BRACU Express - Volume 2 Issue 5

BRACU EXPRESS an independent monthly publication by BRAC University students Spring XVIII | Vol. II | Issue V

January 23 | 2018

Team Elevate to fly to Singapore for Regional Finals Najibah Rahman

in regions with limited or no access to grid electricity.

Journalist

Among 50 teams, 26 semifinalists and 6 top notch

and Team Aspirant will also be going to Singapore

HULT Prize, we believe that we can achieve just that and

and Malaysia respectively, for further mentorship and

more.”

support. They have also received their respective seed funds amounting to Tk 30,000 and Tk 20,000

finalists, Team Elevate has emerged as the champion of

and will be travelling abroad around the same

HULT Prize on the 30th of November 2017. The finalists

time as Team Elevate.

were: Team Illumination, Team HULK, Team Aspirant,

BRACU has been securing prestigious

Team Elevate, Team Stalwart and Team Tesseract. The

positions at HULT Prize Competitions ever

winning team members, Faiza Sultan, Sanzia Karim,

since 2014. The HULT Prize Challenge 2018 is

Talha Ahmed and Tanvir Islam, are overjoyed at the

“Harnessing the Power of Energy: Leading A

prospect of participating in the Regional Finals of HULT

Generation to Change the World”. According to

Prize 2018 in Singapore, in March 2018. They have

the Campus Director of HULT Prize at BRACU

already been awarded a seed fund of Tk 50,000 for the

and former Global Finalist at the HULT Prize

initial start-up of their pilot project before they travel to

2016, Tasneem Omar Ava, the event at BRACU

Singapore. Says Faiza Sultan, the team leader of Team

this time has been the most competitive, and

Elevate, “Elevate is working on bringing a simple yet seamless solution to facilitate education and mobility

The first and second runner’s ups, Team HULK

With the platform given to us by BRAC University and

Team Elevate at the finals of HULT Prize at BRACU

had the largest ever number of registrations.

Berger ADwiz ‘17 closes with a glorious finale On the 24th of December, the Grand Finale of Berger ADwiz 2017 was held at Lakeshore Hotel. The

Sharfuddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief Operating Officer, Top of Mind.

Safir Jawad Journalist

role of advertisement has been recognized as one of

The six finalists went on next to give their final

the most important factors in the business arena, and

presentation in front of the special panel of judges.

com was the campus news partner, Radio Shadhin

with this in mind, the students of BRAC University

An award was also given to Team Amateurs (BRACU)

92.4FM was the radio partner, Ekattor TV was the

Business Club (BIZ BEE) along with Berger Paints

for the Best TVC from the 1st Round submissions. The

TV partner, Somokal and Kaler Kontho was the print

had

media partner, Juicy, Nescafe, and Maggi were the

ADwiz

food and beverage partners, and The Daily Star

2017” to encourage students

was the youth engagement partner. This event was

to

supported by the Office of Co-curricular Activities,

Limited

Bangladesh,

organized

“Berger

explore

their

hidden

BRAC University.

creativity.

In Memoriam

The competition began with more than 90 teams submitting Commercials the

1st

Television (TVC)

Round.

proceeding

in

The

teams

25

were

split into 5 groups in the 2nd Round, and from each group, two teams moved forward to the 3rd Round.

Team Elevate at the finals of HULT Prize at BRACU

The 3rd Round saw the 10 teams divided into two groups, and three teams from

finale ended with the announcement of the winning

each group were selected to participate in the Grand

teams: the champions, DhumDham (IBA), took home

Finale of Berger ADwiz 2017. The six finalists were:

Tk 100,000, runners-up Slightly Agitated Utensils

DhumDham, PudinaPata, Slightly Agitated Utensils,

(IBA) were given Tk 60,000, and Hawk Insights

Hawk Insights, Roasted Coffee, and Wrong Buzz.

(BRACU), third, got Tk 40,000.

After an introduction of the competition and its

Berger Paints Bangladesh was the title sponsor of

organisers, the judging panel was introduced, which

the competition. Edison Group was the technology

consisted of Sriya Sharbojoya, Group Operation

partner, Bangladesh Innovation Forum was the

Director, Asiatic 360; AKM Sadeque Newaz, General

strategic partner, bdnews24.com and banglanews24.

