person sits, the chair is honoured. Therefore, it is important to make yourself qualified rather than seeking a position.”

He also reminded freshers that “skilled human resources are the main strength of running a country” and urged them to excel in their respective fields for Bangladesh’s progress.

A fresher attending the event said the perspectives were “new and realistic”, especially regarding future career planning. Students noted that programmes focusing on extracurricular career development, soft skills and leadership preparation would help them make informed decisions.

DU Shibir President and DUCSU GS SM Farhad said many gifts were arranged to encourage participation from first-year students of the 2024–25 academic session. The programme was conducted by DU Shibir Secretary and DUCSU AGS Mohiuddin Khan.