Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) convened its first mass iftar banquet on Sunday aimed at boosting harmony among faculty, students, officers and staff, with the institution’s leadership underlining the spiritual and communal significance of the holy month of Ramadan.
The event took place on 22 February in the expansive ground in front of Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Hall, organised by DUET students and attended by senior university officials.
DUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Zoynal Abedin delivered the keynote address as chief guest. Professor Dr Md Arefin Kowser, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, spoke as special guest. The programme was presided over by DUET Registrar (additional charge) Professor Dr Md Abu Tayyab. Director of Student Welfare Professor Dr Utpal Kumar Das and Teachers’ Association President Professor Dr Md Khasru Mia also delivered remarks.
Abedin framed the mass iftar as more than a ceremonial gathering, saying it offered “a profound moment of self-purification, unity and gratitude,” and reiterated Ramadan’s teachings on patience, sacrifice, restraint and humanity as foundations for personal development and civic responsibility.
He said the observance of Ramadan provided opportunities for forgiveness and salvation through self-reflection and encouraged students to embody human values in daily life while fostering a joyful, family-like campus environment. He said such initiatives also help bridge distances between teachers and students and vowed that similar programmes would continue to support DUET’s progress.
In his remarks, Kowser described Ramadan as a period to distance oneself from vice and refine character, saying that applying the month’s lessons could bring success in both worldly and spiritual life. Kowser is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and head of that department at DUET.
The gathering brought together deans of faculties, heads of departments, directors of institutes and offices, hall provosts, faculty members, officers and staff.
A special supplication was held before iftar, seeking welfare for the nation, peace for the Muslim ummah, the advancement of democracy in Bangladesh and continued success and development for DUET.
Following iftar and Maghrib prayers, DUET Dawah Circle organised a cultural programme featuring hamd, naat and nasheed that concluded the event.
