Vol.10 Issue 23 N D U B BULLETIN Celebrating 10 Years Anniversary and Inaugurating the New NDUB Building
NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY B A N G L A D E S H The Competence to See and the Courage to Act Thank you for being with us for a decade of excellence and commitment. Together, we have shaped minds, fostered dreams, embraced the spirit of knowledge, and forged friendships. Here's to the next chapter of growth and success. Hap y 10th Anniversary!
EDITOR'S LETTER So here we are celebrating 10 years of life and growth, of maturing and developing times of sorrow and loss, but much more of joy and victory. We started in an abandoned technical school, Ushaped and one-storey, to which we added a threestorey pre-fab building to close off the University. Then we added a fourth storey to that. Fr. Frank Quinlivan, CSC Chief Editor, NDUB Bulletin Chief Patron Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick D. Gaffney, CSC Vice-Chancellor, NDUB Patron Dr.Fr.LeonardShankarRozario,CSC Registrar, NDUB Chief Editor Fr. Frank Quinlivan, CSC Editorial Board Fr. Thomas McDermott, CSC Habiba Akter Sandy Francis Peris Assistant Editor Cyril James Baptist Yeassin Saha Nawaj Salim Graphic Design Newton Mondol Yeassin Saha Nawaj Salim Photography Newton Mondol Sandy Francis Peris Published by Public Relations Office Notre Dame University Bangladesh Address G.P.O. box 7, 2/A Arambagh, Dhaka - 1000, Bangladesh Tel: +02-41070719, +02-41070720 Mobile: +880-1781910129 E-mail: [email protected] www.ndub.edu.bd Then we later built more classrooms over the interior open space. We turned what was open space at the side of the building into a beautiful garden and built a veranda in front of the building as a place to sit and talk and play. It was done piece by piece and was cramped but served us well for those years and it was “home” for our NDUB family. It grew as we grew, but we outgrew it. Now we have a beautiful new home. Our old home now seems so small in comparison. Will we grow more in the future? There are already plans for our future growth as we mature and develop as we must continue to do. We must thank God for bringing us this far away and blessing us. We must thank the people who have so generously helped us with the construction of this fine new building and their support of our projects and needs including our scholarship fund. As well as pause to look back on the last ten years and look forward to a promising future, we must also thank the administrations for guiding us through these years. We thank our loyal, generous, hardworking faculty and staff, who have always been so willing to go the extra mile. We need to thank our students, who motivate us and make us want to be always better. We have had ten years of peace and harmony, cooperation, and enthusiasm, which very few universities could match. So, forward we go with every reason to be very encouraged and hopeful. We have had and will have “The competence to see and the courage to act”. It is not just a motto but a way of being, thinking and acting for us. NDUB BULLETIN 1
Notre Dame Competence to See Courage to Act, Yes, all of us can say the same That's why we came to Notre Dame This is our effort, Will be our fame This is our goal, Will be our name This is our hope, This is our Aim Yes this clearly, Why we came That's why we came to Notre Dame Notre Dame Competence to See Courage to Act, Yes, all of us can say the same That's why we came to Notre Dame NDUB ANTHEM
In the Loving Memory of FR. JOSEPH S. PEIXOTTO, CSC (1933-2021) Former Treasurer In commemoration of the 10-year anniversary of Notre Dame University Bangladesh, we pay tribute to the remarkable life and legacy of Fr. Joseph S. Peixotto, CSC. NDUB BULLETIN 3
I am delighted to share a few words on the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Notre Dame University Bangladesh and the inauguration of the new building. I have witnessed the remarkable growth and impact of this university in our city and beyond. I have also seen the fruits of its commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, formation in human fraternity and social justice. Notre Dame University Bangladesh started its journey with hope and challenges to make a positive change in our society and we can say that the University is on its track towards the vision and mission. Despite being a tiny population, the Catholic Church in Bangladesh has had a significant influence, particularly through its educational system. All our educational institutions, either located in cities or in rural areas, either elementary, secondary, or higher secondary level, are accessible to everyone, for education in human values and human fraternity. As the sole Christian-sponsored institution in the nation, Notre Dame University Bangladesh started classes ten years ago after extensive planning. The idea was to bring something to the university level that has long been valued at the lower levels. In the face of the complex situation that we live, it is urgent that all concerned should sing together as a choir, journey together in common dialogue, move forward to the common goal with courage, initiative and creativity, and open to sharing with one another and to concern for the future. This new building will be a place of encounter, dialogue, and learning for students, faculty, and staff, as well as for the wider community. It will also be a place of love and respect, where we can deepen our human and spiritual relationships. I congratulate everyone who has contributed so much to come this far and I pray that God will bless this University and all who enter it. I also pray that God will continue to bless Notre Dame University Bangladesh as it looks forward to a bright future. MESSAGE Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC Archbishop Emeritus of Dhaka
To the administration, faculty, staff students, and alumni of the Notre Dame University of Bangladesh, Hearty Greetings and wishes at the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the foundation of the University, as also the occasion of the inauguration of its new Main Building. Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) has begun as a continuation and advancement of the Catholic Church's service in the field of Education in Bangladesh, toward upbuilding of the society and the land by providing excellent academic and general formations of its younger generation years on. Since its humble beginnings in 2013 by the Holy Cross Priests, NDUB is growing into a full-grown Institute of Higher Education with great zeal, discipline, and commitment on the part of the administration, faculty, and the student body, toward building leadership in every field of life. The University faithfully fulfills its 's vision statement, namely the "Formation of mind and heart for truth and for the fullness of life and living." I express my sincere prayers and wishes for the entire Family of the NDUB to the continuous fulfillment of those truly excellent values of life for many years to come. The new Main Building for the university is a testament to Notre Dame's vision of advancement of knowledge and innovation in the area of common good. The state-of-theArt facility will provide an inspiring environment for teaching, learning, and research that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time for human and spiritual excellence of life. The building will also foster interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and students from different departments and colleges, as well as with external partners from industry, government, and academia. As we celebrate this present milestone in Notre Dame University's history let us also give thanks to God for His abundant blessings upon this university and its community. Let us pray that He will continue to guide and protect Notre Dame as it strives to be a force for good in the world. And let us ask for the intercession of Our Lady, Notre Dame, who watches over us with maternal care. Thank you, Family of the Notre Dame University Bangladesh, and God bless you all for your continued committed presence and active and loving participation in every good thing at NDUB. Most Rev. Bejoy N. D' Cruze, OMI Archbishop of Dhaka MESSAGE
MESSAGE Dear and Respected Notre Dame University, Bangladesh Family Members, Cordial Greetings from the Holy Cross Generalate, Rome, Italy. I am very happy to know that you are celebrating the 10th founding anniversary of Notre Dame University, Bangladesh. I acknowledge your hard work for the last ten years. I realize very well, it was not a smooth journey for the last ten years to continue running the university. There were hardships, challenges, and difficulties but you continued your journey. COVID-19 affected you badly like all other educational institutions. Yet, you continued your journey with full enthusiasm. You continued your effort with zeal for the proper information, formation, and transformation of your students. You are assisting your students to HOPE for a better world. I express my heartfelt gratitude to you all. I very strongly believe; you have felt God’s providence on your way every moment. So, I thank God for His graces upon you in abundance. On behalf of Brother Paul Benardzeck, CSC the Superior General, and all General Council members; I congratulate you for your successful journey over the last ten years. May our good Lord continue showering His precious blessings upon you all. Brother Prodip Placid Gomes, CSC Second Assistant General Congregation of Holy Cross Rome, Italy
Greetings to all the members of our university community! Today marks a special day in the history of our institution. Not only are we celebrating the 10th anniversary of our university, but we are also inaugurating a new building that will enhance our academic excellence and innovation. I am honored and proud to be part of this celebration and inauguration as well as the chairman of the board of trustees of this prestigious university. I have witnessed the remarkable achievements and contributions of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni over the years. I have also seen the challenges and opportunities that we have faced and overcome together. As we look back on our past, we also look forward to our future. The new building that we are opening today is a testament to our vision and commitment to providing the best learning environment for our students and researchers. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology that will enable us to pursue cuttingedge research and education in various fields. I would like to thank everyone who made this project possible, especially our generous donors, partners, and supporters. I would also like to express my gratitude to the construction team, the architects, the engineers, and the staff who worked tirelessly to complete this building on time and within the budget. I invite you all to join me in celebrating this momentous occasion. Let us take pride in our achievements and continue to strive for excellence and innovation. Let us also remember our mission and values as a university that serves the public good and advances knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Thank you for your contribution and congratulations to us all! Dr. Fr. George Kamal Rozario, CSC Chairman MESSAGE NDUB Board of Trustees
