DHAKA, Feb 26, 2023 (BSS) - It was a day full of laughter, happiness, hugs and celebration and above all pride for the students of Dhaka University social science faculty who have received 'Dean's Award', the highest recognition of academic excellence. 

After long days of classes, longer hours of studying, countless sleepless nights, challenges, obstacles, successes, failures and dedication, the feeling of getting the highest academic recognition is truly surreal, said Deans Award winner Nasrin Jabin from Peace and Conflict Studies department. 

"I cannot express how good I feel when I see happiness on the face of my parents who came from long distance to witness the great moment," she added. Dedicating her achievement to her parents, Jebin said, "This is the most memorable time of my life and I will cherish the memories forever."

The award winning students were seen to share the proud moments with their parents, family members and close people while the faculty rolled out red carpet to welcome and show honor to the most meritorious students of the faculty in the last four years. 

A total of 36 meritorious students from different departments under the DU Social Sciences faculty were given 'Dean's Award' for their excellent academic results in BSS (Hons.) examinations of 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman handed over the awards among the students as the chief guest at a function today at university's Mozaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium.

Pro-VC (Administration) Prof Dr Mohammad Samad, Pro-VC (Academic) Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal and Treasurer Prof Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed spoke as special guests while president of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr Binayak Sen addressed as Dean's Award Speaker on the occasion, chaired by social science faculty dean Dr Zia Rahman.
 
DU VC Prof Dr Md Akhtaruzzaman, in his speech, said the departments of the faculty have been established in view of the needs of time and are playing a role in the socio-economic development of the country.

All the students of this faculty get the opportunity to look at all the social issues from a critical point of view, which helps them to develop their critical thinking and make them liberals, he said, adding, "We expect students to grow up with a better, humane and liberal outlook and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030." 

Economist Binayak Sen said it is important to be close to the teacher even after completing the university studies. "To work on social science, first of all, one must know the history of the country as well the world as it won't be possible to develop critical understanding and conduct good research without clear understanding of the history."

Urging the students to work for the nation, the economist said, "As a brilliant student, whatever profession you choose or go for, don't be self-centered, work for society and people."

Congratulating the awardees, social science faculty dean Dr Zia Rahman said, "Despite our lack of capacity, we have tried to honor the meritorious students of the faculty."

Towards the students who received the award, he said the main task of education is to build human. "Do not forget this university, do not forget this country," he added.

The awardees are - Sheikh Atiya Islam, Most. Kaniza Muhshina and Papri Das from Economics, Md. Ershadul Huq, Tasfia Tajin, Arefin Rahman Alif, Fariha Tabassum and Md. Zamilur Rahman from Political Science, Md. Tanvir Habib and Mansura Amdad from International Relations, Kamrunnahar Koli and Khadiza Khatun from Sociology, Ishraq Sabbir Nirjhor from Mass Communication and Journalism, Md. Robiul Islam, Afsana Alam, Maruf Hasan Rumi, Nishat Tabassum and Shukti Bala from Public Administration, Mahima Ferdousy Mithila from Anthropology, Sadiya Afrin and Abdullah Al Mamun from Population Sciences, Nasrin Jabin, Mahbuba Islam Meem and Etu Ahmed from Peace and Conflict Studies, Nowshin Tabassum, Rifatur Rahim and Liya Teresa Costa from Women and Gender Studies, Md. Azizur Rahman Khan, Fariha Khan and Sumaiya Tasnim from Development Studies, Saiyeed Shahjada Al Kareem and Upendro Nath Roy from Television and Film Studies, Sumaiya Iqbal, Nousheen Sharmila Ritu and Nuren Durdana from Criminology and Md. Mutiul Islam from Communication Disorders.