The Department of General Education (GED) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), in collaboration with Riverine People, organized a field practicum and sharing session titled "Conservation Learning through the Buriganga–Turag Confluence" on Saturday.
A total of 145 students from ULAB and East West University participated in the program.
The program brought together 105 students from four faculties of East West University and 40 students from ULAB. Accompanied by faculty members from both universities, the participants visited the confluence of the Buriganga and Turag rivers as part of an academic field exercise.
Sheikh Rokon, secretary general of Riverine People, briefed the participants on the historical significance of the Buriganga and Turag rivers. He discussed the major challenges facing the rivers, including encroachment and pollution, and highlighted initiatives undertaken by the government and civil society organizations. He also emphasized the role of students and young people in protecting and restoring the country's rivers.
Following the field visit, a sharing session was held at the ULAB cafeteria.
Professor Shahnaj Husne Jahan, head of the Department of General Education at ULAB, welcomed the participants and expressed appreciation for organizing the field practicum. She emphasized the importance of engaging students in river conservation efforts.
Mumita Tanjeela, associate professor in the Department of Sociology at East West University, appreciated the collaborative initiative and encouraged students to contribute to the conservation of natural resources.
A student representative from ULAB presented the department's activities, focusing on environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives. Srabonti Zaman, a ULAB student, also delivered a presentation on the university's environmental and sustainability initiatives, including river conservation.
F M Anwar Hossain, president of Riverine People, presented an overview of the organization's ongoing activities and research on the Buriganga River. He also outlined future plans and highlighted opportunities for collaboration with academic institutions and other stakeholders.
Among others, the sharing session was attended by Rasel Hussain, assistant professor; Helal Uddin, senior lecturer; and Ruma Parvin, senior lecturer, along with 2 student representatives from East West University. Rajat Kanti Roy, trustee and director (Riverine Archive) of Riverine People, also attended the event.
The program was facilitated by Ahmed Abidur Razzaque Khan, assistant professor in the Department of General Education at ULAB. Mohammed Mamun Or Rashid assisted in coordinating the field visit and managing the event.