While much of the admirable progress of NDUB has made since its founding in 2013 can be seen in the contrast between the original compact four-story building where everything began and the new seven-story building inaugurated in July 2023, a much more important observation looks at the development of university’s teachers and staff. The growth in their numbers from those first days has been steady and proportionate to the increase of students and the expansion of academic departments. But the improvement in the capacity of the teaching corps and the increased effectiveness of administrative units has been equally impressive. When NDUB began, its leadership had little if any significant experience in the management of a university. Virtually all of NDUB original decision-makers had come from Notre Dame College, including the acting Vice Chancellor, Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC who had long been the Principal of that institution. Needless to say, all of them had once been university students, some having acquired foreign degrees, but none of them had a doctorate or could point to prior employment in teaching or research at the tertiary level. In order to launch the university, they worked long and hard, however, to compensate for this lack of professional exposure, by seeking advice from all quarters and by establishing the rules procedures, and responsibilities that would conform to the norms established by the University Grants Commission and fixed in the Private University Act of 2010 which had defined, in some detail, the structure of personnel and lines of authority. As we celebrate this tenth anniversary with a combination of modesty and pride, we must recognize the largely unheralded transformation of NDUB’s loyal and dedicated teachers and staff into an increasingly competent and confident body. The credit for this impressive evolution must also be generously distributed although the ultimate source of the inspiration that nurtures this growth is not hard to find. NDUB was founded upon the faith, the ideals, and the convictions that are personified in the men and women who constitute the Congregation of Holy Cross with its long history of involvement in Bangladesh. But it is the communication of that vision, the sharing of the work with many others that brings about the essential cooperation and effectiveness that allows the university to thrive. The future development of NDUB will depend on several factors, some of which are beyond our control. The private university environment in Bangladesh is highly competitive with scores of institutions and a climate of aspiration that draws many of the most qualified teachers and others, to leave the country for jobs abroad. To that degree, a major priority for the university to advance in the years ahead requires the recruitment and the retention of an excellent teaching staff as the impetus for a vibrant culture of studentcentered learning. Creating such a place takes time, resources, and knowledge, but most of all, it demands a shared dedication to the work we do together. The marvelous things that have happened over the past ten years at NDUB are a tribute to its wonderful students, of course, but no less to those behind the scenes who work to continue to its upward progress. As we press ahead to face the challenges to come, looking behind with gratitude, we remember the second part of NDUB motto, “the courage to act,” and the well-known lines of the poet Robert Frost: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep!” MESSAGE Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick D. Gaffney, CSC Vice Chancellor Notre Dame University Bangladesh
On this momentous occasion, I am filled with boundless joy to be a part of the grand inauguration and blessing of the new NDUB building, and the celebration of the institution's 10th year anniversary. It is a time of great pride as we reflect on the remarkable journey of our beloved university, which was approved by the government on 29 April 2013 and embarked on its academic odyssey with 304 students on 4 December 2014. Today, as we stand before this magnificent edifice, housing the dreams and aspirations of countless students, we witness the culmination of a decade of dedication and unwavering commitment. The inauguration of this new building symbolizes our relentless pursuit of excellence in education and signifies the growth and progress that NDUB has achieved over the years. Since its inception, NDUB has been guided by the motto, “The Competence to See and the Courage to Act.” This motto encapsulates the essence of our educational philosophy, instilling in our students the power to envision a better world and the determination to transform their visions into reality. It is this motto that has propelled our graduates to become exceptional individuals who possess not only the skills and knowledge but also the vision and fortitude to shine in the world as inextinguishable lights and make differences in their own places. As we commemorate the 10th year anniversary of NDUB, we honor the perseverance and resilience of our students, faculty members, and staff who have been the driving force behind our success. Together, we have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities, shaping NDUB into a thriving institution known for its commitment to holistic education and compassionate leadership. This new building stands as a testament to our collective efforts and aspirations. It is a space where knowledge blossoms, ideas flourish, and creativity thrives. Let us remember the lessons of the past and carry forward the spirit of collaboration and unity and that “it is not one man alone who builds; nor is it one stone, or one single beam of wood which forms it.” Today we thank and express our gratefulness to our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for granting us the permission to begin our University, Dr. Gawhar Rizvi, Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino, the Apostolic Nuncio to Bangladesh, Barrister Shafique Ahmed—the former Law Minister, Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC, Fr. Frank Quinlivan, CSC, Fr. Joseph Peixotto, CSC, many government officials, our Advisors, collaborators, friends, donors, guardians and so on. It is your collective efforts that have propelled us to this milestone. May this new chapter in NDUB's history be marked by even greater achievements and transformative impact. Let us continue to nurture enlightened minds and compassionate hearts, as we uphold the values that define our university. Together, we will build a brighter future—a future where the competence to see and the courage to act will shape a world of limitless possibilities. MESSAGE Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC Treasurer Notre Dame University Bangladesh
MESSAGE Dear students, stakeholders, teaching and non-teaching staff, and all, On the occasion of the 10th year Anniversary of Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB), we are extremely happy to be a part of this “Mui Grande” celebration. It is a matter of pride to observe this milestone achievement of our beloved university, which was approved by the government and UGC on 29 April 2013. In the days ahead, we will focus on our future together. But for now, let us pause for a few minutes, and be present to each other and to this occasion and time in our history as a university. Let us be grateful and celebrate the path that was traveled to get us here and thank all who were part of the journey. It is, after all, why can be here today. A love of learning, a longing for discovery, a commitment to pursuing truth, and making the world a better place are the underpinnings of a great university. We find these in abundance here at Notre Dame University Bangladesh. During the past decade, we have spent much of our time learning about this exceptional place. We had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with hundreds of people. Warm, passionate, dedicated, hopeful, proud, pragmatic, imaginative, attentive, supportive, enthusiastic, and mission-focused people. We are walking in new directions, and asking a lot of questions, learning about aspirations, what people are proudest of, and what they are anxious about as we move forward together. Through this process, we have learned that, for a relatively young university, we are immensely proud of our roots and humble beginnings. We are resilient – enduring and growing through times of turmoil, threat, and challenges. And, we have an extraordinary capacity for renewal, reinventing ourselves and leaning into hurricane-like forces that reshape our landscape. We also learned that we are driven by a deep commitment to reach new heights. We are in the process of refreshing our strategic plan leading to a sustainable future for NDUB. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners are part of this important process. May we ask you to join us by lending your extraordinary talents in helping propel this great university forward, so that the chapters we write in our university’s story are as epic and inspiring as our rich and remarkable past. Thank you! Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, CSC Registrar Notre Dame University Bangladesh
This day of the inauguration of the intermediate building and the celebration of the 10th year of the establishment of Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) mark a milestone in its history. The inauguration of this new building symbolizes a new chapter in the history of NDUB. It represents the culmination of relentless efforts, unwavering dedication, and support of our visionary founders and the Congregation of Holy Cross. Their commitment to providing quality education has paved the way for NDUB to reach this remarkable stage of development. As we gather in this new administrative building, we are reminded of the humble beginnings of NDUB. It started in a small room at Notre Dame College, with a handful of individuals who believed in the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on society. Their pioneering spirit laid the foundation for what NDUB has become today. We must express our deepest gratitude to the Governing Body of Notre Dame College for their generous donation of 1.20 acres of land, which has allowed us to establish this beautiful campus. We are also indebted to the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh for their support and intervention. These acts of kindness and support have been instrumental in shaping NDUB into the esteemed institution it is today. Throughout the past decade, NDUB has faced numerous challenges and overcome them with determination and resilience. Our dedicated faculty members, staff, and students have embraced these challenges head-on, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and compassion within our institution. It is their collective efforts that have propelled NDUB to new heights, establishing it as a beacon of hope in the field of education. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our benefactors, well-wishers, and supporters. Their unwavering support has been crucial in shaping the success of NDUB. Our belief in our mission and commitment to education have been instrumental in realizing our vision of building the nation, instilling moral values, patriotism, and leadership in our students. Standing on the threshold of the next phase of NDUB's journey, we renew our commitment to excellence in education. With this new building as a symbol of progress, we are confident that NDUB will continue to thrive and play a vital role in shaping the future of our nation. Our motto, "The competence to see and the courage to act," will guide us as we navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to education, fostering a community that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates character, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility towards society. Together, we can continue to create a brighter future, where the graduates of NDUB will lead with integrity, knowledge, and the spirit of service. May the 10th-year anniversary of NDUB be an inspiring moment in our hearts to strive for excellence and to make a positive difference in the lives of all those come to NDUB. MESSAGE Fr. Lawrence N. Das, CSC Proctor Notre Dame University Bangladesh
1 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y
To that extend the milestone of ten years in operation that Notre Dame University Bangladesh has now reached is a mere blink of the eye in comparison with the near ageless scholarly institutions that we greatly admire. But during this relatively short period, those who study, teach, and work at NDUB in any capacity, have seen its emergence from a dream to a reality in a fashion that provides good reasons to celebrate. In fact, the humble occasion of this very small “jubilee” obliges us to pause for a moment to recognize how far we have come as well as to anticipate how far we have yet to go before we reach a plateau of secure progress. Several extraordinary factors played their part in the emergence of NDUB since it was chartered by the Bangladesh government in 2013. For instance, that was a time of explosive increase in the number of universities in the country. From that perspective, NDUB was part of a trend that reflected both a shift in demography and rapid economic development as the job market was crying out for skilled graduates. The life span of a human is often measured in terms of three generations. Normally, a full and ample life experience starts with childhood, passes through adulthood, and concludes with the golden years of a grandparent. A person moves through a cycle of family relationships in an arc where the beginning meets the end. But a university proceeds through time by an entirely different register of growth. It looks toward the future with little sense of boundary or return. Universities often take many decades to reach a proper sense of maturity while many successful institutions of higher education are still changing, expanding, developing, and thriving after many centuries. Indeed, some of the world’s oldest and most famous universities, like Oxford, Bologna, Salamanca, and Paris, all of which began almost a thousand years ago, continue to show unmistakable signs of vigor and youth. AFTER TEN YEARS AND MOVING PROF. DR. FR. PATRICK D. GAFFNEY, CSC AHEAD VICE CHANCELLOR, NDUB NDUB BULLETIN 13