Manager, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited; and

com were the online news partners, studentbd24.

We mourn the loss of Dr Abu Abdullah Ziauddin Ahmad, professor and former Chairperson of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department, BRAC University, passed away on January 18th, 2018 at a local hospital. His namaz-e-janaza was held at Eidgah Masjid, Road 6/A, Dhanmondi, after Juma prayers on January 19th.

He will be remembered among students and faculty of the university for his warmth, generosity, brilliance and unparalleled contribution to the field of Physics.

2 | BRACU EXPRESS

January 23 | 2018

OPINION & ACADEMICS On the economics of getting fed Adeepto I Ahmed Opinions Editor often aim to increase cash-crop usage, credit access and fertiliser usage. The study looks into whether aid truly means improvements in agricultural total factor productivity through these channels.

Q. What is the significance of this work?

Aid is something that is highly debated and is honestly a tricky mess of a thing, often leading to more harm than its intended usefulness. For example, when aid is used to promote cash-crop usage switching from more traditional crops, even though cash-crops are more profitable, productivity often falls due to lack of technical knowledge on

Economics shapes and influences all our lives. We spoke to Adnan M S Fakir of the Department of Economics

Q. What are you looking at in the paper exactly and what have you found so far?

and Social Sciences about research he is undertaking, to

Alongside the financial crisis, 2008 also brought a

try and demystify the work economists do and find out how

global food crisis. Interestingly, although it is widely

it is relevant to all of us.

accepted that agricultural surplus provided the initial

Q. What is the paper you are working on titled and whom is it for?

impetus for industrial growth, national agricultural growth strategies are often neglected. Since the 2008 food crises

cash-crop plantation. Hence, unless the positives outweigh the negatives, aid actually ends up being regressive. The purpose of this study is to identify whether the channels through which aid is deployed actually ends up promoting agricultural productivity, and to what extent. The findings will permit better allocation of agriculture policy aid to the studied countries.

Q. What can someone without a degree in

The paper is titled “To aid or not to aid: Does agriculture

however, this disregard is being addressed with countries

policy aid improve agricultural productivity?” and is based

pledging to increase agricultural support. This is especially

on a report I had done for the United Nations’ Food and

relevant for African countries which have increased their

Technicalities aside, the study finds agriculture policy

Agriculture Organization to assess whether and how aid to

national agricultural spending to up to about 10% of their

aid to negatively impact agricultural productivity through

agricultural policy in Francophone African countries lead

GDP.

cash-crops, positively through greater access to credit

to increases in agricultural productivity.

Using agricultural policy aid, donors and governments

economics take away from the study?

while the effect through fertilizers remain insignificant.

BRACU offers training in academic writing Nishat Shahara Journalist ENG 103 (Academic Writing and Presentation) has been

Writing). However, in ENG 103, there is a

reintroduced to the curriculum since Fall 2017. The course

conscious effort to incorporate global and

is facilitated by Dr Faheem Hasan Shahed, an associate

local issues in the syllabus. One of the main

professor and researcher of BRAC Institute of Languages

purposes of this course is to make the students

(BIL). ENG 103 aims to equip students with knowledge and

conscious of what is going on around them.

practice in academic writing and research work.

Students are expected to reflect on original

The course has ENG 102 and 101 as prerequisites, and

ideas and engage with concepts critically.

focuses on developing academic and technical writing and

However, they have to ensure that these ideas

presentation skills. The course is quite similar to another

are related to current issues affecting the

course offered by BIL, ENG 204 (Essentials of Academic

world or our society.

