The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, more popularly known as ULAB, celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on Saturday at its permanent campusMohammadpur in the capital.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud joined the foundation day celebration as the chief guest.

The event started with a presentation of the ULAB theme song, followed by the welcome speech of Dr Kazi Anis Ahmed, Vice-president of the ULAB Board of Trustees.

The Information Minister praised the green campus and thanked the ULAB authority for thinking differently in terms of designing its academic curriculum. “While other universities are focused on market demands, ULAB is trying to promote humanitarianism through their curriculum,” the Minister said in his speech.

Expressing his admiration for the green campus of ULAB, the Minister said that ULAB was established with a different mindset. “While others are giving importance to the market demand, ULAB has designed the curriculum keeping in mind the social and humanitarian aspects. In this regard, ULAB is an exceptional institution,” he added.

Quoting the words of former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, he said to the students that it is not enough to just dream, buone has to work hard to chase after the dream to become successful.

Member of the Board of Trustees Kazi Nabil Ahmed reflected on the journey of ULAB. In his speech, he recalled the contribution of the founder Kazi Shahid Ahmed who started the university as a place that would make a difference and develop young minds to their fullest potential. He also profoundly remembered the memories and contributions of Late National Professor Rafiqul Islam to ULAB.

Professor Imran Rahman, Vice Chancellor of ULAB, thanked the distinguished guests and audiences in his closing remarks and also asked for prayers for the ULAB Founder and BoT President Kazi Shahid Ahmed for a quick recovery from his ongoing illness.

Moderated by Senior Lecturer of ULAB School of Business Arzoo Ismail, the event was also attended by the Special Advisor to the ULAB Board of Trustees Professor Shamsad Mortuza, ULAB’s Treasurer, Registrar, Deans of the Schools, Heads of the Departments, faculty members, administrative officials, alumni, and students.

The government of Bangladesh approved the establishment of ULAB in November 2003 under Private University Act (PUA)-1992 (now replaced by PUA-2010). The university was formally inaugurated on October 1, 2004.