The Department of English has stepped into its hundredth year, having traversed a fascinating path through good times and bad. Established in 1921 as part of the compensation package for East Bengals’ loss of provincehood, this Department has seen through the colonial and neo-colonial times, and has contributed to the journey of our nation in uncountable ways. Its haloed precincts have been the proud grooming ground of freedom fighters and martyrs of 1971 as well as nation builders, educators and thought leaders across different sectors. This Department has been my alma mater, and I humbly acknowledge my debt to the wonderful people I met here as my teachers, colleagues and students. A hundred years’ journey cannot be put in plain terms within a short space; and I am happy that English Department Alumni Society (EDAS) has planned a year-long commemoration of the milestone in collaboration with the Department of English. I believe a lot of positive and forward-looking vibes will emanate from the wonderful exchanges we shall have in the days to come. I wish the sustained event all success.

The University of Dhaka and its Department of English have touched the centenary milestone, and it is a privilege to be part of the centenary celebration as a proud alumnus and the President of English Department Alumni Society (EDAS). Since its inception in 1986, EDAS has strived to create meaningful impact on the Department as well as on its past and present members. One such initiative is this Webinar Series, which I believe will showcase our alumni who are leading the way locally and globally; in the process we will share knowledge and experience that will be a way to explore our history and motivate our members to reach out to each other. Amidst the pandemic, since it has become increasingly difficult to be physically present in the vicinity of our alma mater, let us continue with the virtual celebration of this grand occasion in the form of Webinars. May this event reconnect us to our roots and create future possibilities for more and more exchanges. Cheers!

The Department of English and University of Dhaka have made a glorious contribution to the intellectual and structural growth of Bangladesh since 1921. A grand celebration of the hundredth birth anniversary of both was due, but unfortunately the pandemic has restricted us this year. However, I am happy that the English Department Alumni Society (EDAS) has arranged the Webinar Series to continue the tradition of strengthening the bond between its alumni across generations as well as providing for the infrastructural development of the Department within its capacity. This Webinar Series will act as a befitting medium to connect all of us digitally and strengthen our network in a manner that may inspire us to overcome many hurdles in life. The members of the Webinar Committee have worked diligently to connect our alumni from various professional fields, and we have been able to cross the barrier of time as we bring our past, present, and future on a single platform. I invite you all to enjoy the sessions and celebrate the grand occasion with members of the Department of English. Hail 100!

As the Chairperson of the Department of English, University of Dhaka, I am pleased to greet our vibrant 35-year old English Department Alumni Society (EDAS) for arranging the online webinar series for our alumni and current students on the occasion of the birth centenary of both our alma mater and the department. We had exciting plans to celebrate the event, but due to the COVID 19 rampage all plans had to be sadly shelved. I am hoping against hope that brighter days will come soon and we will be able to rebuild our lives with stronger signs of positivity and solidarity. Being a part of the first English Department in the country is certainly a matter of pride for us, but we must not forget that this is a Herculean task, and we have to nurture this responsibility with care and sincerity. I look forward to taking the department to newer heights for our progeny through sustainable activities despite many challenges. I must add that I have no doubt EDAS will continue to play a significant role in keeping the alumni-teacher-student bond intact. Dear all, let’s wish for a happier, healthier and virus free world where we can celebrate our future reunions with each other not on digital platforms but in person on lush green grounds.

To celebrate the centennial of the University of Dhaka and the Department of English, both of which are inseparably connected to the emergence of Bangladesh, English Department Alumni Association (EDAS) and the Department of English have organized a Webinar Series commencing from August 2021. Even though the Covid 19 pandemic has deprived us of the chance to rejoice wholeheartedly, we hope to commemorate the joyous occasion through this series of webinars, partaken by faculty members and a diverse array of our alumni. Through academic discourse, panel discussions and recollection of the past, we hope to enrich our futuristic vision for our alma mater. My gratitude goes to the Webinar Committee, EDAS and the Department of English for expending their valuable time in organizing this eevnt. I welcome everyone to the Webinar Series and hope it will strengthen the bond amongst our alumni. Let’s join hands!

In celebration of Dhaka University and the English Department’s 100th anniversary, we are pleased to organise a series of webinars. While this milestone deserves celebration and pomp and panache, with the gathering of our members, we are unable to do so due to the pandemic. These webinars are an effort to reconnect our members on cyberspace and also celebrate the Centenary in a safe manner. We have planned a dozen webinars spread over a 10-month period at 3-to-4-week intervals. There are wide-ranging topics with the central theme being 100 years of Dhaka University and the Department of English. Speakers include our esteemed faculty members and our alumni members from different walks of life. We hope you will enjoy the sessions.