The classes focused on sequenced

findings from these interviews. These specific classes on

writing assignments, gradually leading

presentations had the purpose of enhancing the students’

up to the final research paper. The

communication skills. The course could be very useful

assignments

for undergraduate students looking to honing their thesis

are

related

to

basic

research skills like carrying out surveys,

writing skills.

creating questionnaires and making

ENG 103 was offered as an experimental course in the

logical arguments. Topic experts are

residential semester this October. The classes continued

also invited to the class, to help the

with sixteen students and was conducted by Dr Faheem

students gain experience in conducting

Hasan himself. With its debut semester ending successfully,

interviews. Formal presentations are

the course will now be offered as an option along with FRN

carried out based on the students’

101 for the residential semester.

BRACU EXPRESS | 3

January 23 | 2018

OPINION & ACADEMICS

Convocation 2017 Nurul Islam Nahid, Education Minister, spoke as the

Tashfia Zaman

chief guest and presided over the convocation ceremony

Journalist

on behalf of President and BRAC University Chancellor

Accredited as the top private university in Bangladesh

Abdul Hamid. Chairperson of the Board of Trustees

by the QS Asia rankings and Dhaka Tribune-Bangla

Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, KCMG and Professor Abdul

Tribune rankings, BRAC University proudly announced

Mannan, Chairman, University Grants Commission of

the Class of 2017.

Bangladesh, also graced the convocation ceremony with

On December 13th, around 1600 students went back

their motivational speeches.

While all graduates were presented crests and degree

to BRAC University Residential Campus, Savar in order to

certificates, the candidates for the Vice-Chancellor’s gold

celebrate their achievement of graduating.

Commemorating Victory Day and Martyrs’ Day,

medal were brought down to 30 of the most deserving

Professor Syed Saad Andaleeb, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor,

students from different departments. Finally, the

BRAC University, delivered the opening remarks and

recipients of the Chancellor’s gold medal were Afsana

spoke highly of BRAC University’s accomplishments.

Tasnim Oshin (MS in Biotechnology) with a CGPA of

never dreamed that I would get here and have a memory

The convocation speaker, Dr Shahidul Alam, Managing

4.00 and Warida Rashid (BSc CSE) with a CGPA of 3.99.

like this. My family and teachers are so proud of me and

Director, Drik Picture Library Ltd, delivered a very

On being the representative of the entire student

uplifting speech, urging the graduates to accept whatever

body during the ceremony, Warida shared a few words

it takes to protest and challenge injustice. Following, Mr

to express her feelings: “I am usually rather laid back; I

Campus overload Luba Khalili

A university of this stature cannot have this big

Alumnus

Nationwide. City-wide. University-wide.

bending traffic issues, distance is an important

There’s no escaping it, because, well, there’s

factor for students deciding on which university to

no room to escape to.

attend. But if BRACU can’t offer a place to rest at

BRAC University boasts of many attributes that has won us accolades as one of the top institutions

the end of the road, where does that leave us?

The result is that we produce dissatisfied

for higher studies in the

country.

significant

From

number

Sumaiya Tasnim Journalist With the heavy rush of traffic that clogs the streets from early morning until 11pm, the quote “Dhaka City never sleeps” is perhaps somewhat of an understatement. However, the launch of Pathao, a

on the run. The fast wheels of the bikes slip through the kind of stand-still traffic one would ordinarily face if one were traveling by vehicular transport, be it bus or car.

to the variety and reach

In order to have a Pathao account, simply download the app and

their courses allow them.

follow the instructions. Discount codes also become available soon

Despite these charms,

after one activates an account, which makes this relatively cheap

there is one concern that

form of transportation even cheaper. Saving an extra few bucks for

continues to plague our

Bottola khichuri is an additional bliss any day of the week.

It

We asked Kazi Nayeer, junior, a regular user of Pathao his

has been said time and

thoughts on what makes this service stand out from the other ones

again, and will continue till a solution has been

Pathao: Your Friendly Neighbourhood Speedsters?

does not seem to be much of a risk to take with the Pathao app

the students can attest

being said in the future

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2017!

for people inside and outside the city. An extra few minutes of sleep

of

of the class lectures, even

institution.

achievement so far.”

popular community fuelled mode of transport, has made life easier

a

faculty members to most

beloved

happy for me; it’s the best feeling ever. It was my biggest

an issue looming over our heads.

