SLASS Research Symposia ( June Session 2026) at Department of English
On June 25, 2026, SLASS Research Symposia convened a roundtable discussion on the Challenges and Benefits of Implementing OBE Curriculum. The session was moderated by Ms. Rifat Tasnim, Assistant Professor, Department of English, SLASS, CIU. The faculty members shared their first-hand experiences regarding their transition to the OBE model. Their insights highlighted a mix of pedagogical challenges and the necessary systemic adjustments required by the administration. The session concluded successfully, leaving the participants with some critical questions to implement OBE Curriculum effectively.
Flim Festival at Department of English
The CIU English Club successfully organized its highly anticipated Film Festival, marking a day of cinematic excellence, academic celebration, and institutional gratitude. The day-long event featured the exclusive silver-screen premieres of Bonolota Express, Obsession, and My Oxford Year.
Beyond the screenings, the club presented honorary crests for leadership and excellence to dedicated non-executive volunteers, Nujhat Jahan Atushi, Md. Mizan Chowdhury, Saquibul Huda Chowdhury, and Shajib Dhar, in recognition of their relentless contributions. Additionally, a formal farewell was extended to former executive members Md. Akibur Rahman Chowdhury, Shahana Meher, Srabonti Hasan Borsha, and Abdullah Mohammad Turjo, honoring their contribution, dedication, and leadership.
The memorable day concluded with a vibrant cultural dance performance by students from the Department of English. The entire program was executed flawlessly, and the club extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event a grand success.
English Fest at the Department of English of CIU
The Department of English of Chittagong Independent University organized the vibrant ‘CIU English Fest’ from May 15 to 17, 2026. The three-day celebration brought together young talents from across the city through an exciting lineup of events, including the exciting Inter-School-College Bangla Debate Competition, English Olympiad, and a grand prize distribution ceremony.
A total of eighteen Bangla and English medium schools and colleges from Chittagong city participated in the debate competition, and nearly eighty students joined the English Olympiad. In the debate fight, Chittagong Government Hazi Mohammad Mohsin College got first place, and Chittagong Cantonment Public College won second place. Nuha Islam from Mohsin College was selected as the best debater. In the English Olympiad, Nafisa Tabassum Izma and Nobonita Mallick from St. Scholastica Girls’ School and College grabbed 1st place and got 2nd place, respectively.
The prize-giving ceremony was graced by the Honorable Vice-Chancellor of CIU, Professor Dr. M. M. Nurul Absar, who handed over the prizes and certificates to the winners. The Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Md Khaled Bin Chowdhury, also spoke on the occasion. Debate Club Moderator and Lecturer of the Department, Mr. Md. Rifat Ahmed, delivered the welcome speech. Fayha Munir, a student of the Department, hosted the program.
The Department of English organized an intergenerational engagement program in collaboration with Khola Hawa
The Department of English organized an intergenerational engagement program in collaboration with Khola Hawa, a senior citizen welfare platform, on 14 May 2026 at the CIU auditorium. Around 60 senior citizens and 20 students participated in the event. The program featured vibrant and engaging performances. Professor Dr. Khaled Bin Chowdhury, Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at CIU, inaugurated the event while the Faculty Members of CIU were also present. During the program, Ekushey Padak-winning flutist Azizul Islam was honored with a flower bouquet by Syeda Syedunnessa, convener of “Khola Hawa.” The purpose of the program was to foster emotional and social bonds between senior citizens and students. The auditorium turned into a warm gathering of young and elderly participants through storytelling, conversations, music, recitations, and cultural performances. The spontaneous participation of people from different walks of life made the event more lively and vibrant. In the cultural segment, Ustad Azizul Islam captivated the audience with his enchanting flute performance. Cultural performances were presented by English Department students along with Khola Hawa members. The program was hosted by Asma Akter, while Dr. Sahana Begum, a member of “Khola Hawa,”.
Shakespeare's Birthday Celebration
The Department of English, Chittagong Independent University celebrates 462nd the birth anniversary of William Shakespeare with great enthusiasm through a vibrant event arranged by The Muses (Cultural Club). The program began with the Head of the Department, Leema Sen Gupta, taking the stage, where she warmly appreciated the sincere efforts and enthusiastic participation of the students. The program featured a thoughtful speech by Neel Aliyan Dutta, highlighting the literary genius and enduring influence of Shakespeare. During the sonnet recitation, Fayha Munir eloquently delivered some of Shakespeare’s most timeless verses.
