Two Decades of BIL: A Journey of Language and Transformation
On 30th April, BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) marked its 20th anniversary with an event that provided a remarkable overview of BIL’s past achievements, present priorities and future plans. The event was graced by several esteemed guests, including Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed (Founder and Advisor, BIL), Professor Shaila Sultana (Director, BIL), Ms Tamara Hasan Abed (Managing Director, BRAC and Chairperson, BracU Board of Trustees), and Professor Md. Golam Samdani Fakir (Director, Learning and Teaching Innovation Centre (LTIC), BracU). The event welcomed Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar (Vice-Chancellor, BracU), Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury (Pro-Vice Chancellor, BracU), Dr David Dowland (Registrar, BracU), Ariful Islam (Treasurer, BracU) and Dr Erum Marium (Executive Director, BRAC IED) as special guests and Mr Stephen Forbes (Country Director, British Council Bangladesh) as the chief guest.
Photo credit: Sadia Afrin Doha
Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed officially launched the book Residential Semester: Sowing the Seeds of Change, providing a deeper reflection of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed’s vision for the residential semester. Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar (Vice-Chancellor, BracU) brought attention to the significant role BIL played in shaping Brac University’s Residential Semester, accompanied by a discussion on incorporating technology with language education and ongoing plans to broaden the horizons for BracU internationally.
In addition to this, the session also showcased BIL’s contributions in different sectors related to language education, social impact, and global academic discourse. This includes the publication of Learn English for Success: Climb Higher, developed by BIL faculties in collaboration with The Daily Star. Besides this, BIL also highlighted its community engagement initiatives such as STAR, Medhabikash, and Development for Professionals.
Photo credit: Collected
The event also marked the introduction of a new Bachelor’s degree in Applied English Language Studies (AELS) and a Master of Arts and a Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), opening new academic horizons for students interested in the field. The insightful celebration of 20 years of BIL concluded with a captivating Jatra performance by the Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Programme and an energetic concert by Warfaze.
Photo credit: Sadia Afrin Doha