In Dhaka city, notorious for its space-time

Warida Rashid recieving her certificate from department Chairperson

which also provide similar, if not the same service: “I think with An overcrowded cafeteria in Building 3

implemented: BRAC University needs to deal with its space issue.

students.

We produce students who are not only unhappy

With student lounges and study rooms turned

with the environment their university setting

into classrooms, and increasing number of

provides them with, but also whose potentials are

students every intake, there’s hardly any space to

untapped due to the lack of proper infrastructure

walk, let alone spend the time in-between classes.

and subpar facilities. Two things a university

The promise of a future campus big enough to hold the ever-increasing student body is a solace

experience is known for elsewhere, are just not in place here.

to many younger students, but what is being done

It’s time to be better, and live up to what this

for the students who are immediately facing the

university is supposed to be. If we are truly to be

problem of finding a place to exist at their own

an institution that inspires excellence, we must

university. What of our current “campus”?

embody that excellence first.

Pathao being the first to get on the idea of bikes being the means of transportation as a cheaper option, other apps that offer similar services stand out less because they are still growing companies following steps similar to Pathao itself. Moreover, I personally find they have better service, and fast response to queries and complaints.”

Acknowledging the work that they are trying to do, there has always been a question of how safe Pathao is in general. In light of complaints regarding passenger security in the past, Pathao, has made noticeable attempts to improve. The safety measures have advanced due to the background research on and the steady evaluation of the drivers. With technological innovations, new ideas have creative and useful implications. So, is Pathao your new incarnation of the superhero Flash?

4 | BRACU EXPRESS

January 23 | 2018

SPECIAL

CLUBS

As Spring 2018 hits off to a glorious start, we are still anticipating the biggest even offered by clubs, one can often find themselves lost and confused. To help make th

Science for the Ages

Business and Economics Clubs BRAC University Business Club (BIZ BEE) is ideal for business students as it aims to broaden a student’s practical knowledge by providing information on relevant issues and forums for networking with experienced peers and other professionals. This club arranges various seminars, trade fairs,and business competitions including the remarkable Berger “ADwiz 2017” Inter-University Advertisement Competition and the E-Carnival.

IABC, BRAC University is another platform that gives training to students and helps those interested to specialise in public relations, corporate communications, marketing communication, investor relations, government and community relation, and so on. This club is closely affiliated with competitions like HULT Prize and organizes BUGMUN every year.

For students enthusiastic about marketing, BRAC University Marketing Association (BUMA) would be a good choice as it promotes the importance of networking, and provides extensive career guidance to its club members.

Business and Economics Forum (BeF), on the other hand, is a platform through which the concept of social business is promoted by training students for such competitions. It is also involved in hosting competitions, an example of which is the Corporate’s League which is a national business competition.

For the young risk-takers, Entrepreneurship Development Forum (EDF) is the perfect choice as one can enhance their enterprise skills and learn about every aspect of the business environment. EDF recently hosted a praiseworthy event known as the Entrepreneur’s Fest which showcased the ventures of young students on campus, thus providing them with a platform to expand their customer base.

Finally, BRAC University Economics Club (BUEC) bridges the gap between aspiring economists and prominent economists. The arrangement of various seminars, workshops, and guest lectures, prepares them to excel in the fields of research and take up both private and public sector jobs.

BRAC University Electrical and Electronics (BUEEC), aims to provide students with hardware-related training and information on relevant progression from experienced associates and experts. This club hosts various seminars and provides scientific tours for extensive practical knowledge in the field. Most recently, the club organized a seminar on Nanotechnology where insights on the field and contributions of nanotechnology was discussed.

For the robot lovers, BRAC University Robotics Club (ROBU) is the way to go. With notable works such as Wall-E, BRAC Onnesha, Mongol Tori and so on, ROBU is one of the highly successful clubs of BRAC University. Members are trained on the basics of Robotics, and seminars are held on a regular basis so that enthusiasts can keep working on tech-related projects.

