Singing of those who were...

Based on the theme “Subarna Smritir Modhur Anandey Esho Mili Mora Srijoni Chhondey”, Rokeya Hall Alumni Association arranged its first reunion ceremony on January 22 at the premises of Rokeya Hall, one of the oldest dormitories for women students of Dhaka University (DU).
The alumni kicked off the day's programme by hoisting the national flag accompanied by the rendition of the National Anthem. This was followed by a Tagore song Anando loke and Mora jhonjhar moto uddam by our National poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
DU Vice Chancellor Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique inaugurated the daylong celebration in the morning at the hall grounds in the presence of present and former hall members. The alumni brought out a colourful procession in the morning that went around the various streets on the campus.
The association posthumously honoured three eminent academics, Professor Akhter Imam, Professor Nilima Ibrahim and Professor Noorunnahar Fyzennessa, who famously served as hall provosts, for their prominent role in the dorm and society.
National Professor Kabir Chowdhury graced the inaugural session as the chief guest, while the first vice-president of Rokeya Hall Students' Union, Protiva Mutsuddi, was the special guest.
“The misinterpretation of religion had kept women in chains. At present, the dream of the pioneer of women's emancipation, Begum Rokeya, is quite close to reality. The association should play a significant role in protecting women's rights in society,” Professor Kabir Chowdhury said.
The alumni spent the entire day in exchanging pleasantries and indulging in nostalgia. Celebrity artiste Ferdousi Rahman reflected on her days at the campus; noted dancers, among whom were Laila Hasan and Zeenat Barkatullah, performed dances while singer Mehrin rendered songs at the cultural function in the evening.