Dhaka University Cultural Society welcomes new 'Oitri' batch

The Dhaka University Cultural Society held its annual reception programme 'Oitri Baran' on Thursday at the TSC Auditorium, welcoming its newest batch of members with an evening of performances that stretched from 2 pm well into the night.
The event brought together students, faculty, and notable cultural figures to celebrate the induction of the 'Oitri' batch-the latest in a long tradition of naming each new cohort after letters from the Bengali alphabet. Previous batches include Ayomoy, Atreyi, Ichmati, Ishan, Uchchavas, Usha, Riddha, and Ekantika.
Dr Rasheda Rawnak Khan, the society's honorary moderator and an associate professor of anthropology at DU, presided over the programme. The guest list included Faizullah Sayeed, a well-known reciter and director who gave the main address, along with Tamanna Rahman, chairperson of DU's Dance Department, and Tanvir Nahid Khan, an assistant professor of Theatre and Performance Studies who serves as the society's teacher advisor.
"Our Dhaka University Cultural Society is always ready to transmit the lifeblood of Bengaliness, our long history, tradition, language, literature, music and culture, in a new form and with new enthusiasm, through the vitality of the youth," Dr Khan said during her remarks.
The evening showcased performances by newly inducted members, displaying the artistic talent within the Oitri batch. The programme featured a mix of traditional Bengali cultural expressions, from music and dance to recitations, demonstrating the society's commitment to keeping these art forms alive amongst university students.
President of the society Nafia Farzana Amiya outlined her plans for the organisation. "By awakening the beauty of Bengali culture at every moment, we want to spread the glory of Bengali amongst the younger generation through various arrangements and performances," she said.
General Secretary Rawnak Jahan Rakamani reinforced this mission. "Being deeply rooted in the roots of Bengali culture and tradition, we want to spread the beauty of Bengali amongst the younger generation through various arrangements throughout the year—this is the cultural practice commitment of our Dhaka University Cultural Society."
The Cultural Society has built a solid reputation beyond campus, regularly competing in cultural events across Bangladesh and earning recognition for its performances. The organisation has also positioned itself as a voice for harmony and non-communalism, working to promote coexistence amongst diverse cultures within the university community.
Since its inception, the society has focused on fostering Bengali cultural practices whilst encouraging artistic development. The organisation runs regular programmes on campus throughout the academic year, creating opportunities for students to engage with their cultural heritage in meaningful ways.
With the Oitri batch now officially inducted, the society continues preserving Bengali cultural traditions whilst making space for new artistic voices and fresh perspectives on campus.

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