The computer club of BRAC University (BUCC), is ideal for students eager to work with hardware and software. The aim of BUCC is to help build a community of tech-savvy coders, graphic designers and web developers. BUCC organizes career therapy sessions, seminars on ICT, telecommunication, and the advancements in Microsoft, Android or iOS. They successfully hosted the “Codelab on Android and Firebase”, which was an event focusing on Google Codelabs and helped students develop their first Android app through Kotlin.

For students interested in the phenomena of natural sciences, Natural Sciences Club (BUNSC) is a perfect choice. This club hosts various inter-university competitions including wall poster competitions which helps students to learn and grow through observing and experimenting. Most recently, this club hosted a fun scientific cosplay competition called the “Sci-Con” which was a massive hit among the student body.

Last but not the least, BRAC University Pharma Society (BUPS), is a club that is run by the students of Department of Pharmacy, where the members of the club engage in various public health campaigns as well as professional development programs. The aim of the club is to connect everyone in the department so that they can learn from one another.

Change-makers BRACU MONON is one the oldest clubs of BRAC University and it focuses on addressing key issues and concerns that need awareness in the society today.

Their activities include communal services such as Ramadan donations for the underprivileged, winter donation programmes and so on. BRACU MONON is widely known as a club that is fun and friendly and for students looking for great exposure and working on leadership skills, this club is the ideal choice.

BRACU Community Service Club is also another great contender for students looking to work on building a better community.They conduct voluntary activities and awareness programs that promote social welfare and instill a sense of responsibility in every member. The club helps emit “people skills” that nudge their members to branch out to various groups of people and to understand their own, personal story.

January 23 | 2018

FEATURE

BRACU EXPRESS | 5

S 101

nt for BRACU student: the semesterly Club Fair. With the variety of activities he choice easier, BRACU Express illustrates your options in this issue.

The Arts & Culture

BRACU Art Society is ideal for aspiring artists as they are involved in conducting exhibitions based around themes such as sketches, water painting, oil painting, abstract arts, street art, doodles and so on. BRACU Art Society not only pushes on the creativity peak for the students, but also encircles great exposure to meeting like-minded people, thus paving a solid, concrete road for flourishing.

A platform for a world of many faces, BRAC University Theatre and Drama forum brings forth a mixed blend of creativity, presentation skills and the art of role-playing into the spotlight. Students are given opportunities to learn about the Theatre in-depth to eventually produce annual shows conducted by the forum. What adds to the delight is the fact that this serves as a popular stage not just for students wanting to work on their acting skills- but also for writers, organizers and volunteers.

Another immensely popular platform for honing on skills in the field of music, drama and arts encircles the Cultural Club of BRAC university.

Cultural Club focuses on individual talents - from musical instruments to performing arts. Cultural Club is also actively known to go forth with their members and participate in shows, both locally and internationally, that best help them achieve recognition.

BRAC University Adventure Club (BUAC) is one for the fun-loving bunch with an eye for adventure. Going trekking and hiking to remote areas with the ideal scenic view is just one of the things this club is best known for.

BRACU Heritage Forum on the other hand is for those enthusiasts who wants to further understand the concept of heritage and also spread awareness to others to preserve our age-old, enriched heritage. Active attempts to keep our tradition alive includes hosting pitha utshob and so on.

For those seeking to build a world that brings fiction to life, BRAC university film club fits the frame perfectly. The club aims to motivate and encourage its members to chase their passions in the film sector. It also conducts workshops as the club strongly believes that filmmaking can help individual aspiration and also contribute to the society through powerful messages enacted from the documentaries.

Sports Center Celebrating 12 years of success, Football Club of BRAC University (FCBU) is the perfect club for the football fanatics. FCBU organizes various football tournaments both inter-university and intra-university, which gives students a chance to show off and hone their skills. If you are dedicated and talented, soon you can get the chance to play for the main team and represent BRAC University to the nation.

For those with a love for the most popular sport of the country, the Cricket Club of BRAC University (CBU), is the way to go. Like FCBU, the Cricket Club also organizes around two to three tournaments every semester with the biggest being the BUPL, where all the clubs including the Cricket Club participate.

