Sustaining Legacy: An Exemplary Fellowship and Intellectual Kinship at the DUEDAA Reunion

 

On the evening of September 26th, the elegant confines of the Rowa Club in Dhaka were imbued with an exceptional and profound warmth that transcended the tropical climate. It was my distinct privilege to attend the magnificent gathering of the Dhaka University Economics Department Alumni Association (DUEDAA), an invitation extended to me through the gracious initiative of Professor Farid Uddin Ahmad Sir, for which I remain   grateful. The event was far more than a routine alumni meeting; it was a masterfully orchestrated symposium on camaraderie, a vibrant tapestry interwoven with threads of shared memory, purposeful mentorship, and a collective, forward-looking vision. The evening unfolded as an exquisite, intellectually stimulating communion, powerfully reaffirming the indelible bonds forged within the hallowed halls of our Alma Mater. The inauguration of a new executive committee during the proceedings further signified a dynamic commitment to future excellence, setting the stage for an evening that would beautifully illustrate the profound interplay between social capital, institutional legacy, and national economic development.

The atmosphere was electric with a unique symphony of human connection—the gentle clinking of teacups harmonized with bursts of genuine laughter and the resonant hum of dialogues spanning generations. The assembly presented a living chronology of the department's legacy, from enthusiastic recent graduates, still navigating the nascent stages of their careers, to distinguished senior stalwarts—former governors of the central bank, celebrated entrepreneurs, and architects of national fiscal policy—who have sculpted the economic landscape of the nation. This created an egalitarian ecosystem where professional hierarchy dissolved, replaced by a unifying identity as disciples of economics from the University of Dhaka. One could witness a young data analyst, brimming with new methodologies, earnestly explaining a complex statistical model to a retired secretary of the finance ministry, who in turn, offered wisdom on the practical realities of policy implementation. This was not merely conversation; it was the very engine of knowledge transfer, a dynamic process where theoretical rigor met experiential wisdom.

This sentiment powerfully echoes the core tenets of social capital theory, as advanced by scholars like Robert Putnam, who posits that such networks of reciprocity and trust are fundamental to societal well-being and effective governance. The dense, cross-generational networks actively cultivated in that room functioned as a form of "bridging social capital," connecting diverse cohorts and fostering a sense of shared fate. As the esteemed Nobel laureate in Economics, Amartya Sen, famously articulated, "Development is about creating an environment where people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accord with their needs and interests." The DUEDAA reunion was a living embodiment of this capability approach, creating a fertile environment where individual potential was actively nurtured through voluntary, intergenerational exchange. It was a microcosm of the ideal public sphere, where the freedom to associate and communicate directly fuels human capabilities and, by extension, national development.

 The intellectual cornerstone of the evening was laid by the esteemed presence of Dr. Salahuddin Ahmad, the current Adviser to the Interim Government on the Economy. His keynote address was a brilliant and heartfelt discourse, elevating the concept of alumni networks from mere social clubs to vital instruments of national progress. He eloquently championed the DUEDAA model as an exemplary exercise in "collectivism," a crucial antidote to the fragmenting forces of modern individualism. His analysis highlighted how such associations are the very bedrock of social capital, transforming a diaspora of individual graduates into a formidable, cohesive force for developmental change. He drew compelling parallels between the collaborative spirit of the alumni and the synergistic principles required for successful macroeconomic planning, where disparate sectors must coalesce around a common national vision.

This perspective aligns with the highest echelons of economic thought, particularly the school of institutional economics pioneered by Douglass North. The value of networks like DUEDAA can be quantified not just in immediate financial contributions, but in their profound capacity to foster trust, reduce transaction costs, and facilitate cooperation—the invisible infrastructure of a thriving, resilient economy. The social fabric being woven at events like this one directly contributes to the nation's institutional quality. When alumni trust one another, business deals are more easily brokered, public-private partnerships are more effectively formed, and policy advice is more freely given. This creates a virtuous cycle where a strong alumni network strengthens national institutions, which in turn creates a more favorable environment for future graduates, thereby enhancing the value of the network itself—a perfect illustration of positive feedback loops in institutional economics.

