Dhaka– The Department of Architecture at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) concluded a vibrant two-day celebration, “Projonmer Melbondhon”, commemorating three decades of academic excellence and architectural education. The event, jointly organized by the Department of Architecture and the Alumni of AUST Architects (AAA), brought together faculty, students, alumni, and distinguished architects from Bangladesh and abroad at the university’s own campus.

Department of Architecture at AUST Marks 30 Years with Two-Day Celebration

Day One: Creativity Takes Center Stage

The festivities opened on Thursday, July 2, with a day-long student design charrette titled “Threads of Time,” where architecture students from various universities across the country presented innovative and creative design concepts.

The formal inaugural ceremony followed at the Professor Dr. M.H. Khan Auditorium, where Professor Dr. G.M.A. Belayet Hossain, Convener of the celebration and Head of the Department of Architecture, delivered the welcome address. The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Ashraful Haque, Vice-Chancellor of AUST. The Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees and President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, graced the occasion, alongside Special Guest Professor Dr. Sharmeen Reza Chowdhury, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Professor Dr. M.A. Muktadir, Founding Head and Dean of the Department of Architecture, in recognition of his pioneering contributions. The occasion also saw the unveiling of a 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book showcasing academic projects by department students, launched by Professor Dr. Farida Nilufar, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning. The day closed with the inauguration of “The Lines of Tomorrow,” an exhibition of design works by current and former students, which remains open to the public through July 5.

Day Two: Dialogue on the Future of Architecture

The second day, July 3, featured two academic seminars exploring the future of architectural education and practice.

The first session, “School of the Future: Framing Architecture,” was chaired by architect Mahmudul Anwar Riad, with panelists including architect Khan Md. Mustafa Khaled, Dr. Sharif Shams Imon, Dr. Saiful Islam, architect Ashique Bhaskar Mannan, and international architect Damith C. Premathilake of Sri Lanka. Speakers emphasized the growing importance of technology-driven and sustainable architectural education in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

The second session, “The Architectural Journey: From Learning Onward,” featured architects Zishan Fuad Chowdhury, Rukun Uddin Bhuiyan, and Md. Shafiul Azam Shamim, who shared professional insights and reflections on the opportunities, challenges, and entrepreneurial dimensions of architectural practice within the local context. The session was moderated by Dr. Saiful Islam.

Recognizing Student Achievement

Following the seminars, winners of the student design charrette were awarded by the guests of honor. Certificates of achievement were also presented to fourth-year students who contributed to the Urban Design Studio Project, “Revitalization of the Damodar Canal in Pirojpur District, Barisal Division,” carried out in collaboration with the Urban Development Directorate (UDD).

The two-day program concluded with a cultural evening, “Reliving Golden Moments,” bringing together alumni and current students, followed by a closing dinner.

A Bridge Between Generations

Organizers noted that the 30th-anniversary celebration was more than a festive occasion — it served as a meaningful bridge connecting knowledge, experience, and professional relationships across generations of architects. Participating students echoed this sentiment, sharing that the event not only nurtured their creativity but also inspired fresh confidence and direction for their future careers in architecture.

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