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.
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