Football and Cricket being physical games, are not for everybody. For those who would rather beat their opponent at mind games, the Chess Club (BUChC) and the Indoor Games Club (BUIGC) are ideal. With plenty of competitions being held regularly, the students can explore their skills in chess, table tennis, and carrom. Both clubs rooms allotted to them in UB03, to play and practice.

To speak or not to speak

For learning to address global issues on a public platform and understanding the flow of communication for team building, Debate Club is an aspiring platform. It regularly holds practice sessions for its members to work on their speaking skills and to master the art of debating on a more professional scale. The Debate Club holds quite a few of the best speakers of the university who actively participate in debate competitions both nationally and internationally.

Communications and Language Club ticks over the communication building skill aptly, but also includes social speaking abilities. The club will also help you achieve fluency in English, thus giving you an edge in the job market. Communications and Language club holds competitions of their own that include public speaking and also conducts workshops for presentation skills and fluency at writing and speaking English.

BRAC University Law Society depicts the ideal image of diversified talent for the aspiring lawyers.The club focuses on legal issues with intense discussion sessions to create legal awareness in the society. Moreover, the Law Society enhances not just on the field of research and issue analysis for its members, but it also hones presentation skills and the art of writing.

6 | BRACU EXPRESS

January 23 | 2018

OFF CAMPUS

“A form of time travel” Rakib Bin Shahid, a recent graduate from the Department of Economics and Social Sciences (ESS), began his journey as a photographer in 2015. His work has already been exhibited on a number of renowned platforms including: BUPPS’s National Photo Festival: Contrast, and Frame Arts and Photography National Photo Exhibition, among others.

“What inspires me,” Rakib said, “about photography is that photography, to me at least, is a form of time travel. You freeze a moment and it exists beyond the spectrum of time.”

A winner of multiple awards including one in Masterpeace National Photo Exhibition this year, Rakib prefers astrophotography and street photography. His favorite astrophotographer is Michael Shainblum and Imam Hasan is one of his favourite street photographers.

Whatsub BRACU? How many times do we actually put

who introduced a sandwich cart named “Whatsub”

offering

Journalist

organic subsandwiches. Rifat Morshed

the competition. Students do not have to

and Nagib Niloy from BRAC Business

worry about quality as all the ingredients

School, along with their friend, Tanvir

are bought three hours before preparation.

The owners are also driven towards satisfying customers rather

than

worried

being

about

competition.

the They

believe that setting up

a

business

is

the easy part but the

accompanying

responsibilities makes the journey hard.

Titumir, have established this cart in front

The owners believe the key to holding on

of Building 2, for the convenience of the

is strong customer relations. According to

students of BRAC University.

Rifat Morshed, “Whatsub has given me

Whatsub strives to provide fresh,

the opportunity to increase my practical

organic, and affordable food with their

knowledge, and most importantly it has

sub-sandwiches

taught me how to survive in a dynamic

and

potato

wedges

ranging Tk 60-120. Customers can

to help students and club members make

Journalist

Those club fairs you’ve been dancing at,

mouthwatering

The faces behind WhatSub

University and does everything in his power

Saadman Saif

Tashfia Zaman

theory to practice as students? Such is the case of three aspiring entrepreneurs,

A day in the life of Polash Bilash

business environment.”

customise their sub-sandwiches, which

Since the writing of this article,

certainly gives this food cart an edge over

Whatsub has gone on a temporary leave.

all those events you’ve enjoyed, or listening to music booming from the perfectly tuned sound

the best of an event. During our interview with him, he mentioned that he especially loves helping the smaller clubs of BRAC University to grow to their full potential, as the popular clubs are

systems,

already

and even all those seminars

in organisation.

you’ve

A

attended where you

comes

presenters present

until

have been possible hard

dedication,

Bilash.

Working

BRAC

sunset.

