Nahid Hossain
In the grand, century-old narrative of the University of Dhaka, an institution that has been the cradle of the nation’s intellect, leadership, and spirit, each batch of students forms a unique thread. Some threads are bright, some are strong, but one thread, belonging to the cohort that stepped onto the verdant grounds in the academic year 1995-96, has woven itself into an unbreakable cord of fellowship and purpose. This is the story of the Dhaka University Friends Alliance (DUFA), an alumni association that has redefined the very essence of batch identity, transforming it from a mere memory into a living, breathing movement of mutual growth and societal contribution.
The name itself, “Dhaka University Friends Alliance,” is both intriguing and profoundly telling. It is not an alliance in the monetary sense, but a generous, continuous endowment of camaraderie, support, and shared responsibility. In a world where connections often fray with the passage of time and the pressures of life, DUFA has institutionalised friendship. It’s slogan, “Togetherness For Betterment,” is not a catchy phrase for posters; it is the foundational principle upon which every activity, every decision, and every aspiration is built.
What makes DUFA truly exceptional in the 100+ year history of the university? It is their unparalleled unity. While many batches organise reunions and maintain Facebook groups, DUFA has evolved into a structured, proactive, and deeply empathetic community. They have moved beyond nostalgia to create a sustainable ecosystem of care. This is not a network for professional gain, but a sanctuary for the soul, a place where a friend from the 90s is still a friend today, ready to stand by you in times of need.
This commitment to “Betterment” manifests in beautifully humane initiatives throughout the year. Its observance of national days is not a perfunctory flag-hoisting, but a solemn reaffirmation of the values they inherited from their alma mater—values of justice, liberty, and national pride. Their annual Iftar with orphanages is a testament to their expanded definition of “family,” sharing blessings and joy with those who need it most. Perhaps most poignant is their tradition of hosting Iftar for the families of departed friends. In this single act, DUFA sends a powerful message: “Your loved one may be gone, but they are not forgotten. You are still part of our family.” And you are not alone. This profound sense of duty extends to providing financial assistance to economically vulnerable batch mates and supporting the families of those battling serious illnesses. In doing so, they have created a safety net woven not with bureaucracy, but with love and shared history.
This spirit of togetherness culminates in their grand Mega Reunions, and the 5th edition, scheduled for the 24th of October 2025 at the iconic Teachers Student Centre (TSC) premises, promises to be a magnificent celebration of this enduring bond. The day-long program is a microcosm of DUFA’s philosophy—a blend of nostalgia, responsibility, family, and culture.
The 5th Mega Reunion at TSC is more than an event; it is a landmark. It is a powerful statement that in an age of fleeting digital connections, the deep, organic bonds formed in the lecture halls, under the shade of the madhur canteen trees, and on the bustling streets of Dhaka University can not only survive but thrive. DUFA stands as a beacon, illuminating a path for other alumni associations, showing that the true purpose of such a group is not to live in the past, but to use the strength derived from that past to build a more compassionate present and a more hopeful future.
As they gather once again, they carry with them the pride of their university and the joy of their unique fellowship. DUFA is not just an alumni association; it is a lesson in humanity, a proof that when togetherness is chosen as a way of life, betterment is the inevitable, beautiful consequence. Long may their alliance of friendship continue to enrich all who are touched by its grace.
The writer is the Former General Secretary, DUFA
