Press Release

PRESS INVITATION Dhaka, February 5, 2026, The Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) is pleased to invite members of the press, faculty, and students to attend the Curriculum Integration (CI) Forum – Spring 2026, to be held on Thursday, 5 February 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at the Chhayanaut Auditorium, Dhanmondi. This semester’s forum will focus on the theme “The Pitfalls of National Consciousness,” examining how ideas of national identity are formed and circulated through media narratives in contemporary society. The discussion will reflect on how nationalism, while often associated with unity and liberation, can also lead to exclusion, conformity, and the marginalisation of dissenting voices. The forum will explore the role of media in shaping national consciousness, with a particular focus on postcolonial contexts and the ethical responsibilities of journalists and media practitioners in representing identity, power, and difference. The theme draws on critical perspectives in media and cultural studies, including insights from postcolonial thought. The program will begin at 11:00 am with a welcome address delivered by the host, followed by opening remarks from Mrittika Kamal, Chair of the Curriculum Integration Forum and Lecturer in the Department of Media Studies and Journalism. The forum will formally commence with a presentation by Tahseen Nower, Lecturer, Department of Media Studies and Journalism. This will be followed by departmental remarks and the keynote lecture titled “The Pitfalls of National Consciousness,” delivered by Professor Dr. Sumon Rahman, Dean of the School of Social Science and Head of the Department of Media Studies and Journalism. An interactive question-and-answer session will follow the keynote lecture, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the speaker and reflect on the key issues discussed. The forum will conclude with closing remarks by the host. The Curriculum Integration Forum (CI Forum) is a signature academic initiative of ULAB MSJ, connecting classroom learning with real-world issues through critical reflection, research, and dialogue. Each semester, the forum highlights a thematic topic that encourages students and faculty to link media theory with practice, fostering intellectual engagement and academic excellence. POST-EVENT Dhaka, February 5, 2026, The Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) successfully organized the Curriculum Integration (CI) Forum – Spring 2026 on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the Chhayanaut Auditorium, Dhanmondi. The forum, centered on the theme “The Pitfalls of National Consciousness,” brought together faculty members and students for acritical reflection on nationalism, media, and postcolonial transformation. The forum was initiated by Mrittika Kamal, Chair of the Curriculum Integration Forum and Lecturer at the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, who formally opened the session and set the intellectual tone of the discussion. Following the opening, Tahseen Nower, a Lecturer at the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, delivered a presentation titled “The Pitfalls of National Consciousness.” In her talk, she explored the dual nature of national consciousness, emphasizing both its emancipatory potential and its inherent risks. Drawing on Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth, she explained that national consciousness often emerges as a powerful force during moments of resistance, particularly in struggles against colonialism or authoritarian rule, by creating a strong sense of unity and collective purpose. However, she cautioned that the same force can become restrictive and counterproductive when it hardens into uncritical conformity, ultimately turning against the very people it once mobilized. The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Dr. Sumon Rahman, Dean of the School of Social Science and Head of the Department of Media Studies and Journalism. In his address, he critically reflected on the limitations of postcolonial transformation, arguing that in many cases, societal change remains confined to the level of national consciousness. He noted that when transformation does not extend beyond symbolic nationalism into broader social consciousness, meaningful social transformation fails to materialize. As a result, structural inequalities and bigger social changes remain unresolved, despite the presence of strong national narratives. The keynote was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants engaged in thoughtful discussion on nationalism, identity, and the role of media in shaping collective consciousness. The forum concluded with closing remarks by the host, marking the end of a rich and reflective academic exchange. About the Curriculum Integration Forum The Curriculum Integration Forum (CI Forum) is a signature academic initiative of ULAB MSJ, connecting classroom learning with contemporary social and political issues through critical reflection, research, and dialogue. Each semester, the forum highlights a thematic issue that encourages students and faculty to link media theory with practice, fostering critical engagement and academic excellence. Media Contact: Fatiha Naser Apprentice Executive of Creative and Graphics, PR4U  Email: fatiha.naser.msj@ulab.edu.bd Phone: 01804272215 Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ)University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)Website: www.ulab.edu.bd