Then the pattern of exponential increase returned when in 2012 alone sixteen (16) new private universities were opened. The pace hardly slowed down in 2013, with ten (10) more appearing, one of which was NDUB. In the University Grants Commission list, ordered by the date of their approval, NDUB holds number 69. Since that time, forty-three (43) more private universities have set up shop, bringing the present total to one hundred and twelve (112). Needless to say, this phenomenal explosion of higher education sites in the country points to a competitive market that has exposed the weaknesses of many contenders. Already some of these universities have lapsed into probation status with regard to their accreditation and many others are on the brink of collapse. Certainly, the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic added cogency to this sifting out of the wheat from the chaff, but many other challenges had to be met and overcome. Many of the problems faced by these universities find their cause in their original purpose. NDUB as a non-profit institution has dedicated to providing quality education at the lowest cost possible to balance its budget. From the start, following the tradition of Holy Cross inspired schools, NDUB has been committed to academic excellence as well as the formation of character through fostering a spirit of integral learning that includes social awareness, equality, global responsibility, and a commitment to justice. Combining attention to what is sometimes referred to as the mind and the heart, has prompted the encouragement of co-curricular activities as well as teaching techniques that emphasize personal as well as professional skill development. Although still in its early stages, NDUB seeks to cultivate fruitful international connections, including, eventually, faculty and student exchange programs, that provide exceptional opportunities for bringing advanced techniques and forward-looking ideas into the mainstream of our classrooms, clubs, and service projects. f course, the coincidence of this tenth anniversary with the completion of our new building is not entirely accidental, although these two events were not mapped as a pair in early planning sessions. Of course, from its first days, NDUB understood its location in its original four-story building as entirely temporary. An eagerness to begin operations, once the decision was made to start a university, led to a general willingness to endure these cramped quarters while the promise of a permanent building was never far from view. Waiting ten years before this expansion of space and facilities could be achieved was not wholly without its advantages, since, in retrospect, the compressed order of the old quarters instilled a level of necessary cooperation that undoubtedly benefited the evolution of NDUB’s family spirit. 14 NDUB BULLETIN
As developmental psychologists remind us, early childhood is a privileged time of exposure to formative experience and personality growth. Events and relationships that are central to that period of life will not be replicated or replaced later, even as they are adapted, channeled, reformed, combined, and modified through encounters with new or newly understood situations. In a sense, NDUB has now emerged from something like this early stage of infancy. Just as it is true that you must learn to walk before you can run, one might suggest that NDUB, in a curious accident of history, was at first obliged to be satisfied with a physical facility that fell a step or two below the high expectations of those who imagined a university as an enlarged and better appointed version of what they probably knew during their college years. By all means, this ideal of a spacious and embellished architectural structure that matches the vision of higher learning as a suitably inspiring building should be encouraged. The new building that we now occupy certainly meets the presumptions of a university campus more adequately than our first home. Clearly, we have much to be grateful for and we can express that gratitude by caring for our new home and taking advantage of many opportunities that the relocation makes possible. But the move into this refreshingly larger and more suitably designed building should not be allowed to dismiss certain old habits that belong to the confining space of NDUB’s origins. The lingering memory of that smaller space where we started that nourished a wholesome spirit of community, aspiration, and shared purpose is a rare gift that we bring with us and together can plant again with confidence. NDUB BULLETIN 15
IN THE TENTH YEAR OF NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY BANGLADESH It has been ten years since the Ministry of Education granted the Holy Cross Fathers in Bangladesh to establish Notre Dame University Bangladesh on 29 April 2013. On this auspicious occasion it is appropriate to explore the Holy Cross Fathers’ purpose of establishing a university, the process of obtaining government’s permission, the steps which were taken to eventually begin classes, and to look at some of the challenges that NDUB has gone through to complete this ten years’ journey. Some of the information that I have cited here came from Clancy (1853), and Gillespie & Peixotto (2001), and the rest comes from my own records and experiences as my direct involvement in the preliminary meetings and discussions about the university, and my active roles as the first Registrar and Head of the Dept. of English, in the BoT, Syndicate, Academic Council, Discipline Committee etc. Moreover, I was the coordinator of the second (2007-2008) of the past two evaluations that Notre Dame College had from where some inspirational suggestions arose for horizontal and vertical expansion of the Holy Cross Fathers’ efforts of rendering value-based education. FR. SUBASH ADAM PEREIRA, CSC TREASURER, NDUB 16 NDUB BULLETIN
Blessed Father Basil Anthony Moreau founded the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1837 with the intention of educating the minds and hearts of the people. The Priests, Brothers and Sisters of the Congregation of Holy Cross arrived in East Bengal in 1853. Since then, they have been involved in the education of this Mission area, East Bengal. The resolution of the Congregation of Holy Cross was to educate the people of the place wherever they work because this is one of the characteristics of the Catholic Church. In 1948, Pope Pius XII issued directives to all the heads of the local churches of the world to establish Catholic colleges and universities in their respective regions. Cardinal Fumasoni-Biondi of Rome, noticing their zeal for education, requested the Holy Cross Congregation to carry out the directives of the Pope, and to establish a Catholic college in the vast mission territory of East Bengal. According to Raymond Clancy (1853) even before the Pope’s directives, the Provincial Chapter of the Mission (1946) of Holy Cross had proposed the opening of a Catholic College in Dhaka as a new phase of the mission apostolate. In the meantime, Bishop Lawrence Graner, CSC who was working in Dhaka since 1928 was ordained Bishop of Dhaka in 1947. With an experience of working in Bangladesh (East Bengal) for about 19 years he realized the need for a college in Dhaka. As a zealous new bishop, Lawrence Graner directed the Holy Cross priests to establish a college. The Holy Cross Fathers thus founded St. Gregory’s College in Luximbazar in 1949, and their journey began on 3 November. As it began to grow, they transferred St. Gregory’s College to Motijheel in 1954 under the name Notre Dame College. The newly established College of the Holy Cross Fathers grew rapidly and soon became one of the best colleges in the country. In order to expedite the progress, to bring necessary reformation in the education systems, and to enhance accountability for outcomes, Notre Dame College was evaluated twice, once in 1991 and the second time in 2007-2008. Both evaluation reports suggested that the College could expand both horizontally and vertically. The Holy Cross Fathers’ Provincial Chapter 2009 discussed the recommendation of the evaluation teams and strongly recommended that the Provincial should make a study of the feasibility of establishing a university. The Provincial informed the bishops about the recommendation. On 21 April 2010, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Bangladesh (CBCB) called the superiors and key individuals of the three societies of Holy Cross—Priests, Brothers, and Sisters who were involved in the ministry of education, for a consultation meeting with the purpose of discussing the possibility of establishing a Catholic University in Bangladesh. With a clearer goal in mind, Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC and Bishop Theotonius Gomes, CSC went to meet with the UGC Chairman and collected an application form to apply for a new university. Bishop Theotonius wrote a letter to Fr. Frank Quinlivan, the Provincial of the Holy Cross Fathers, about the possibility of establishing a university. Fr. Frank replied to him saying that the Holy Cross Fathers would like to take leadership, but they NDUB BULLETIN 17
would need the help of others. Having decided to establish a university the Congregation of Holy Cross Fathers entrusted the responsibility to Father Benjamin Costa, CSC, the Principal of Notre Dame College of that time. Bro. Harold Bijoy Rodrigues, CSC had just completed his PhD degree and his dissertation was on the feasibility of a catholic university in Bangladesh. He concluded that the Catholic Church in Bangladesh was not yet ready for such a university. This further stimulated the university idea. In the meantime, the Bangladesh Catholic Education Board formed a five-member Task Force committee to study the feasibility of establishing a university in Bangladesh. This committee requested the Holy Cross Fathers to upgrade Notre Dame College to a university, but because of some practical problems, the Holy Cross Father disagreed with that proposal. They decided to keep the College as it was, but establish a separate entity, a private university, which would be called Notre Dame University Bangladesh. The Congregation of Holy Cross Priests’ Society will be the owner of it, but Holy Cross Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters will also work in it. Formation of Trust, Electing Council, and Board of Trustees By this time the idea of establishing a Catholic university became even more clear. Realizing the need for direct involvement of more people, Fr. Benjamin requested the Provincial to assign Fr. Subash Adam Pereira to assist Fr. Benjamin in the necessary discussions and keeping records. The Holy Cross Fathers formed a 21- member preparatory committee, composed of two bishops, some Holy Cross Priests, some major superiors of the religious congregations in Bangladesh including Holy Cross Brothers and Sisters, and a few lay persons— both Christian and Muslim. In 2011 this group of 21 people had a series of preparatory meetings. In the month of October of the same year Father Tom O’Hara, CSC, President of Christ the King College of the USA, came to visit Bangladesh. The Holy Cross Fathers had a meeting with him in which it was decided that at first an Electing Council will be formed consisting of eight CSC priests, and then a Trust named Notre Dame University Bangladesh Trust shall be formed. On 12 January 2012, the eight CSC Fathers met together and formed a Board of Trustees of fifteen members. Among them were eight CSC priests (Fr. Frank Quinlivan, CSC, Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC, Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC, Fr. Bakul S. Rozario, CSC, Fr. Hemanta P. Rozario, CSC, Fr. Lawrence N. Das, CSC, Fr. Thomas McDermott, CSC, Fr. James Shyamal Gomes, CSC), one Holy Cross Brother (Br. Binoy Gomes, CSC), one Holy Cross Sister (Sr. Pauline Gomes, CSC), one Catholic Bishop (Bp. Gervas Rozario), and four lay persons (Prof. Mahfuza Khanam, Mr. Firoj A. Akhter, Dr. Benedict Alo D’ Rozario, and Mrs. Ruby Imelda Gomes). These members had the first BoT meeting in Notre Dame College Principal’s office on 18 January 2012, which was chaired by Fr. Frank Quinlivan, CSC, and Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC was made the Minutes Secretary. The members of this meeting resolved, “We, the following, hereby agree to form a Trust on this day, 18th of January 2012, to be known as Notre Dame University Bangladesh Trust and establish Notre Dame University Bangladesh as a separate entity at the south end of the Notre Dame College property.” They felt the need to carry on rendering this value-based education up to the tertiary level. Submission of the Project Proposal, Goals, Objectives, NDUB Venue etc. The BoT’s second meeting was held after 9 months, on 17 October 2012, at the Provincial’s house, Banashree, Rampura. It was decided that the Provincial of Holy Cross Fathers will be the ex-officio chairman of the BoT. Accordingly, Fr. Frank Quinlivan, CSC was replaced by Fr. James Cruze, CSC (New Provincial). A decision as made in this meeting that NDUB’s Project Proposal for the permission of establishing Notre Dame University Bangladesh will be submitted to the Ministry of Education. Many other essential matters were discussed and decided in this meeting. Some of those were the aims, objectives, goals, monogram, and principles of the university, founding of the university on the 1.20 acres of land on the south end of NDC field donated by NDC Governing Body, sources of Taka five crore as reserve fund, preparing byelaws and registration of the Trust and the land, Syndicate members, the proposed VC panel, medium of instruction of the university, hiring teachers, admitting students and so on. Taka three crore for the reserve fund came from Fr. Frank’s patrimony, and the other two crore was borrowed from Notre Dame College. All this money was returned later. This meeting entrusted Fr. Benjamin Costa with the responsibility of registering the NDUB Trust and registering the land in the name of the University. According to the decision of the meeting Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC (Proposed VC), Fr. James Cruze, CSC (Chairman, BoT), and Prof. Mahfuza Khanam (BoT member) went to the Ministry to submit the Project Proposal on 25 October 2012. On the other 18 NDUB BULLETIN
