By Dr. Ekramul Ahsan (ISI 67-69, FI 76, et al.)

The East West Center Day (14th May) was celebrated in Dhaka, Bangladesh by the EWCA Bangladesh Chapter on Thursday, the 14th May 2009.

The Chapter organized the EWC Alumni Evening which was attended by a number of EWCA alumni in Bangladesh. The activities included the following.

1. Discussion on selected topic relevant to East West Center
2. Community Services Projects
3. Chapter Development Activities
4. Participation of Bangladesh Chapter at the EWC 50th Anniversary Celebration in Honolulu, Hawaii in July 2010
5. Alumni Dinner

1. Discussion on selected topic relevant to East West Center – The topic for discussion was Status of Higher Education in Bangladesh” with particular reference to private universities. Prof. Nazrul Islam, an EWC alumnus and Chairman, University Grant Commission was the main speaker. The discussion was supplemented by Prof. Abdul Mannan, an EWC alumnus and Professor at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB).

2. Community Development Project – The Chapter decided to continue similar community services as in the last year. Dr. Ekramul Ahsan made an announcement to distribute clothing to rural poor people particularly the children and young girls this month (May 2009) as part of EWC Day celebration.

3. Chapter Development Activities – The Chapter has decided to update the alumni database. Dr. Ekramul Ahsan announced that services of a volunteer will be available to update the alumni database while the Alumni Office will be requested to provide the recent list of Bangladeshi alumni.

4. Participation of Bangladesh Chapter at the EWC 50th Anniversary Celebration in Honolulu, Hawaii in July 2010 – A number of alumni expressed their desire to participate in the 50th anniversary of the EWC to be held during July 2-5, 2010 in Honolulu, Hawaii. However, it was a general feeling among the alumni that the registration fee of $250 is little too high for the participants of the south aisian region. Considering the fact the countries of the South Asia regions are relatively less developed having lower average income across the EWC operational regions. Besides, the air fare to Honolulu is perhaps among the highest from this region. Therefore if the registration fee could be less, more alumni would be able to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration in Honolulu, Hawaii.

5. Alumni Dinner – The alumni evening was concluded with an informal dinner at the residence of Dr. Ekramul Ahsan and Prof. (Dr.) Rosie Majid Ahsan. The multi-course dinners was contributed by Prof. Khaleda Ekram, Prof. Najma Haque, Prof. Abdul Mannan, Moushumi Das Purkayastha, Prof. Rosie Majid Ahsan and Dr. Ekramul Ahsan.

Aloha spirit prevailed during the celebration of the EWC Day.