He

shared

with

us

stories

about

how

he ends up staying

and love for the students of Polash

to

week and is available

none of it would

work,

of

University 6 days a

loudly and clearly:

the

resident

Badda, Mr Polash

can hear the fellow

without

well-versed

at The man with a ‘sound’ knowledge

at the Office of Cocurricular Activities, Mr Polash is the main

the

university

until midnight the night before an event,

organizing with the respective club.

man for every student who is affiliated with

Dealing with the authorities of BRAC

any club, as they all rely on him to book

University on behalf of the clubs is also within

venues for any club event taking place.

his job description. He has to convince them

Despite dealing with hundreds of students

that the requested events have potential. Next

every day, Polash Bilash is really keen on

time you’re organizing, remember to thank

improving the student board of BRAC

Polash Bhai for his work and dedication!

BRACU EXPRESS | 7

January 23 | 2018

SPORTS & HEALTH BRAC University Champion!

BUEC gallops to their first BUPL title

Inter-University Football Tournament

Samiul Hasan

Safir Zawad

Web Content Manager

Journalist

The main event of the 12 Years Celebration of Football Club BRAC University (FCBU) was the invitational Inter-University Football Tournament held on December 1st, at the Fortis Sports Ground. A total of seven prominent universities were invited to commemorate the contributions of FCBU to developing and enriching the

Boom boom Shahzeer

football culture of the institution over

penalties. It was a massive relief for the

lobbed the ball over the keeper to open

were

team that BRACU’s Zareef, Shahzeer

the scoring. However, the ever-resilient

divided into two groups, with the top

and Real kept their nerve and converted

AIUB hit back with a wonderful team

two teams from each group set to move

from the spot after two stunning saves

goal to level the score with minutes left

into the knockout stages. Despite a

from the NSU keeper, breaking our

on the clock. Both sides scored one and

goalless draw in the opening game,

losing streak at semi-final penalties.

missed one in the tiebreaker. Ultimately

BRAC University along with North

On the other semifinal, a spirited AIUB

Abir, the BRACU keeper, pulled off a

South University (NSU), American

took down a well-drilled IUB team on

great save to keep AIUB from taking

International University Bangladesh

penalties after the match ended in a

the lead, with the next to penalty-takers

(AIUB), and International University of

draw.

securing the victory. And just like that,

the years.

The

participating

teams

The final match began at a breakneck

the impossible dream which began in

The first semi-final, between home

pace. Rashidur, the BRACU skipper sent

2005 finally reached fruition. The long

team BRACU and NSU, ended in

the home crowd into delirium when he

wait for silverware was finally over.

Bangladesh (IUB) qualified.

Relishing their silverware-BUEC The semi-finals and finals of the BRAC University Premier League (BUPL 2017) were held on Saturday, the 2nd of December, 2017, at the Shyamoli Club Field. Organized by Cricket BRAC University (CBU), the BUPL is an event every cricketer looks forward to at BRACU, presented with the chance to represent teams fielded by the 12 biggest clubs in this university.

The first semi-final saw BRAC University Economics Club (BUEC) play against Football Club BRAC University (FCBU). BUEC made light work of the FCBU bowlers, scoring in excess of 190 runs. FCBU fought hard, but managed

Undisputed champions of intra-university UG Sports Editor Arguably the most entertaining game of the tournament was the last quarter final game between Pelalai and Gorom Cha. The five goal thriller swayed back and forth, but ended 3-2 in favour of Pelalai.

Dushto Prokritir Boys demolished BRACU Commandos 4-0 in the first semi final including two goals from Raiyan and one each from Rahbar inter-university

finals were bolstered by the addition

and

championship title under the belt, it

of a few “free agents”. The first quarter

was the cherry on top for DPB. In the

was now time to crown the best intra-

finals saw the Slayers go up against

second match, Pelalai managed to beat

university team. The Intra-University

Dushto Prokritir Boys (DPB). Despite

Baadshah Bhai 2-1, with the winning goal

Underground (UG) Tournament was

Raiyan of DPB being heavily marked

coming from a sublime finish by Zaki.

held on the 2nd of December, at the

by Baizid, it was“boro” Siam’s looping

The climatic tournament had an

Fortis Sports Club field. Having just

shot that hit the crossbar and went in to

anti-climatic finale, as Raiyan gave

won the inter-university tournament

give DPB a 1-0 win. In the 2nd quarter

DPB the lead at the end of the first half,

the day before on the same ground,

final Baadshah Bhai easily took down A

displaying excellent skill and finishing.

players on the university’s official

Team 3-0, which included an own goal.