 My teacher -Professor Farid Uddin Ahmad Sir, the visionary architect of the evening, served as a pivotal bridge between the department's esteemed history and its future, masterfully orchestrating an event that was both a tribute and a strategic initiative. In his address, he precisely articulated the multifaceted role of alumni as invaluable assets, extending beyond philanthropy to encompass mentorship, ambassadorship, and intellectual partnership, thereby reinforcing their identity as crucial stakeholders in the university's ecosystem. This philosophy was seamlessly translated into the event's sophisticated structure, where even elements like the raffle draws served as a tactical tool for fostering communal engagement and sustaining a vibrant, unified atmosphere throughout the gathering.

The entire gathering stood as a superb case study in alumni relations, comparable to the best practices championed by premier global institutions. At Harvard's Kennedy School of Government or the London School of Economics, alumni networks are not afterthoughts; they are strategically cultivated as core intellectual and resource-based assets. These institutions leverage their alumni for guest lectures, career placement, policy advocacy, and fundraising with a systematic, long-term approach. The DUEDAA event, with its deliberate mix of formal addresses, unstructured networking, and strategic engagement activities, demonstrated a clear understanding of this modern paradigm. It showed a transition from seeing alumni as a mailing list to viewing them as a dynamic, living community that requires careful cultivation. The inauguration of the new executive committee was a pivotal moment in this narrative, symbolizing a commitment to institutionalizing these best practices and ensuring the flame of fellowship is passed on to a new generation of leaders.

The true impact of such an event extends far beyond the temporal boundaries of the evening itself.

The connections rekindled and forged at the Rowa Club have tangible, real-world consequences. A business partnership initiated between a senior industrialist and a junior entrepreneur in the software sector can lead to job creation and technological innovation. The policy insight shared by a civil servant with an academic researcher can shape a more effective piece of economic analysis. The mentorship offered to a struggling graduate student can provide the confidence and direction needed to complete a groundbreaking dissertation. These are the unquantified, yet immensely valuable, ripple effects of a strong alumni network.

Furthermore, in an era where the value of a university education is constantly being scrutinized, the demonstrable success and solidarity of its graduates serve as the most powerful marketing tool available. Prospective students and faculty are drawn to institutions that boast not only academic rigor but also a supportive and influential community. The vibrant ecosystem of DUEDAA, therefore, directly contributes to the Department of Economics' ability to attract top talent, thereby creating a self-reinforcing cycle of excellence. The stories shared that night—of professional triumph, of resilience in the face of economic headwinds, of civic duty—become part of the department's living lore, inspiring current students to aim higher and dream bigger.

The DUEDAA reunion was not merely a social event; it was a seminal occasion that strengthened the vital sinews connecting the university to its extended family. It was a powerful demonstration of how social capital, when intentionally nurtured, can be converted into intellectual and economic prosperity. The departure of attendees was marked by a unanimous sense of intellectual and spiritual rejuvenation, a feeling of being part of something larger than oneself.

Our profound and collective gratitude is owed to Professor Farid Uddin Ahmad Sir for his exemplary dedication and visionary leadership in orchestrating this magnificent convergence. As the newly inaugurated committee assumes its responsibilities, this event serves as a golden benchmark, a testament to what is possible when fellowship is fused with purpose. The challenge ahead is to build upon this momentum. By continuing to employ such sophisticated and heartfelt strategies—leveraging digital platforms for sustained connection, creating specialized forums for niche interests within economics, and establishing structured mentorship programs—DUEDAA will undoubtedly amplify its social capital, bolster its philanthropic endeavors, and continue to be a pivotal force in upholding the human dignity and collective purpose of its members. In doing so, it will not only honor the legacy of the Department of Economics but will also contribute significantly to the economic discourse and developmental trajectory of the nation, proving that the bonds forged in university lecture halls can, indeed, shape the destiny of a country. I want to conclude the article directly links the DUEDAA gathering to Wordsworth's core principle of "emotion recollected in tranquility:

Upon Returning to the Academic Hearth
(In the manner of Wordsworth, for the DUEDAA)
“The shade of that great, ever-spreading tree,
The University of Dhaka, Economics Department.
And now, in quiet, from the throng released,
The clamour softened to a gentle feast
Stored in the heart—so shall this memory be,
For days to come, a fountain unto me:
That night in September, ‘neath the vested tree,
Where the deep soil of shared mind was restored;
Not in the press of voices, but restored
To silent thought, its truest, sweetest fee.”

 
Professor Dr. Muhammad 
Mahboob Ali teaches Economics
in Bangladesh University of Business
and Technology (BUBT), Dhaka.