A celebration of cultural diversity featuring global tongues took place at BRAC University today (Thursday, 30 April 2026) as the BRAC Institute of Languages (BIL) marked its 20th anniversary through books, poetry, drama, dance and music, a press release said.
BRAC University holds intercultural dialogues and celebrates cultural traditions to gain a better understanding of the world and be a leading institution of the Global South, said Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar as a special guest.
In this regard, he highlighted the importance of strong and diverse partnerships, saying that staying relevant in the long run requires celebrating life itself.
Addressing the audience as chief guest, Stephen Forbes, country director of British Council Bangladesh, spoke on the importance of languages, explaining how they connect people and cultures.
Lady Syeda Sarwat Abed, founder and adviser of the BIL, said the institute was working to help talent, ability and opportunities transcend the language barriers.
BRAC University Board of Trustees Chairperson Tamara Hasan Abed was also present as a special guest alongside BRAC Institute of Educational Development Executive Director Erum Mariam.
At the event, alumni shared their experiences of how the BIL changed their lives, including one who was able to become a doctor in China on learning the language.
Students of Chinese, French, Spanish and other languages recited poetry and represented nations flying national flags.
The BIL officially launched the Bachelor of Arts in Applied English Language Studies (BA in AELS) program.
Three books were also launched—one on memoirs on the Residential Semester of BRAC University and the other two on English lessons for school students.
Popular theatre Drishyapat staged the play “সক্রেটিসের জবানবন্দি”, BRAC’s Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Program staged a popular folk-theatre performance and Warfaze enthralled students in a concert.
In her closing speech, BIL Director Professor Shayla Sultana presented a comprehensive picture of the institution’s journey, achievements and future plans.
