Invisible People of BracU: The ones who keep the floors running 

Imagine working for 22 years, only to end up in the twilight years of your career with nothing to show for all your hard work and dedication. This is the story of Abdur Rashid. You have surely seen him near the B block of the 8th floor. But nobody knows his story. Many like him exist, on every block of each floor, always at our beck and call – to fix a projector or turn on the classroom computer. Though we know them as floor attendants, they are officially recognized as floor officers, and are part of the invisible people of Brac University. 

October marked Abdur’s 22nd year here, serving in both H.R. and the VC’s office. He lives with his son and his wife, who is also a floor officer. His progress up the ladder was cut short when Abdur came face to face with 3 brutal accidents that impeded his climb. Saying Abdur gave his all to this institution is an understatement. Abdur has a bachelor of Social Science degree, completed an English course under the BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL), and even has computer literacy. He did this all with the hopes of one day surpassing his humbler beginnings, but fate had different plans. Abdur, now content, wishes to retire in the near future, and set up a farm back home. 

Nazmin Nahar was introduced to BracU by her husband, Abdur Rashid. Nazmin and Abdur found themselves at the same workplace – albeit on different floors as she is seated near the B block of the 11th floor. Unable to finish her H.S.C., Nazmin took up work at Aarong before she had her first baby and then joined BracU later on. It was harder back then for women to join the staff, as recruitment was favored towards men. Her plan now is to give her son a good education and support her husband. Nazmin is well in accordance with Abdur’s plan to start a farm, and is open to work at it alongside her husband. 

At block F of the 10th floor sits Mohammad Maksudur Rahman who has been with us for 19 years. Hailing from Bhola, he also holds a bachelor’s degree. He was beaming talking about how much he loves the students, and how important their development is to him. Alumni visit him from time to time, and catch up over tea at the cafeteria. A Mohakhali campus purist, Maksudur takes residence there with his wife and two children – both of whom attend local madrasas. His future with the university is clear: he will stay as long as they want him to stay, while earning his place here. 

31st October was Mohammad Ruhul Amin’s last day at BracU. Amin worked at Aarong as a security guard, then at BRAC, from where he was transferred to BracU in 2004. The staff members threw him a retirement party, the first of its kind. At the age of 71, Amin has had an illustrious career. His children are ecstatic that their father can finally get his well earned rest. Amin has 3 sons and a daughter, all of whom are settled abroad. He lives with his wife in Dakhhinkhan, Jatrabari – at his own little house. The future is uncertain for Amin, but he is hopeful. 

The university will always function as a stepping stone for us students for 4 mere years. We will come and go, but these floor officers, these invisible people, will always be here, building this institution with their own hands.