General Secretary’s Report

DUBANA Executive Committee 2024–25, 2026-27
The Dhaka University Biochemistry Alumni in North America (DUBANA) has continued its journey with dedication toward strengthening alumni fellowship, supporting students and professionals, tied to the DU Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department.
Since January 2024, the Executive Committee has worked actively to fulfill the following goals:
• Continuing financial and professional support for DU-BMB fellows
• Updating and expanding the DUBANA website
• Increasing the number of life members
• Organizing programs and events to strengthen fellowship among members locally and globally
• Continuing the DUBANA Talks initiative
• Connecting and supporting new fellows arriving in North America
• Empowering regional committees and encouraging local engagement

Scholarship and Student Support Initiatives
One of the major achievements of DUBANA during this period has been the continuation and expansion of scholarship programs.

DUBANA Scholarship Program
• A total of 11 yearlong scholarships were awarded to current DU-BMB undergraduate and master’s students, each receiving BDT 3,500 per month for one year.
• Eight (5) welcome scholarships for incoming PhD or MS-to-PhD students in North America were awarded. Five sponsors have already committed to supporting 5 scholarships for the next five years.

Contributions to DU-BMB and Community Support
DUBANA contributed to the “Art of Science Communication 2024” program, a science writing and communication competition organized at DU-BMB.
In addition, DUBANA fellows actively contributed to:
• Supporting the medical treatment of a DU-BMB fellow, Jhantu
• Assisting Flood Relief Activities organized by DU-BMB fellows
These efforts reflect the strong spirit of solidarity and community support within DUBANA.

Formation of New Support Committees
To better serve students, fellows, and community members, several specialized committees were formed during this term.

Clinical Laboratory Science Training Committee
Lead: Dr. Khyrul Wara
Members: Dr. Rubayet Hasan Tanvi, Dr. Mohammad Arif, Mr. Rasel Ahsan

DUBANA Scholarship Committee
Lead: Dr. Mohammad Arif
Members: Dr. Arif Rahman, Ms. Fahmida Raha, Indrajit Sarker, Dr. Mohammad Badrul Anam

DUBANA Admission Support Committee
Lead: Dr. Marjia Afrin
Members: Dr. Sharifun Nahar Mukta, Mr. Rafsan Radeen, Mr. Hassan Al Banna

DUBANA Welfare Committee
Lead: Dr. Jubayer Rahman
Members: Dr. Ahsan Habib Polash, Dr. Roman Al-Saikat, Dr. Mahrima Parvin, Dr. Sharifun Nahar Mukta

DUBANA Connect Committee
Lead: Shafi Ahmed Talukder
Member: Akramul Hassan

The President and General Secretary of DUBANA serve as members of all subcommittees.

Launch of the New DUBANA Website
A major milestone during this period was the launch of the updated DUBANA website. The new platform includes expanded information, improved functionality, and a long-awaited online payment system to make membership registration and donations more convenient and accessible.

Growth of Life Membership
DUBANA continues to encourage alumni participation and long-term engagement. Over the past year, nine (9) new fellows registered as life members, strengthening the organization’s sustainability and future growth.

DUBANA Reunions and Conferences

DUBANA Reunion and Scientific Symposium 2024
The reunion and scientific symposium held in Maryland in July 2024 was successfully organized by DUBANA fellows from Maryland and Virginia.

DUBANA Reunion and Scientific Symposium 2025
The reunion and scientific symposium held in Boston in August 2024 was successfully organized by DUBANA fellows from Boston.

Online New Year Celebration
DUBANA’s online New Year Celebration was held on January 25, 2025, and January 31, 2026 respectively, with enthusiastic participation from fellows across different regions.

DUBANA Talks
DUBANA Talks continues to be one of the organization’s most impactful initiatives. A total of 10 DUBANA Talks were successfully organized in past two years, bringing the overall number of DUBANA Talks to 29.
Recent topics included:
• Career Opportunities Beyond Research
• Transforming Data into Stories: How to Communicate Science in Writing
• Next Generation Biotech Scientists: Opportunities in North America
• Maintaining Quality in Diagnostic Laboratories: Strategies and Challenges
• Navigating Graduate Programs in North America: Key Insights for a Winning Application
• Teaching Philosophy and Students’ Responsibility
• Postdoc Transition: Navigating the Academic Pathways
Recordings and resources from many of these sessions are available on the DUBANA website.

Regional Committee Activities
Regional committees across North America have actively organized local reunions and networking events to strengthen fellowship and collaboration among alumni in their respective regions.

Strengthening Communication and Fellowship
DUBANA continues to expand communication platforms to improve engagement among fellows worldwide. Active communication channels include:
• The official DUBANA website
• LinkedIn and Facebook groups
• DUBANA–DU BMB Bridge Facebook group
• DUBANA Connections Facebook group
• DUBANA Talks platform
• Email groups including du_biochemists@googlegroups.com
• Regional and professional messenger groups
These platforms have greatly enhanced communication, networking, and collaboration among fellows.

Action Plan
DUBANA remains committed to continuous growth and improvement. Some ongoing and future plans include:
• Lunching this website with more dynamic and interactive ways of communication
• Installation of this website with a secure member database with sign-in functionality
• Expanding scholarship and welfare funds for long-term sustainability
• Initiation of DUBANA Research Excellence Awards for DUBMB M.Sc. thesis students
• Announcement of DUBANA Travel Award
• Strengthening support committees to maximize impact for students and fellows

Acknowledgment
The DUBANA Executive Committee expresses sincere gratitude to all fellows and supporters who continue to contribute financially, professionally, and through volunteer efforts. The encouragement, ideas, and active participation of our fellows remain the driving force behind DUBANA’s progress and success.
We look forward to continuing this journey together and building an even stronger and more supportive alumni community in the years ahead.

Prepared by:
Istiaque Uddin Ahmed
General Secretary, DUBANA