The highlight of the event was a powerful soliloquy performance by Sajidul Islam, bringing to life the emotional depth of Shakespearean drama. Additionally, the SLASS Debating Society organized an engaging debate on “Classical vs Modern Characters,” where Shajib Dhar, Maliha Abida, Ramisa Tahiat Chawdhury Ahona, Sumaiya Tasnim and Enayet Tawhid, presented compelling arguments comparing timeless literary figures with contemporary ones. The debate encouraged critical thinking and lively interaction among participants. To mark the occasion, a cake-cutting ceremony was also held, adding a joyful touch to the celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday.
The event successfully blended literature, performance and intellect, offering students an opportunity to appreciate Shakespeare’s legacy while showcasing their creativity and talent.
LFE Trip Spring 2026
The Department of English at Chittagong Independent University (CIU) has successfully organized an enriching field trip for the Live-in-Field Experience (LFE) course, offering students a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and gain practical, real-world insights. The trip was guided by Mr. Rifat Ahmed, Lecturer, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SLASS).
During this visit, students traveled to Kaptai to engage with the vibrant Marma community and visit Chitmorom High School. Applying their theoretical knowledge of cultural studies and linguistic analysis, the students collected valuable data regarding the rich history, culture, and language of the Marma people. A key academic highlight of the trip was the collection of language samples to help build a linguistic corpus, allowing students to identify and analyze unique features of the Marma language.
Bridging academia with practical observation, the students also attended a 9th-grade English class. This classroom observation allowed them to directly match their English Language Teaching (ELT) methodologies with real-world teaching practices. Additionally, a visit to the adjacent Boro Bazar provided students with the chance to interact intimately with the community and observe local trades and products.
To commemorate the historical significance of the Karnaphuli Paper Mills (KPM) in Bangladesh's education sector, the tour concluded with a comprehensive factory visit. Students were mesmerized by the production plant, witnessing firsthand how raw materials are transformed into fine paper. This segment also provided practical exposure to factory operations and corporate management, equipping students with valuable real-life experiences for their future careers.
The SLASS Tapestry at the Department of English
As part of their Language and Media course, the students of the English Department displayed their newspaper project under the guidance of Professor Dr. Khaled Bin Chowdhury, Dean, School of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, turning a simple assignment into a hands-on newsroom experience.
The team explored a wide range of topics, from national climate initiatives and education reforms to entertainment and university sports. Special focus was given to the Education and Sports sections, where students reflected on contemporary challenges in education while celebrating athletic achievements within the university.
Beyond content creation, the project emphasized collaboration, balancing diverse perspectives, refining editorial design, and working together to produce a cohesive publication.
It was a journey of teamwork, storytelling and a real life experience for the students that truly enriched their academic journey.
Workshop on Teachers’ Professional Development at the Department of English, CIU
The Department of English at Chittagong Independent University (CIU), in collaboration with the Bangladesh English Language Teachers Association (BELTA), organized a workshop titled “Teachers’ Professional Development: Aligning Institutional Support with Teacher Engagement” on December 23, 2025 at the Conference Hall. Prof. Dr. Laxman Gnawali, Professor at Kathmandu University, Nepal and President, Nepal English Language Teachers’ Association(NELTA) was the keynote speaker in the workshop. Honorable Vice Chancellor of CIU Prof. Dr. M.M. Nurul Absar was the Chief Guest.
Research Symposia November 2025 session
On November 27, 2025, Dr. Md. Khaled Bin Chowdhury led a session with a talk on 'Article Search and Journal Selection Techniques', organized by SLASS Research Symposia at Department of English, CIU. The session was moderated by Ms. Rifat Tasnim, Assistant Professor, Department of English, SLASS, CIU. All the faculty members and final semester Undergraduate and MA students of the department were present at the session. The presentation was followed by insightful discussion during the Q&A session. The session concluded successfully, leaving participants better equipped to navigate the landscape of academic publishing.