hand, Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC (Proposed Registrar), and Mr. Arnish Ritchil (NDC office staff) went to the University Grants Commission to submit a copy of the Project Proposal on 30 October 2012. An MoU between NDUB and NDC had been signed by the Chairman (Provincial) of the Board of Trustees and the Chairman of GB NDC for the use of the existing facilities until the University has its own building constructed. However, that MoU could not be implemented. The third meeting of the BoT was held on 15 December 2012. After this meeting, Fr. Hemanto P. Rozario resigned from the BoT. Therefore, Fr. Frank replaced him from the 7th meeting (27 July 2013). A Formation NDUB Project The workload started to increase. Fr. Benjamin was made totally free from the College to open a separate office and work full-time for the proposed university. The Interfaith Library of NDC was made available for that purpose. Fr. Benjamin needed an office assistant. So, he hired Monika Mondal in January of 2013. In March came Fr. Amal A. Rozario, CSC, to work part-time to take care of the accounts. Ruben Lawrence Rozario joined in the month of June of the same year. At the request of Fr. Benjamin Costa, the Holy Cross Fathers assigned Fr. Anol Terence D'Costa, CSC (Office) part-time from August 2013 (full-time from January 2014), and the Holy Cross Sisters assigned Sr. Shagorica Gomes, CSC (Office). Silvana Trissa joined in November 2013 as Asst. Librarian and Charles Deal Gomes came in December 2013 to work in the Registrar’s office. Heny Norbert Gomes came in February to assist Fr. Amol Rozario to keep Accounts. Fr. Subash Adam Pereia started playing the role of Registrar from the beginning of the project. UGC’s First Inspection On 16 January 2013, a three-member team came from the UGC to inspect the preparation of NDUB for opening a new university. From NDUB side the following persons were present: Fr. James Cruze (Chairman), Fr. Benjamin Costa (Proposed VC), Fr. J. S. Peixotto (Proposed Treasurer), Fr. Subash Adam Pereira (Proposed Registrar), Fr. Frank Quinlivan (Founding Chairman), Prof. Mahfuza Khanam (BoT Member), Sr. Pauline Gomes (BoT Member), Dr. Benedict Alo D’Rozario (BoT Member), Fr. Hubert Palma (NDC Maintenance Director), Mr. Arnish Ritchil (NDC officer), Mr. Lal Soren (NDC Manager), Mr. Swapon Felix Corraya (PA to the NDC Principal), and Mr. Dominic Robi Baroi (NDC Librarian). NDUB BULLETIN 19
Approval of NDUB In the following week the UGC team submitted a favorable report to the Ministry of Education. In the meantime, Archbishop Joseph Salvador Marino, the Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador) to Bangladesh instructed us to meet with Dr. Gawhar Rizvi, Advisor to the Hon’ble Prime Minister, and act according to his advice. Dr. Gawhar Rizvi advised us to state in the letter that NDUB would start admissions on a small scale for the next academic session in July-August and start construction of the new building in January 2014. Accordingly, a letter was prepared and other necessary documents were gathered. Fr. Benjamin Costa and Fr. Adam went to the Ministry and met with the Education Secretary Dr. Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury on 24 March 2013 and submitted to him a letter and other documents. They gave the copy of the letter to Dr. Rizvi and to the Nuncio. Dr. Rizvi pursued the matter and assured us of the approval soon. Finally, the approval letter reached our hand on 29 April 2013 (শি ম/শা : ১৭/১০ এম-০৮/২০১১/৩২৩). This letter made all of us very delighted and zealous. We are grateful to our beloved Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who has granted us this permission through Dr. Gawhar Rizvi and Archbishop Marino to open a new university. The 1.20 acre of land which was donated to NDUB by GB of NDC was registered, being signed by Notre Dame College GB Chairman and the NDUB BoT Chairman on 1 April 2014. The necessary amount of fees needed for the registration, more than Taka five crore, was exempted by the Government of Bangladesh through the assistance of the Barrister Shafique Ahmed, the husband of BoT member Prof. Mahfuza Khanom and former Law Minister. First Treasurer Appointed by the Hon’ble President, Our Chancellor A university’s three appointments come from the Chancellor, the Hon’ble President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Accordingly, the appointment of Father Joseph Peixotto, CSC as Treasurer came on 5 May 2014. This appointment made the NDUB family delighted because this was an expression that the initiative taken by the CSC Fathers to take part in the country’s higher education was going to be supported by the government. The First Advisory Committee Meeting The Board of Trustees in its 7th meeting on 27 July 2013 decided to form an advisory committee consisting of distinguished alumni and scholars whose advice in running the university would be of great help. Fr. Benjamin was the convenor of organizing this committee. After the appropriate preparation and communication, a 20 NDUB BULLETIN
meeting of the proposed Advisory Committee was finally held at Moreau House, Rampura on 19 May 2014. In total 22 distinguished people were invited and 12 were present. Others expressed their inability to attend but promised to be present at future meetings. The Advisory Committee members expressed their views about running NDUB effectively. First Faculty Members The fifth meeting which was held on 16 March 2013 decided to publish an advertisement in the newspaper calling for applications from teacher candidates. In the twelfth meeting which was held on 5 April 2014, formed a teachers selection committee consisting of Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC, Mr. Firoze Akhtar, Prof. Mahfuza Khanam, Dr. Alo D’Rozario, Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, and Fr. David Burrell, CSC. The decision was also made to take all necessary measures to admit students. On 8th August an ad was published in the daily Shomokal and The Daily Star inviting teachers’ applications. Finally, the teacher selection written exam and interview took place on 20 September 2014. At the request of Fr. Benjamin Costa, Dhaka University’s AAMS Arefin Siddique sent 12 Subject Specialists to interview our new teachers. With their help the following eight interview boards were constituted—Marketing, Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics, English, Law, and Philosophy-Theology. Following twelve teachers were accepted in the first phase: (i) S. M. Firoj Mahmood (Marketing), (ii) Komol Gomes (Management), (iii) Nazma Akhter (Management), (iv) Ranet John Paul Gomes (Finance), (v) A Z M Niaz (Accounting), (vi) Md. Zahead Kamal (Accounting), (vii) Samirah Mustafa (Economics), (viii) Md. Imran Khan (English), (ix) Habiba Akter (English), (x) Tasnuva Sharmin (Law), (xi) Fr. David Burrell, CSC (Philosophy), (xii) Sr. Reba V D’ Costa, RNDM (Theology). To prepare them with NDUB spirit, a four-day training/workshop program was organized for these teachers over two weekends (Oct 24-25, and Oct 31-Nov 1). Training modules were prepared by Fr. David Burrell, CSC, Rev. Bos (Baptist pastor) and Prof. Abu Taher. Then as heads of the departments, the following were appointed: Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC, Associate Professor (Head, Dept. of English), Prof. Parimal Chandra Datta (Head, Dept. of Business Studies), Prof. Dr. Md. Azizur Rahman (Head, Dept. of Economics), Mr. Md. Abdul Goffur, Associate Professor (Head, Dept. of Law). The First Batch Students’ Admission In the seventh meeting of the BoT Fr. Lawrence Noresh Das, CSC was given the responsibility of Admission Coordinator. An announcement was published on the NDUB website and some newspapers for admission in four departments (Philosophy-Theology was omitted) and 405 applications were submitted for BBA, English, Economics and Law. The written tests and viva were held on 18 October 2014. In total 304 students were selected. There were five sections in BBA, and one section each in each of the other three departments. NDUB BULLETIN 21
Permission to Begin Classes A three-member UGC inspection team came on 25 Nov 2014 for the final inspection before giving us permission to start classes. Finally, they approved three faculties (Arts and Humanities, Business Studies, and Law), five departments (English, Philosophy, Business Administration, Economics, English, Philosophy, Law), and 11 programs (Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Bachelor of Business Administration, Executive Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration (1 yr.), Master of Business Administration (2 yrs.), Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Master of Arts in Economics, Master of Arts in Economics, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws) for NDUB and issued written permission on 3 December 2014. Students and guardians were awaiting the NDUB announcement to begin classes. They were informed over telephone on 3 December 2014 in the afternoon that an orientation program was going to be held on 4 December 2014. Accordingly, the Orientation program was held on 4 December (Thursday) and regular classes began on Sunday, 7 December 2014. The Chief Guest of the program was Archbishop Paulinus Costa. NDUB Absorbs All Project Personnel In October 2014 many other personnel were hired. When finally, teachers were appointed, students were admitted, and classes began, all the officers of the project were accepted by the newly founded University, being proposed by the Syndicate (Meeting #5, 29 November 2014) and approved by the BoT in its 17th meeting (6 December 2014). Formal blessing and inauguration This University, which was informally launched on 4 December 2014, needed an official inauguration and a formal blessing ceremony. Therefore, a special program was organized 23 December 2014 combining Christmas and thanksgiving get-together. Archbishop Patrick D’ Rozario, CSC was invited as the Chief Guest of this ceremony, and along with him was invited Fr. James Cruze CSC, Chairman, NDUB Trust. 22 NDUB BULLETIN
