BUET to celebrate 150 years with eight-day grand alumni reunion

Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) will celebrate its 150-year heritage and 14th Grand Alumni Reunion through an eight-day programme from 6 to 13 January next year.

The programme, themed “From Survey School to BUET: 150 Years of Glory (1876–2026)”, was announced at a press conference at the university's Council Building in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The celebrations will bring together former and current students, teachers, researchers, engineers and distinguished professionals from home and abroad to commemorate the institution's contributions to engineering education, technological advancement and national development.

Speaking as the chief guest, BUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Ekramul Haque said the university's 150-year journey marked a historic milestone in Bangladesh's engineering education and national development.

“The celebration of BUET's 150 years is not merely a university festival; rather, it is a historic milestone in Bangladesh's engineering education and national development,” he said.

He expressed hope that the gathering of distinguished alumni working at home and abroad would further strengthen the university's research and innovation activities.

BUET Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Shariful Islam said the institution had made significant contributions to the country's engineering and technology sectors since its establishment as a Survey School in 1876.

The celebrations would provide an opportunity to introduce BUET's achievements, history and traditions to younger generations, he added.

BUET Director of Student Welfare and Alumni Coordinator and Treasurer Prof Dr Mohammad Abdul Motaleb delivered the welcome address, expressing hope that the reunion would strengthen ties among alumni across generations.

BUET Alumni General Secretary Engineer Atikur Rahman Bhuiyan Pinu urged alumni and other stakeholders to actively participate in the celebrations.

Riyazul Hasan, member secretary of the 14th Grand Alumni Reunion Celebration Committee, presented the detailed programme.

According to the organisers, the celebrations will begin on 6 January with Hall Day programmes at the university's nine residential halls, followed by a colourful rally and a gathering at the Shaheed Minar.

An Engineering Product Innovation Fair, a Job Fair and a Book Fair featuring 63 stalls will also be inaugurated on the opening day.

The fifth Dr Jamilur Reza Choudhury Memorial Lecture and cultural performances by BUET students will be held later in the day.

The formal inauguration of the 150-year anniversary celebrations will take place on 7 January, alongside a seminar highlighting the university's history and contributions.

An interactive discussion titled “My BUET, My BUET Alumni: Expectations, Achievements and Recommendations” will also be organised.

The main programme of the 14th Grand Alumni Reunion will be held on 8 January, featuring documentary screenings, discussions highlighting 150 distinguished alumni, sporting events, prize distribution, cultural performances and a grand dinner.

On 9 January, the organisers will hold an entrepreneurship development workshop, followed by special receptions for graduates marking the 50th and 30th anniversaries of their graduation.

Optional excursions to the Sundarbans, a day cruise on the Padma River and Sarah Resort in Gazipur have been arranged from 10 January as part of the reunion.

The celebrations will conclude on 13 January with the return of participants from the Sundarbans tour.

Presiding over the press conference, BUET Alumni Convener Engineer Md Abdur Rauf said the institution's journey from Nalgola to Palashi was a source of immense pride.

He expressed hope that the reunion would further strengthen ties among alumni and inspire future generations to address emerging technological and developmental challenges.

The organisers formally launched the celebration programme through an audiovisual presentation following a question-and-answer session with journalists.