Md Abu Abdullah, Convener, Brajalal (B.L.) College Alumni Association, Dhaka Branch: Brajalal College, Daulatpur, Khulna, established in 1902, occupies a distinguished place in the educational history of Bangladesh. For more than a century, the institution has nurtured generations of students who have gone on to serve the country in education, public administration, business, science, medicine, law, engineering, journalism, culture, politics, the armed forces and many other fields of national life. More than an institution of learning, Brajalal College has been a place where character was shaped, friendships were formed, values were nurtured and dreams were given direction.
The passage of time has brought significant changes to the college. Its campus, academic facilities and educational environment have developed considerably, reflecting the changing needs of successive generations. Yet, beneath these changes remains an enduring spirit—the spirit of learning, discipline, friendship and service that continues to connect former students with their beloved alma mater.
Recognising the importance of maintaining this lifelong connection, the Brajalal College Alumni Association was established on 8 October 2010. Its principal purpose has been to bring former students together, preserve the proud heritage of the college, support present students and contribute to the continued development of the institution.
The Beginning of an Organised Alumni Journey
To bring together alumni living in the capital, the Dhaka Liaison Committee was formed on 9 September 2011. Mohammad Rezwanul Haque, former Additional Secretary to the Government, served as Convenor, while Emdad Moslem Bulu served as Member Secretary. The committee held its first two meetings on 30 September and 4 November 2011, establishing the initial framework for organised alumni activities in Dhaka.
Following the resignation of Emdad Moslem Bulu because of personal commitments, Golam Khaiam Rasul assumed the responsibility of Member Secretary on 13 April 2012. With the active participation of many committed alumni, the organisation gradually expanded its activities and strengthened its institutional foundation.
A major step forward came with the approval of the operational sub-rules of the Dhaka Branch by the Central Alumni Association on 11 July 2015. During its formative years, the branch operated from the residence of Convenor Mohammad Rezwanul Haque at Baitul Aman Housing Society, Adabor, Dhaka, which generously served as its temporary office.
The first regular 29-member Executive Committee of the Dhaka Branch was formed on 13 June 2015, with Mohammad Rezwanul Haque as President and Golam Khaiam Rasul as General Secretary. The committee received formal approval from the Central Executive Committee on 7 August 2015, and its installation meeting was held at the Members' Club of the National Parliament on 29 August 2015.
A Building, a Bond and a Shared Vision
One of the most memorable achievements of the Alumni Association was securing government land from the Ministry of Education for the construction of an Alumni Building. The allocation was made on 22 September 2013. Construction of the two-storey, 3,500-square-foot building began on 17 April 2015, and the building was formally inaugurated on 13 January 2017 on the college campus.
The Alumni Building is much more than a physical structure. It represents the collective contribution, commitment and cooperation of alumni from different generations. It stands as a visible reminder that when former students work together with a shared purpose, individual contributions can become a lasting institutional achievement.
The Dhaka Branch Today
The present nine-member Convening Committee of the Dhaka Branch began its responsibilities in January 2023 and received approval from the Central Committee on 6 May 2023. The author has been serving as convener, with Molla Enayet Hossain Inu as member secretary.
During the past three years, the committee has sought to strengthen communication among alumni and encourage wider participation in organisational activities. Particular emphasis has been placed on teamwork, transparency, inclusiveness and voluntary service. Preparations are now underway for the formation of a full-fledged elected Executive Committee.
One important milestone was the Alumni Reunion and Iftar Gathering held on 31 March 2024, which brought together around 150 alumni from Dhaka and Khulna. It was a memorable occasion of friendship, fellowship and fraternity, allowing graduates from different generations to meet again, renew old relationships and celebrate their shared identity as Brajalal College alumni.
The Dhaka Branch also participated actively in the Annual General Meeting of the Central Alumni Association on 27 April 2024 and the 7th Alumni Reunion and Picnic in December 2025. The branch provided financial assistance, contributed articles to the souvenir publication and arranged advertisements to support these programmes.
Connecting Alumni in a Digital Age
The nature of alumni relations is changing rapidly. Recognising this reality, the Dhaka Branch has taken initiatives to strengthen digital communication through the Association's website, WhatsApp groups and Facebook page. These platforms have made it easier to share information, facilitate membership registration and maintain professional and personal networks among alumni living in Bangladesh and abroad.
The activities of the Association have also received coverage in national newspapers and television channels, helping to broaden public awareness of the continuing bond between Brajalal College and its former students.
Honouring Our Teachers
No reflection on Brajalal College can be complete without paying tribute to its teachers. Their knowledge, discipline, dedication and guidance have influenced generations of students. Many alumni continue to remember their teachers with affection and gratitude long after leaving the campus.
We also remember with profound respect the founding President of the Alumni Association, Professor Harunur Rashid, and the many distinguished teachers whose commitment helped establish and strengthen the reputation of this historic institution. The lessons learned from them—integrity, discipline, responsibility, compassion and service remain valuable throughout the lives of their students.
Giving Back to the Alma Mater
Today, Brajalal College has grown considerably from the institution known to earlier generations. Modern academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, residential facilities, sports infrastructure and cultural activities have enriched campus life. Such progress is a source of pride for all alumni.
With growth, however, comes responsibility. The Alumni Association believes that former students can contribute significantly to the present and future of the college through mentoring, career guidance, internships, scholarships, welfare programmes, medical assistance and professional networking. Alumni who have gained experience in different professions can offer valuable guidance to students who are preparing to enter a rapidly changing world.
The Dhaka Branch therefore looks forward to developing a comprehensive digital alumni database, establishing a permanent office, creating scholarship and medical assistance funds, organising career and leadership programmes, increasing women's participation, strengthening links with overseas alumni and continuing constructive support for the overall development of Brajalal College.
A Call for Unity
The strength of an alumni association does not lie merely in its committees, buildings or programmes. Its real strength lies in the participation, goodwill and collective commitment of its members.
As Brajalal College has grown over the years, its alumni community has also expanded across professions, generations and geographical boundaries. This diversity is a strength. We should transform that diversity into unity and our individual achievements into collective service.
Every alumnus and alumna is therefore warmly invited to remain connected with the Association—to become a life member, attend reunions, share memories, offer ideas, mentor younger students, support deserving learners and participate in activities that serve the greater good of our alma mater.
Our shared heritage is a powerful bond. Let us preserve it not merely through memories, but through meaningful action.
For thousands of students, Brajalal College has been much more than a college. It has been a starting point—a place where knowledge met aspiration, where friendships became lifelong relationships, and where many of us first learned to dream beyond the boundaries of our own circumstances.
As alumni, we have inherited a proud legacy. It is now our collective responsibility to protect, enrich and pass that legacy to future generations. Through unity, understanding and collective effort, we can build stronger alumni bonds and make a meaningful contribution to our alma mater and society.
May the bond among Brajalal College alumni grow stronger with every passing year. May our friendship inspire fellowship, our fellowship encourage service, and our service bring greater honour to our beloved Brajalal College.
Together, let us preserve the past, serve the present and shape a brighter future for our alma mater.
Writer:Additional Secretary (Retd), Govt. of Bangladesh and
Former Director General ,Bangladesh Accreditation Board