January 23, 2026. DHAKA, Bangladesh. The Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) successfully held its MSJ Freshers Orientation and Apprenticeship Day for the Spring 2026 semester. The event served as a formal welcome for incoming freshers, introducing them to the department’s legacy while recognizing the outstanding achievements of current students through the term’s Apprenticeship Awards. The program began with a warm address by the host, Sadia Tarannum, who emphasized that the MSJ department is “a space where voices matter, ideas are nurtured, and stories come alive.” A Vision for Future Media Professionals Professor Sumon Rahman, Head of the MSJ Department, delivered the keynote address. Described as a mentor and a constant source of inspiration, Prof. Sumon Rahman shared his vision for the department and the critical role media students play in shaping society. The orientation featured a series of engaging sessions designed to integrate new students into the MSJ community: Sarkar Barbaq Quarmal presented an insightful breakdown of the diverse student community, highlighting the vibrant peer group in the Student Demography part that the freshers are joining. In History & Mission, Ms. Syeda Sadia Mehjabin walked students through the department’s values, reminding them that they are “not just joining a department, but becoming part of a legacy.” On the part of Portfolio Creation, highlighting the importance of professional identity, Muhammad Aminuzzaman provided strategic advice on building impactful portfolios to navigate the competitive media landscape. Lecturer Andalif Rubayat engaged the audience with a dynamic Kahoot session, reinforcing the department’s culture of interactive learning. Celebrating Excellence: The Apprenticeship Awards A highlight of the event was the Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony (Fall 2025), presided over by Prof. Sumon Rahman. These awards recognize students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and creativity within the department’s apprenticeship programs, which include The ULABian, CinemaScope, U CAST, PR4U, AnimKotha, ULAB TV, ShutterBugs, ForensIQ, and the Dhaka International Mobile Film Festival (DIMFF). The winners for the Fall 2025 term include: Bridging Academics and Mentorship The event concluded with an advising session, where freshers were guided by PR4U volunteers to meet their faculty mentors. As emphasized during the closing remarks, the advising session marks the “beginning of mentorship” at ULAB MSJ. Students also visited the Library and the Brian Shoesmith Media Lab to familiarize themselves with the university’s resources. About ULAB MSJ The Department of Media Studies and Journalism at ULAB is a leading center for media education in Bangladesh, committed to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and ethical storytelling through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical apprenticeship.Media Contact:Name: Md. Najmul IslamEmail Address: najmul.islam.bba@ulab.edu.bdPhone Number: +8801715 – 316 154

PR4U has launched a new Student Apprenticeship Program designed to give undergraduates real‑world experience, leadership skills, and industry‑style project work while they continue their studies. The program, hosted on campus and coordinated by senior executives of PR4U, includes signature events such as a Trashion Show that turns “trash into fashion” to promote creativity and environmental awareness.​ Through this apprenticeship, selected students work in small teams on branding, event management, media content, and community engagement, gaining practical skills that go far beyond the classroom. Participants receive mentorship from experienced executives who already balance high CGPAs, part‑time jobs, and organizational responsibilities, proving that it is possible to perform strongly both academically and professionally.​ The Trashion Show will serve as one of the flagship platforms where apprentices can plan, promote, and execute a complete event cycle—from concept, sponsorship outreach, and social media campaigns to stage management and post‑event reporting. By reusing and upcycling materials into runway‑ready designs, the show highlights sustainable fashion, zero‑waste thinking, and creative problem‑solving among youth.​ “We created this Apprenticeship Program to help students turn their energy into meaningful experience that actually prepares them for the real world,” said a PR4U executive. “Our goal is for every apprentice to graduate with strong grades, a solid portfolio, and the confidence that comes from leading successful events like the Trashion Show.”​ Students interested in joining the PR4U Student Apprenticeship Program or participating in the upcoming Trashion Show can visit the PR4U website for application details and timelines, or contact the PR4U executive team via the official email and social media channels listed on the site.