Beginning MBA & EMBA Programs In the 19th meeting of the BoT on 28 March 2015 it was decided that NDUB would begin MBA and EMBA programs. Accordingly, on 9 May 2015, a meeting was held with the following experienced professors from various universities: Prof. Dr. Durgadas Bhattacharjee, Prof. Shanti Narayan Ghosh, Prof. Dr. Parimal Chandra Datta, Prof. Dr. Abdul Awal Khan, and Prof. Dr. Tanbir Ahmed Chowdhury. It was decided that the MBA classes would be held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. As decided, the first MBA session began with 11 students in the third weekend of May 2015. Co-curricular Activities 1) The first annual sports As a part of the co-curricular activities of the university, the Annual Sports Day was held at the NDC field on 6 February 2016. Prof. Dr. Fakrul Alam, a Syndicate member, was the Chief Guest of that program. 2) Birth of six clubs In the 19th meeting of the BoT which was held on 28 March 2015 it was decided that following six clubs would be opened for the students of NDUB: Business Club, Drama and Film Club, Debating Club, English Club, Cultural Club, and Economics Club. After the necessary preparations including writing byelaws, appointing club moderator(s) and collection of membership, those six clubs were finally inaugurated on 6 February 2016, before the Annual Sports started. Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC was the first coordinator of the clubs. Opening of the Faculty of Science As decided by the BoT on 17 January 2015 to open a science faculty with a department of Computer Science and Engineering, the necessary computer and hardware labs were prepared under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Kaykobad, and Prof. Dr. Mahfuzul Islam of BUET. A letter of invitation was sent to the UGC on 14 March 2015 inviting them to come for inspection of our preparation and grant permission to open the CSE program at NDUB. The UGC sent an inspection team on 6 July 2015 and issued an approval letter on 24 August 2015. Faculty members for Math, Statistics, Computer Science, and EEE were hired after tests on 3 and 14 September 2015. A separate orientation program was held only for the CSE department on 15 September 2015. Mr. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP, Hon’ble State Minister, ICT Department of the Bangladesh Government, was the Chief Guest. CSE classes began on 16 September with 31 new students. Prof. Dr. Kaykobad was also present as a special guest. Appointment of the Vice Chancellor On 28 January 2017 the BoT in its 26th meeting decided to submit a panel of three persons for Vice Chancellor of NDUB with Dr. Fr. Patrick’s name first. Accordingly, Fr. Subash Adam Pereira as the Registrar submitted the panel to the Ministry of Education on 23 May 2017 and pursued the matter. Finally, the appointment letter for Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC was issued on 8 August 2017, and he officially joined the office on 21 August 2017. First Convocation Being proposed by the Academic Council on 21 January 2018 the Syndicate, in its 24th meeting on 28 April 2018, discussed the issue of the first convocation to be held in January 2019. The VC was given authority of requesting the Hon’ble Chancellor of a date and forming Steering Committee and other committees for beginning the appropriate preparation. The BoT approved it in its 32nd meeting on 7 April 2018. Gratefulness to Fr. Benjamin Costa The Holy Cross Fathers and the NDUB authorities tried very hard that Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC to be appointed as Vice Chancellor of NDUB. But for some practical reasons it was not possible. However, all are very grateful to him for working so hard to implement the challenging decision of the Holy Cross Fathers to establish Notre Dame University Bangladesh. An urgent meeting of the BoT was held on 20 August 2017 in which Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC handed over the responsibility of the Vice Chancellor to Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC. Automation of Library As discussed, and decided by the Syndicate’s 23rd meeting on 17 February 2018 and approved by the BoT in its 31st meeting on 24 February 2018, the NDUB Quinlivan Library was automated with the help of a librarian of the University of Dhaka. Two software systems, Koha and DSpace, were used for this automation. NDUB BULLETIN 23
Deaths in NDUB Family a) Accidental Death of Mehrab and Praptee A very sad day came to the life NDUB on 15 July 2018 when two of our beloved students—Ishrak-ul-Mehrab of Batch 2 then in 8th Trimester (ID #2-16120118) and Tanjeeba Binte Tanveer Praptee of 8th Batch then in 1st Trimester (ID # 18212001) accidentally sank into the Meghna River in Ashuganj. Their dead bodies were found and buried by their families. The NDUB family observed a special service of mourning and prayer on Tuesday, 17 July 2018. The parents and relatives of Praptee were present at the program. May God give them eternal rest in peace. b) Untimely Death of Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC After his retirement Fr. Benjamin Costa, CSC stayed at the residence on the campus, but gradually he fell sick. He was having a breathing problem. On 13 September he was admitted to the Square Hospitals. His condition was getting worse and had to be on life-support. By Air Ambulance Services he was taken to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. Fr. James Cruze, the Chairman of the BoT went with him. Fr. Benjamin’s situation did not improve even after more than 15 days on life-support. He was brought back to Dhaka and was admitted to a hospital where he expired on 13 October 2017. He was 75. There were special Masses for the peace of his departed soul at Mathis House on 13 Oct evening, and at Ramna Cathedral at 9:00am on 14 Oct. The Hon’ble Education Minister, Nurul Islam Nahid, MP came to Ramna Cathedral to pay homage to Fr. Benjamin Costa. Sudden presence of the Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, MP proclaimed the contribution that Fr. Benjamin made for the nation. The Funeral Mass was held at Tejgaon Church 1:00 pm and then the dead body was taken to Bhadun, Gazipur, and buried there on 14 October 2014. May God keep him in His bosom. On 16 October 2017 NDUB family had a special prayer service for the peace of soul of Fr. Benjamin Costa. c) Covid-19 Claimed the Life of Fr. Joseph Peixotto, CSC After his first four-year term Fr. Joseph Peixotto, CSC was appointed Treasurer for the second term on 10 April 2019. Unfortunately, he contracted Coronavirus in the first week of November 2020 and was admitted to Square Hospitals. He survived this serious disease, but he developed dementia, and gradually lost his memory. On Christmas day (25 December 2020) he fell on the ground while walking in the corridor, and he was hospitalized for the second time. This time he survived too but his health was weakening. Gradually he developed a breathing problem. He was brought back to his residence in Banashree, Rampura. On the 4 February 2021 he got up from his bed. After completing his toilet activities, he sat down on a chair while his nurse went to bring him breakfast. In the meantime, he died sitting in his chair. He was 87. Special Masses were offered for the repose of his departed soul at his residence in Banashree, second time at Mathis House, and third time at Ramna Cathedral on the 4 February. The dead body was kept exposed for prayer and homage at Ramna Cathedral. Next day, after a morning Mass at Ramna, the dead body was taken to Tejgaon Church for Funeral Mass. The dead body was then taken to Bhadun, Gazipur and buried there. 24 NDUB BULLETIN
V a cci n at i o n P ro g r a m T h a n k s t o t h e M i n i s t ry o f H e a l t h o f B a n g l a d e s h a l l t h e s t u d e n t s , fa c u l t y , a n d s t a ff o f N D U B w e r e ab l e t o r e c e iv e t h e fi r s t d o s e o f C o v i d - 1 9 v a c c i n e o n 3 1 O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1 a n d t h e s e c o n d d o s e o n 3 0 N o v e mb e r 2 0 2 1 o n o u r c a m p u s . We a r e g r a t e fu l t o a l l t h e c o n c e r n e d D i r e c t o r s a n d o ffi c e r s fo r t h i s s p e c i a l fav o u r fo r u s . M r . T h e o d o r e S o u r av P a l m a , a n E n g l i s h fa c u l t y p l ay e d a v e ry a c t iv e r o l e t o m a k e t h e p r o j e c t p o s s ib l e . N ew T re a s u re r At t h e d e a t h o f F r . P e i x o t t o , N D U B n e e d e d a T r e a s u r e r . F r . S ub a s h A d a m P e r e i r a , C S C w h o w a s t h e R e g i s t r a r s i n c e t h e i n c e p t i o n o f t h e U n iv e r s i t y , w a s a p p o i n t e d T r e a s u r e r o f N D U B b y t h e H o n ’ b l e P r e s i d e n t o f t h e P e o p l e ’ s R e p ub l i c o f B a n g l a d e s h a n d C h a n c e l l o r o f N D U B fo r a fo u r - y e a r t e r m . H e j o i n e d h i s n e w o ffi c e o n 1 2 D e c e mb e r 2 0 2 1 . F r . L e o n a r d S h a n k a r R o z a r i o , c s c , a s R e g i s t r a r - i n - C h a r g e , t o o k o v e r t h e R e g i s t r a r ’ s o ffi c e . D r . F r . P at ri ck D a n i e l G affn ey , C S C VC fo r t h e S e co n d T e rm T h e fi r s t t e r m o f F r . P a t r i c k ’ s Vi c e C h a n c e l l o r s h i p w a s o v e r o n 2 1 Au g u s t 2 0 2 1 . T h e B o T i n i t s 4 2 n d m e e t i n g o n 2 9 M ay 2 0 2 1 r e s o l v e d t o a p p l y t o t h e M i n i s t ry o f E d u c a t i o n fo r F r . P a t r i c k ’ s s e c o n d t e r m . T h e n e w p a n e l w a s s ub m i t t e d t o t h e M i n i s t ry o f E d u c a t i o n o n 2 4 N o v e mb e r 2 0 2 1 , b u t t h e l e t t e r o f a p p o i n t m e n t c a m e t o o u r h a n d o n 2 2 Au g u s t 2 0 2 2 , a n d h e j o i n e d a s V C fo r t h e s e c o n d t e r m o n 2 5 Au g u s t 2 0 2 2 . I n t e rm e di a ry B ui l di n g T h e S y n d i c a t e i n i t s 3 1 s t m e e t i n g o n 8 F e b r u a ry 2 0 2 0 s t r o n g l y r e c o m m e n d e d t o t h e B o T t h a t i t r e s o l v e s t o c o n s t r u c t a fiv e - fl o o r s t e e l s t r u c t u r e d b u i l d i n g o n t h e H o l y C r o s s p r o p e r t y a dj a c e n t t o M a t h i s H o u s e s o o n a n d m a k e n e c e s s a ry a r r a n g e m e n t s t o m o v e t h e u n iv e r s i t y a c t iv i t i e s t h e r e t o s t a r t t h e n e w b u i l d i n g ’ s c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r k a s s o o n a s p o s s ib l e . T h e B o T d i s c u s s e d t h i s m a t t e r t h o r o u g h l y i n i t s 3 8 t h m e e t i n g o n 2 9 F e b r u a ry a n d a p p r o v e d i t . B u t i n 2 0 2 1 t h e c o m m i t t e e d e c i d e d t o b u i l d a s e v e n - s t o r e y c o m p l e t e p u c c a b u i l d i n g . A c c o r d i n g l y , t h e c o n s t r u c t i o n w o r k o f t h i s b u i l d i n g fi n a l l y s t a r t e d i n O c t o b e r 2 0 2 1 a n d e n d e d i n J u n e 2 0 2 3 . C l a s s b e g a n i n t h e n e w b u i l d i n g o n 1 4 M ay 2 0 2 3 . R e fe r e n c e s : C l a n c y , R. C. T h e C o n g r e g a t i o n o f H o ly C r o s s i n E a s t B e n g a l , 1 8 5 3 – 1 9 5 3. T h re e P a rts w i t h a B ri efH i s to ry oft h e C h u rc h i n B e ng a l. Volume,1,1888-1927. Gillespie, C. P., & Peixotto, J. (2001). The Spirit of Notre Dame: A History of Notre Dame College, Dhaka 1949-2000. Dhaka: ProvincialHolyCross Fathers. [Google Scholar]. Timm, R. W. (Ed.). (2003).150 YearsofHolyCrossinEastBengal Mission. Congregation of Holy Cross. NDUB BULLETIN 2 5
NEVER DOUBT There is a scene in the popular Netflix series The Crown where the old Princess Alexandria is laying on her sick bed, talking to her brother, Lord Mountbatten, and listening as he bemoans the great changes overwhelming his country. The feeble Princess tells her younger brother: My dear Dickie, there was a moment in the past, sometime after I turned 70, when I came to realize that you and I are no longer participants in this society, we are merely observers, she said. As someone who turned 70 during the Covid years, I feel I have some understanding of that old lady. I have lived outside of my country of birth, the United States, for 36 years. Over that time in East Africa and South Asia, I witnessed the excitements of new governments and the tragedies of coups and revolutions, the beginnings of hope and the aftermath of violent conflicts. I tried to support the workers who marched for just wages and the women who struggled for equal opportunity. While watching racism, tribalism and nationalism divide our human family with greed and fear, I saw leaders make promises they would never keep and answer problems with solutions that showed nothing but a lack of imagination. And all too often, the African proverb – When two elephants fight, only the grass will suffer – was tragically true again and again. Just recently, I went back in the USA for personal medical issues and for the NDUB fundraising agenda. As I moved here and there, I became sadly aware of the growing divisions in that society and the loud resentments that can turn supporters of different political opinions into enemies of one another. Very few leaders seem to offer engaging new ideas. Many young people shake their heads and turn away from the same old men nobody wants as they prepare for another election and continue to dominate the media and limit the future. After many years spent in lands not my own, it seems I am not at home anywhere anymore. Both in the USA and in BD, I feel like I stand as an outsider, an observer. I have learned to stay quiet about certain issues of politics because I am not inside the common experiences of common people as I think I used to be. Like the old princess, I seem to be less of a participant and more of an observer. And that can make me sad. FR. THOMAS MCDERMOTT, CSC DIRECTOR, NDUB LANGUAGE CENTER 26 NDUB BULLETIN
