The Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML) Winter Fest 2025 reached its final stages, bringing two days of literature, art, and cultural celebration to the North South University campus. The festival served as a festive platform for creative expression and intellectual dialogue, fostering a hub for the community to engage in cultural activities. It attracted students, artists, scholars, and enthusiasts from across the university, a press release said.
On December 10, 2025, the Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML) successfully inaugurated its two-day DEML Winter Fest, setting a high-energy tone for the entire event. The festival commenced promptly at 10:00 AM, and the official inauguration was highlighted by a symbolic balloon-release ceremony at 11:30 AM.
This ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including NSU Board of Trustees member M.A. Kashem, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Treasurer Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) Dr. Md. Rizwanul Islam, and Chair of DEML Dr. Nazia Manzoor, alongside respected faculty members and students. Following the ceremony, students and guests explored the Winter Fair, a bustling hub of student-led stalls, crafts, and interactive exhibits, which faculty and guests also enjoyed engaging with.
“This event features works of various levels,” said Vice-Chancellor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury.“ In these two days, the English department organised various literary programs, providing a platform for our students to showcase their talent, so that they may blossom through writing and skill development.”
At the inauguration ceremony, Board of Trustees member M. A. Kashem commented on how the students’ innovative ventures will leave a positive mark on their futures. “Hand-made things are rare these days. These creations should be discussed, showcased, and displayed. I’m very impressed to see this organised in such a short period of time. I express my thanks to all the shop owners.”
“Aside from academics, these things are also essential. The primary objective of our venture is to integrate academia, learning, literature, culture, and language. This winter fair is one part of this huge event that has created a festive atmosphere,” said DEML faculty member Md. Mehedi Hasan.
The academic dimension of the festival featured a series of panel discussions that encouraged rich dialogue and reflection. The first panel explored the evolution of contemporary literature and the role of translation in shaping cultural narratives, offering insights into the challenges and innovations of modern literary practice. The second panel examined the writing and publishing process, considering the dynamics of literary production, the influences of popular reception, and the politics behind storytelling. Later, discussions focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on narrative creation, delving into questions of authorship, authenticity, and the evolving definition of human storytelling.
Complementing the panels, participants engaged in hands-on creative workshops, including a Creative Writing Workshop with Shibabrata Barman and a Caricature Workshop led by Morshed Mishu, and a Live Caricature Session by Shay তাই, which allowed students to experiment with storytelling and illustration in interactive formats. The day also featured a captivating Poetry Recitation session with Dahlia Ahmed, where selected participants performed their works, blending classical and contemporary influences, saw stand-up comedy by Amin Hannan, and a private film screening of Delupi, directed by Mohammad Touqir Islam and Team.
On December 11, 2025, the festival continued with equal rigour. Morning and early afternoon sessions featured panels exploring women’s narratives in new media, the evolution of theatre, the diverse expressions of Gen-Z writers, and independent filmmaking from the margins. Attendees actively engaged with the Rickshaw Painting Showcase, Face Art and Painting, and a lively Cosplay Segment, bringing interactive and visual arts into the heart of the festival experience.
From 4 PM onward, the festival transitioned to its cultural highlights. The Closing Ceremony, attended by Mr. Benajir Ahmed, Member of the Board of Trustees, NSU, Honorable Vice-Chancellor Dr. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, faculty members, and students, Cultural Function, and Evening Concert featuring Shironamhin & Blue Jeans brought DEML Winter Fest 2025 to a memorable close, celebrating two days of creativity, scholarship, and community engagement.
DEML Winter Fest 2025 has successfully combined intellectual rigor, artistic innovation, and cultural entertainment, creating a space where students, faculty, and guests can engage, perform, and celebrate the richness of contemporary Bangladeshi literature, arts, and performance.