A flurry of attacks lead to the second

team

up.

A hard fought game between BRACU

goal by Shahriar Real, who sealed the

were

the

especially

fired

Raymond,

semi-final between BUDTF and Monon was a thriller. Many would say this was the match of the tournament. BUDTF set a total of 150 runs

Fahim Imtiaz

With

a measly total of 140 in response. The second

whose

celebration

Teams were allowed to have a

Commandos and Bad News went in

deal with another powerful shot from

maximum of 4 players from a pool.

favour of the Commandos, thanks to a

near-post. Dushto Prokritir Boys were

Teams who qualified for the quarter

slightly controversial goal from Rakin.

undoubtedly the deserved champions.

for Monon to chase. Monon kept up with the run rate, with 21 needed off the last over. First three balls of the last over saw Monon hitting 3 sixes.

The next ball being a dot meant Monon needed 3 runs off the last two balls. Duke, the batsman, went for a big hit, but was bowled out by Nafees.

With 3 runs needed off of the last ball, DTF misfielded the last shot, giving Monon the 2 runs required to draw the match. The following super over saw Monon first come in, and score 9 off of it. With 10 runs needed, DTF chased that down, with a single off of the fifth ball taking DTF to a final showdown with BUEC. The final started off with BUEC scoring 121 runs with the loss of 10 wickets. Nibir and Rakib were the standout performers, scoring 32 and 36 respectively. Akib from DTF took 4 wickets. DTF were not up for the chase however, as BUEC packed them up for 84 runs, with Ananna and Nibir taking 4 wickets each. BUEC lifted the BUPL trophy for the first time in the competition’s history in the 2017 edition. Malik Mohammad Shakil from BUEC became the Man of the Match for the final, with Rayan Khan Apurbo from BUDTF being awarded the Most Valuable player.

8 | BRACU EXPRESS

January 23 | 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

New Year Horoscopes Aries – Another new year to dread. Have some bread. Do not eat too much though because at the end of the day you don’t want to cry over your belly fat.

Taurus – It is about time you learn to calm down. Have some time for yourself. 2017 was bad enough. Let’s not do that in 2018.

Gemini – Take control of your life; say no when you want to and don’t be afraid of it. If you lose and learn, then it was clearly worth it.

Cancer – Gucci Gang is cancer but you will love it anyway (see what I did there?). Learn to like your life like that too sometimes buddy.

Leo – Are you still tagging your multiple friends on “BFF Goals” posts? That’s cute.

Virgo – Are you still single? Did that phrase offend you?

Do you want a cookie? Ask out the one that stole your heart for a cup of coffee and make new friends too. Quit the hermit act.

Libra – Your sign says you’ll see a ghost this year. About time you try on that clay face mask for your skin.

Scorpio – Do not let anyone bully you for the choices you make and learn to cook for yourself. You need to try new things or you will go crazy digging up your past.

Sagittarius – Good luck this Valentine’s Day. You will make lovers and enemies. Aries hates you already.

Capricorn – Get a job for yourself because your dad will not pay for your trip in 2018. Count on that.

Aquarius – If you are ever depresses this year which you will be, try to sleep on it ASAP before you make another bad decision.

Pisces – Share memes, not secrets. This year’s the time to focus on living and laughing.

Student Editorial Board Sayema S Hossain

Selima S Kabir Managing Editor

Head of Admnistration

Zahra Mayeesha

Tasvir B Mahabub

Shitab M Islam

Shabiba B Habib News Editor

Adeepto I Ahmed

Adiba M Proma

Editor-in-Chief

Advisory Panel Roohi Huda Masnoon Khair facebook.com/bracuexpress

@bracuexpress

bracuexpress@gmail.com

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Copy-Editor

Maisha T Iqbal

Off-Campus Editor

Creative Head

Opinions Editor

Fahim Imtiaz Sports Editor

Mahpara Sanjana Design Head

Feature Editor

Samiul H Mahin

Web Content Manager