Gratefully, in certain ways, NDUB is my best answer. Ten years ago, the government of Bangladesh accepted the by-laws of our university. Eight and a half years ago, I taught my first class at NDUB; the morning we opened our doors to our first students. On that first day, and often on the first day of each new term afterward, I wrote on the classroom whiteboard a favorite quote from the American Anthropologist, Margaret Meade – Never doubt the ability of a small group of committed citizens to change the world. Indeed, nothing else ever has. NDUB is a gathering place, a searching place, a training place, and a launching place… for small groups of committed citizens needed to change our world. This ideal can unite us and give us hope and make all our common efforts worthwhile. Over the last few years, this ideal has led hundreds of committed young people out into society with knowledge and critical analysis, with competence and courage enough to creatively engage the modern world and serve it with all that is necessary to advance the common good. That makes me grateful. May NDUB continue to educate and empower more committed citizens for the future so that, in the name of the All Mighty and All-Merciful, they might change the world, with deeper witness for justice, compassion, service, and peace in the years to come. Never doubt…that in our old age, that old Princess and I will be watching and praying for your success. NDUB BULLETIN 27
JANUARY - JUNE 2023
EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF GROWTH NDUB EXTENDS A HEARTY WELCOME TO FRESHERS READY TO CONQUER CORPORATE TRIALS On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, the orientation program for batch 24 was held at Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) with the call to develop ideals, quality education, and good citizenship with the firm conviction to evolve in corporate challenges. The University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, presided over the freshman reception. The former prof. of the English Department of Dhaka University, Kaiser Haq, was the chief guest at the reception. At this time, the Registrar of the university, Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, was also present. Moreover, various faculty members, administrative bodies, academics, staff members, and freshers with their parents were present in the NDUB open space. At the beginning of the ceremony, the University Vice-Chancellor and the Chief Guest hoisted the National and University flags while the students sang the national anthem. After that, the freshers and the guests were greeted with flowers. The Vice-Chancellor warmly congratulated the new students in his welcome address. He said, "Orientation is a platform to enlighten, inspire, and inform you as a student of NDUB. The university is a place to discover yourself. Here, you get four years to shape your future. I would request that you make proper use of these four years to help build your life, society, and a sustainable country." Following the Vice-Cahncellor's speech, a documentary on the university prepared by the Public Relations office was screened. The chief guest, Prof. Kaiser Haq, greeted and applauded all the students, saying, "The history of Notre Dame goes back a long time. My father was intricately involved in this tradition and education. I grew up listening to him share his thoughts about Notre Dame. I was a missionary school student. I am delighted to know that Notre Dame has started a university and is directly affiliated with the University of Notre Dame, Indiana. I am optimistic that Notre Dame University Bangladesh will make an exceptional contribution to research-based course curricula and higher education. I believe Notre Dame will implement this." All faculty members were introduced by the NDUB Registrar, Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, CSC. The Deputy Registrar of NDUB, Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, briefed the first-year students on the functions of the Registrar's Office. After that, Fr. Boniface NDUB BULLETIN 29
Tolentino, CSC, the deputy exam controller, discussed the exam office's activities. Fr. Thomas McDermott, CSC, the director of the NDUB Language Center, then explained the unique services and activities of the Center. The NDUB Assistant Accountant, Ms. Annie Gomez, gave a brief overview of the activities of the accounts office. Through a video presentation, the NDUB Proctor, Fr. Lawrence N. Das, CSC, outlined the university's student code of conduct. Fr. Nitto Ekka, CSC, the Assistant Registrar, also discussed club activities; student counselor Dr. Sr. Mary Henrietta Gomez, SMRA, emphasized the importance of counseling. Benjamin Laba Kampu, a BBA student, expressed his experience at the university with first-year students. Later on, Fatima Sultana Rafia, another student, highlighted the reasons, feelings, and expectations for choosing NDUB for higher education. The second segment of the orientation program featured engaging cultural programs delivered by the students. The Registrar finally concluded the event by thanking everyone. Notably, Notre Dame University Bangladesh started academic activities on its campus on December 4, 2014, after receiving approval from the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and UGC on April 29, 2013. Good luck to Notre Dame University Bangladesh. Let this school become the heart of higher education. May the campus be full of dear students. May the reputation of Notre Dame University Bangladesh spread across the world in higher education. Such is the expectation of all those associated with the university at the reception ceremony for the 24th batch of fresh students. 30 NDUB BULLETIN
NDUB Annual Sports 2023: A Day of Triumph, Fun, and Excitement! The annual Sports Competition-2023 of Notre Dame University Bangladesh was held in a grand manner. The head coach of the Bangladesh women's football team, Mr. Golam Rabbani Choton was the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the event held at the University premises in the capital on Saturday (February 18). On the other hand, the special guest was a member of the board of trustees of the university, Fr. Charles B. Gordon, CSC, and Treasurer Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC. Besides, the Deputy Registrar of the University, administrative officers-employees, faculty, and students were present at this event. The Annual Sports Competition-2023 began with the hoisting of the National Flag and University Flag along with the National Anthem. At the beginning of the sports competition, Nayem, a student of the English department of the university, circled the field with the torch. University teacher Vhokta Kumar Biswas conducted the recitation of the oath ceremony for the participants of the competition. After that, the chief guest and president announced the official opening of the sports competition by releasing pigeons and balloons. 250 students participated in a total of 22 events in the day-long sports competition. At the end of the day-long fun-filled competition, the winners were awarded attractive gifts, crests, books, medals, and certificates. David Tripura among the boys and Slagha Adhikary among the girls won the title of champions. The highlight of the awards ceremony was the raffle draw, in which a total of 20 lucky winners were awarded. Finally, Deputy Registrar Fr. Ashim Gonsalves, CSC thanked everyone for this beautiful event. This annual event was successfully completed under the supervision of Sr. Sagarika Gomes CSC of Notre Dame University's Students Affairs with the support of Mr. Vhokta Kumar Biswas and Mr. Stanley Pius Rozario and other teachers. NDUB BULLETIN 31
The 38th National Youth Day was held on February 19, 2023, with the participation of 530 young people from all over Bangladesh under the initiative of the Episcopal Commission for Youth. This year's Youth Day was organized in Shelabunia, Khulna. On the second day of the event, a timely session was held, featuring National award-winning entrepreneur and freelancer Subir Xavier Nokrek, who shared about the opportunities in freelancing. Jack Parves Rozario also shared his experience regarding BCS Cadre. Following this, a team from Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) gave a presentation on how young people can make better decisions and prepare themselves for their careers. The team also highlighted the scope and support for better academics and careers for the young generation. The NDUB team, led by deputy registrar Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves CSC, presented the session from the public relations office by Mr. Sandy Francis Peris and Newton Mondol. Two current students of NDUB also shared their experiences during this session. The NDUB team offered the participants all kinds of possible support for their betterment and asked them to keep in touch for more opportunities. In the end, Fr. Bikash James Rebeiro, CSC, concluded the session with a vote of thanks to the speakers. The 38th National Youth Day was a successful event that provided young people with valuable career ideas and support. The Episcopal Commission for Youth is committed to organizing more events like this in the future. EMPOWERING YOUTH: 38TH NATIONAL YOUTH DAY UNVEILS PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEIN BANGLADESH Success is not a destination, but a journey that requires hard work and determination. 32 NDUB BULLETIN
Language Martyr's Day and International Mother Language Day were solemnly observed at Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB). The event took place on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 8 am on the university premises. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Father Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, along with the Chief Guest, former Vice-Chancellor of National University Professor Durgadas Bhattacharya, as well as teachers, staff, and students, gathered to pay their respects at the University's Shaheed Minar. Dean of Faculty Prof. Dr. Aloke Kumar Chakraborty, Deputy Registrar Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, Proctor Fr. Lawrence Noresh Das, CSC, and the Heads of the respective Departments were also present at the ceremony. During the ceremony, wreaths were laid, and the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Guest hoisted the national flag at half-mast while also raising a black flag. Following the ceremony, a discussion meeting was held to commemorate Language Martyr's Day and International Mother Language Day. The Vice-Chancellor, Chief Guest, and Dean Dr. Professor Aloke Kumar Chakraborty delivered speeches during the event. The cultural program included performances by university students, such as patriotic songs, poetry recitations, skits, and dances. As a conclusion, awards were presented to the winners of the painting, patriotic song, and poetry recitation competitions held in honor of the occasion. Remembering Our Language Martyrs: A Day of Solemnity and Cultural Celebration at NDUB NDUB BULLETIN 33
B ATT L E O N T H E PI T C H ND UB I n te r - D ep a r tm e n ta l C r i c k e t To u r n a m e n t C r o w n s E ng l i s h D ep a r tm e n t a s C h a mp i o n s N o t r e D a m e U n iv e r s i t y B a n g l a d e s h ( N D U B ) o r g a n i z e d a n i n t e r - d e p a r t m e n t a l c r i c k e t t o u r n a m e n t fr o m F e b r u a ry 2 4 t h t o 2 5 t h , 2 0 2 3 . T h e E n g l i s h , L aw , B u s i n e s s , a n d C S E d e p a r t m e n t s o f t h e u n iv e r s i t y p a r t i c i p a t e d i n t h e t o u r n a m e n t . T h e t e a m s c o m p e t e d i n a l e a g u e s y s t e m , a n d b a s e d o n t h e h i g h e s t p o i n t s e a r n e d , t h e E n g l i s h a n d B u s i n e s s d e p a r t m e n t s q u a l i fi e d fo r t h e fi n a l m a t c h . E v e n t u a l l y , t h e E n g l i s h d e p a r t m e n t e m e r g e d v i c t o r i o u s , d e fe a t i n g t h e b u s i n e s s d e p a r t m e n t b y 3 w i c k e t s t o b e c o m e t h e c h a m p i o n s . S e v e r a l n o t ab l e i n d iv i d u a l s w e r e p r e s e n t d u r i n g t h e e v e n t , i n c l u d i n g F r . A s h i m T h e o t o n i u s G o n s a l v e s , C S C , t h e D e p u t y R e g i s t r a r o f t h e U n iv e r s i t y , S r . S h a g o r i c a M a r i a G o m e s , C S C , t h e A s s i s t a n t D i r e c t o r o f S t u d e n t A ffa i r s , P r o fe s s o r G o l a m S a rw a r C h o w d h u ry , t h e C h a i r m a n o f t h e E n g l i s h D e p a r t m e n t , A s s i s t a n t P r o fe s s o r o f t h e d e p a r t m e n t o f C S E a n d t h e T o u r n a m e n t C o o r d i n a t o r S t a n l e y P i u s R o z a r i o , t e a m m a n a g e r s , a n d o t h e r t e a c h e r s a n d o ffi c e r s fr o m t h e U n iv e r s i t y . At t h e c o n c l u s i o n o f t h e t o u r n a m e n t , T o u r n a m e n t C o o r d i n a t o r S t a n l e y R o z a r i o e x p r e s s e d h i s g r a t i t u d e t o e v e ry o n e fo r t h e i r a c t iv e p a r t i c i p a t i o n a n d e x t e n d e d h i s h o p e fo r m o r e s u c h e v e n t s i n t h e fu t u r e , e m p h a s i z i n g t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f c o o p e r a t i o n fr o m a l l . 3 4 N D U B B U L L E TIN
In today's era, university education incorporates outcome-based education (OBE) as a means to ensure quality and equip students with the necessary skills forthe job market. OBE is a student-centered approach to teaching and learning that involves setting goals for course delivery and evaluations. It focuses on utilizing both direct and indirect assessments to continually monitor students' performance. On March 1st, 2023, Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) organized a training session on Assessment under the Outcome Based Education (OBE) Framework. The training was attended by a total of 80 participants. The Keynote Speaker for the event was Dr. Md. Ahsan Habib, Professor at the Institute of Education and Research, University of Dhaka, and the Presider was Dr. Fr. Patrick D. Gaffney CSC, Vice-Chancellor of Notre DameUniversity Bangladesh. During the training, Dr. Habib emphasized that the implementation of OBE in universities will bring about significant improvements in the quality of education received by students, while also ensuring a skilled workforce forthe nation. He also discussed various types of assessment practices for different purposes. Furthermore, the faculty members and staff engaged in fruitful discussions with Dr. Habib regarding various issues and aspects of the OBE curriculum at the university. At the end of the event, Prof. Dr. Aloke Kumar Chakraborty, the Dean, extended a vote of thanks to the keynote speaker and participants for making the training successful, and he expressed NDUB's commitment to regularly organizing similar training sessions forthe professional development of faculty members and staff. EXPLORING OUTCOME-BASED EDUCATION AT NDUB Fostering Quality and Skills: NDUB BULLETIN 35
A PICNIC TO REMEMBER IN KHULNA DIVISION UNFORGETTABLE ESCAPADE The administrative staff had a delightful annual picnic from March 3rd to 4th, 2023. This year, they chose Khulna Division as their picnic destination, and after the long wait due to the Covid pandemic, everyone was excited about this much-anticipated event. A total of 68 staff members joined in on the fun and adventure. On the morning of March 3rd, the picnic team embarked on their journey to the Baniarchar Catholic Church, where they enjoyed a delicious breakfast. They explored the beautiful church and, its surroundings, warmly welcomed by the Parish priest. During their visit, they also paid their respects at the graveyard of 10 people who tragically lost their lives in a bomb attack in the church back on June 3, 2001. Following their time at the church, the team proceeded to the mausoleum of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, located in Tungipara. The Honorable ViceChancellor Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick D. Gaffney, CSC, Prof. Dr. Fr. Charles B. Gordon, CSC, Deputy 36 NDUB BULLETIN
Registrar Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, and other high officials and staff paid their respects at the mausoleum, reflecting on the immense contributions of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Additionally, the team explored nearby places such as the library and Sheikh Mujib's residence. Next, the team embarked on a journey to the sixty-dome mosque in Bagerhat, a popular tourist destination in Khulna Division. They marveled at the mosque's architectural splendor and took in the serene ambiance of the large pond adjacent to it. After a brief visit to the surrounding area, the picnic team proceeded to the Caritas regional office of Khulna, where they enjoyed a delicious lunch. In the evening, the team visited the Khulna Bishop House, where they had the pleasure of meeting Bishop Romen Boiragi, DD. They also took on the opportunity to visit the nearby hospital, 'Bichitra,' which received support from volunteer doctors hailing from foreign countries. Upon returning from their visit, the team savored a delectable dinner featuring local traditional cuisine known as 'Chuijhall.' Following the dinner, they organized a cultural program, with Fr. Thomas McDermott, CSC, leading a lively game of BINGO for everyone's enjoyment. The second day of the picnic began with a morning mass before the team embarked on their journey to Mongla, right after breakfast. Upon arrival, they boarded a boat and headed to Karamjol, a part of the Sundarbans. The boat ride, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, added an element of excitement to the picnic. The team spent nearly two hours at Karamjol, immersing themselves in the mesmerizing natural environment and observing the diverse wildlife of the Sundarbans forest. After a truly remarkable experience, the picnic team made their way to St. Paul's Catholic Church. The parish priest warmly welcomed everyone and treated them to delicious food. NDUB BULLETIN 37
REVITALIZING JOURNEYS Rediscovering Adventures and Camaraderie on NDUB Study Tours Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, after three years, NDUB has eagerly organized four enchanting study tours for their students, faculty members, and esteemed guests. Each department chose a different location for its tour, creating diverse experiences for the participants. These excursions not only provide valuable educational opportunities but also immerse them in the captivating realm of travel aesthetics, allowing them to witness the world's beauty firsthand. 38 NDUB BULLETIN
The Department of Business Administration embarked on its annual Study Tour-2023, taking place at Shaira Garden Resort in Narayanganj on March 2, 2023. The journey started early in the morning as buses departed from the campus, providing a scenic route for the attendees. Breakfast was served during the trip, energizing everyone for the day ahead. Upon arrival at the resort, students, faculty, and guests were allocated separate rooms and were free to explore the picturesque surroundings. The resort offered a pool, and students took full advantage of it, having fun and creating lasting memories. After a delectable buffet lunch, some students relaxed in the natural beauty of the resort, while others eagerly explored the site. The highlight of the day was the cultural program, which commenced with individual and group performances by students. The day concluded with evening snacks before the buses transported everyone back to the campus. On February 22, 2023, Rajendra Eco Resort Limited was selected as the Department of CSE's destination. The journey began early in the morning, and upon reaching the venue, a delightful breakfast awaited the participants. The students eagerly explored the resort, engaging in various activities such as playing football and cricket, and enjoying the swimming pool. A satisfying lunch was served, followed by a cultural program that brought even more joy to the picnic. Memorable moments were captured through group photos, and the picnic concluded with great joy and satisfaction as the students returned to the campus. On March 2, 2023, the Department of English set out to the captivating CCULB Resort and Convention Hall nestled in the serene Kuchilabari of Gazipur district. The tour aimed to foster closer bonds among students, provide them with new experiences, and offer a break from their regular classrooms. Accompanied by the faculty members, over one hundred and sixty students explored the resort's facilities. Prior to a buffet lunch, everyone enjoyed the pool and the rhythm of the music. The open space of the resort became the stage for a cultural program, featuring dances, songs, acting, and recitation by both students and faculty members. The tour provided a unique experience for all involved. NDUB BULLETIN 39
The Department of Law organized its Annual Study Tour on March 6, 2023, heading to Rajendra Eco Resort Ltd. in Gazipur. Led by the Convenor and CoConvenor, along with the support of faculty members and students, the event was a resounding success. The buses departed from the campus, and upon arrival, a delicious breakfast awaited the participants. The students were divided into groups and enthusiastically explored the venue, with some engaging in sports activities like football and swimming in the pool. After an enjoyable morning, a hearty lunch was served, followed by more sports events like hari vanga, pillow game, and Dori taan, which added to the fun-filled atmosphere of the picnic. A cultural program was arranged as well, showcasing the talents of the students through singing and dancing performances. The day ended with immense joy and amusement as the participants returned to the campus, making the Department of Law's study tour a truly remarkable event. Throughout the tours, the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie was palpable, evident in the group photos taken to immortalize the cherished moments. The dedicated efforts of faculty members, organizers, and coordinators ensured the smooth execution of these study tours, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved. As the buses returned to the campus, carrying the students, faculty members, and guests back from their memorable journeys, there was a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in the air. The study tours had achieved their intended purpose of creating an environment conducive to learning, bonding, and rejuvenation. These tours stand as a testament to the power of travel aesthetics, reminding us of the transformative potential of venturing beyond familiar walls and exploring the world around us. The study tours of Notre Dame University Bangladesh will be etched in the hearts and minds of all who participated, serving as a cherished chapter in their academic and personal journeys. With the success of these study tours, the departments of Notre Dame University Bangladesh have set a precedent for future endeavors, inspiring a new generation of students to embrace the wonders of travel and the enriching experiences it brings. 40 NDUB BULLETIN
A team from the Holy Cross General Administration visited Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) on March 6, 2023. The team members included Vicar General and First General Assistant Fr. Emmanuel Kallarackal, C.S.C., Third General Assistant Fr. Andrew Gawrych, C.S.C., and Fourth General Assistant Br. Bertrand Nee Wayoe, C.S.C. Upon their arrival, the Administration Team was warmly welcomed by NDUB's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, Treasurer Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC, Registrar Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, CSC, Deputy Registrar Fr. Ashim Gonsalves, CSC, Fr. Thomas McDermott, CSC, Director of the Language Center, and other university officials. The team engaged in a comprehensive discussion with the university's management, covering various aspects of the institution. During this discussion, the management shared insights into the university's challenges, achievements, and future plans. Following the productive discussion, the team visited the nearly completed new building of the university. They also had the opportunity to interact with students and other administrative staff. Concluding the visit, the Registrar expressed gratitude to the team for their inspiring presence, and the Vice-Chancellor presented the team with an NDUB souvenir as a token of appreciation and goodwill. A REVERED VISIT Holy Cross General Administration Explores the Horizon of NDUB NDUB BULLETIN 41
MARCHING THROUGH HISTORY A discussion meeting was held at Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) in commemoration of the historic speech delivered by the revered Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 7th March 2023. The event took place in the open space of NDUB and commenced with the national anthem. During this time, the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of NDUB, Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, and Treasurer Fr. Subas Adam Pereira, CSC, hoisted the national flag and the NDUB flag. In honor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Registrar Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, CSC, lit a candle. Dr. Fr. Patrick, the Vice-Chancellor, extended a warm welcome to all attendees, emphasizing that the goal is to build the dream country envisioned by Bangabandhu. He expressed confidence that, with our dedication to the nation and humanity, we will ultimately succeed. As part of the program, the projector displayed a video of COMMEMORATING BANGABANDHU'S HISTORIC SPEECH AT NDUB Bangabandhu's historic speech from 7th March. Subsequently, the main speaker of the discussion meeting, Fr. Boniface Tolentino, CSC, elaborated on the significance of the day, emphasizing the speech's profound impact on the Bengali nation during the Liberation War. Concluding the event, Registrar Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario expressed gratitude to all participants for their active involvement. 42 NDUB BULLETIN
Orientation holds significant importance for new employees in any organization. As a customary practice of the Human Resource department at Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB), a day-long orientation program was organized on March 17, 2023, at the Holy Cross Pastoral and Retreat Center in Pubail, Gazipur. The theme of the orientation program was "The Competence to See and the Courage to Act." A total of 20 new faculty members and administrative staff participated in the event. The Honorable Vice-Chancellor of NDUB, Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, warmly welcomed everyone to the orientation program. He emphasized the strong connections we have within the university community, highlighting that each individual is supported by others. This collective approach fosters a sense of responsibility towards working for the benefit of others, rather than solely for ourselves. He described the culture at NDUB as one that emphasizes helping others while fulfilling our own responsibilities. EMBARKINGON AJOURNEYOFUNITYANDPURPOSE NDUB'sInspiring Orientation Program ForNew Faculty Members & Administrative Staf NDUB BULLETIN 43
Following the welcome address, the deputy exam controller, Fr. Boniface Tolentino, CSC, provided insights into the history and mission of the Holy Cross Congregation. He acknowledged the arduous and lengthy journey undertaken by the Holy Cross Congregation to reach its current state. He mentioned that the decision of the Holy Cross Fathers to come to Bengal and work here was initially met with skepticism by many. Subsequently, the Registrar, Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, CSC, delved into the philosophy of the Holy Cross congregation and the transformative process it entails. He emphasized that our efforts extend beyond mere physical work; we strive to combine our intellectual capacities with compassionate hearts to achieve excellence. To conclude the program, he facilitated a discussion session where participants shared at least one thing they had learned from the event. In the closing remarks, the Human Resource Director, Mr. Dominic Dilu Peris, expressed gratitude to all the participants for their active involvement. He emphasized the importance of fostering a familial atmosphere and encouraged everyone to support one another. After the program, the group visited center for Holy Cross Family Ministries Bangladesh, Tumilia parish, and Nagori parish on their way back to Dhaka. 44 NDUB BULLETIN
On the occasion of Independence Day and the 103rd birthday of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Notre Dame University Bangladesh organized a discussion meeting on March 28 at 2:30 PM at the university premises. Renowned journalist, novelist, dramatist, and columnist, Mr. Anisul Haque, graced the event as the chief guest. The ceremony was presided over by the University's ViceChancellor, Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC. The event commenced with the national anthem and the hoisting of the national flag. Subsequently, the Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer Fr. Adam S. Pereira, CSC, Registrar Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, Chief Guest, and Professor Dr. Father Charles B. Gordon, CSC paid tribute by laying wreaths and lighting lamps at Bangabandhu's portrait. A moment of silence was then observed by everyone to honor the martyrs of the War of independence, express wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh, and remember the deceased members of Bangabandhu's family. In his welcome speech, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the importance of standing against tyranny and lawlessness as conscious citizens of the country and encouraged everyone to follow the path shown by Bangabandhu by increasing the emphasis on education for the betterment of the nation. One of the university students highlighted the significance of Independence Day and discussed various aspects of the occasion. The chief guest stressed the importance of celebrating sports, clubs, organizations, and national days while focusing on studies, as this contributes to individual development alongside the progress of the country and the nation. He urged everyone to give their best in whatever they are engaged in. Additionally, he posed several questions to those present and gifted his books to the winners. University students recited poems and performed music during the event. Finally, the Registrar of the university, Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, CSC, expressed gratitude to everyone for their contributions in making the event successful. REMEMBERING BANGABANDHU Celebrating Independence Day with Notre Dame University Bangladesh NDUB BULLETIN 45
Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) enthusiastically celebrated the arrival of 'Pahela Boishakh 1430' on April 14, 2023, within the vibrant confines of its campus. The festivities commenced with the reverent hoisting of both the National Flag and the University Flag, accompanied by the resounding notes of the National Anthem. Esteemed guests in attendance included Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, CSC, the Registrar; Prof. Dr. Fr. Chales B. Gordon; Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, the Deputy Registrar; and Dr. Aloke Kumar Chokroborty, the Dean. Faculty members, staff, and students of NDUB alike eagerly joined the jubilant celebration. The Registrar of NDUB extended a warm welcome to all in his opening speech. Following this, the Dean, accompanied by the Deputy Registrar, illuminated a symbolic candle, invoking a spirit of goodness and prosperity for the forthcoming year. A group of students then presented new year badges to everyone present, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity. Dr. Jamir Hossain, an Associate Professor, delivered a captivating speech, shedding light on the historical significance of the Bengali New Year within the rich tapestry of Bengali culture. He eloquently emphasized its deep-rooted traditions and invaluable contributions to the cultural heritage of Bengal. NDUB's Vibrant Celebration of Pahela Boishakh 1430 The NDUB Cultural Club assumed a pivotal role in the event, presenting a mesmerizing solo dance performance themed around Pohela Boishakhi. Aditi Sarker, a talented English student and member of the club, captivated the audience with her graceful and elegant movements, effortlessly capturing the essence of the festival. Her exceptional performance left the spectators spellbound, ensnared by the allure of her artistry. Concluding the festivities, Deputy Registrar Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizing committee and the distinguished guests for their invaluable contributions in making the celebration a resounding success. To immortalize the occasion, participants and guests partook in joyful photoshoots, ensuring that the day would remain etched in their memories forever. The Student Affairs Office of NDUB effectively orchestrated the event, ensuring its seamless execution and creating a memorable experience for all in attendance. 46 NDUB BULLETIN
WORKSHOP ON ESSENTIALS OF MOOTING & PREPARING MOOTING MEMORIAL The NDUB Law Club under the Department of Law, Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) has organized a Workshop on Essentials of Mooting & Preparing Mooting Memorial on 9th May 2023. The Keynote Speaker of this program was Ms. Sal Sabil Chowdhury who obtained LLB (Hon’s) and LLM degrees from the Faculty of Law, University of Dhaka, and currently serving as an Assistant Counsel at the Bangladesh International Arbitration Centre (BIAC). Ms. Chowdhury is a former mooter with an enormous passion for moot court competitions, having won three championships, six best mooter awards, and six best memorial awards. She has been actively involved in different moot court competitions as a participant, volunteer, ambassador, facilitator, organizer, memorial evaluator, and judge. The Hon’ble Vice Chancellor in Charge and Treasurer of the NDUB Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC delivered the opening speech of the program emphasizing the significance of mooting for the law students. Sister Shagorica Maria Gomes, CSC, Assistant Director of the Student Affairs Department of NDUB, was also present at the program and coordinated to arrange the program very successfully. Moreover, Advocate Shadika Haque Monia, Lecturer in Law and Moderator of the NDUB Law Club, and Advocate Arif Ahmed, Assistant Professor and Co-Moderator of the NDUB Law Club, have supervised and guided the students of the Department of Law to organize the program in a meaningful way. Other faculty members of the Department of Law of NDUB adorned the program with their kind presence. The students of the LLB (Hon’s) program from different batches of the Department of Law of NDUB were the key participants of this workshop program the primary objective of which was to facilitate the students to establish a good overview on mooting through developing their legal skills. Since mooting skills help law students in understanding, thinking, analyzing, and inculcating the capacity to argue submissively before the judges, this workshop has taught them how to work under pressure with the goal to have a productive output. Moreover, through this program, our students got a clear idea about the essentials of mooting skills, preparing mooting memorials, and the methods of arguments in different national and international moot court competitions. NDUB BULLETIN 47
Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) has always been committed to providing students with excellent facilities for their academic and personal development. With this goal in mind, NDUB has constructed a magnificent seven-story building, ushering in a new era for the institution. On May 14, 2023, the university inaugurated the new building with a special prayer session held in the brand-new auditorium. The event commenced with the national anthem, accompanied by a momentous occasion: the hoisting of both the national flag and the NDUB flag by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of NDUB, Prof. Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Dr. Fr. George Kamal Rozario, CSC. As a symbolic gesture representing the auspiciousness of this new journey, they proceeded to light a candle. Following this, the deputy exam controller, Fr. Boniface Tolentino, CSC, led the prayer session, expressing gratitude to the Almighty for the blessings bestowed upon NDUB. The BOT Chairman then extended a warm welcome to all attendees, expressing great hope that the new building's enhanced facilities would elevate the overall performance and quality of NDUB. His words resonated with optimism and anticipation for the positive changes that lay ahead. A BEACON OF PROGRESS Notre Dame University Bangladesh Internally Inaugurates its New Building As the proceedings drew to a close, Dr. Fr. Leonard Shankar Rozario, CSC, the esteemed Registrar, took a moment to express his sincere gratitude. With deep emotion, he extended heartfelt appreciation to all those who had unwaveringly supported the construction of the new building. Dr. Fr. Rozario conveyed the university's profound gratitude to those exceptional individuals whose unwavering dedication paved the way for the successful completion of this remarkable project. Their unwavering commitment and selfless service will forever be cherished by the entire Notre Dame University Bangladesh community. With the internal inauguration of this new building, NDUB embarks on a new chapter, poised to provide an even more conducive environment for learning and growth, fostering the academic and personal development of its students. 48 NDUB BULLETIN