The Dhaka University Public Administration Alumni Association (DUPAAA) organised its Strategic Planning Workshop 2026 on 11 July at Service Area-1 of the Padma Bridge in Mawa, Munshiganj, bringing together members of its Executive Committee to formulate the association’s long-term vision and strategic priorities.

The day-long workshop, attended by the Executive Committee for the 2026-27 term, focused on strengthening alumni engagement, enhancing organisational capacity and developing an action plan for the association’s future activities.

The workshop was inaugurated by Jalal Ahmed, president of DUPAAA and chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC). In his opening remarks, A.S.M. Humayun Kabir, secretary general of DUPAAA and additional secretary to the government, outlined the objectives and significance of the workshop. The sessions were moderated by Dr A.K.M. Saifullah, joint secretary general of DUPAAA and convener of the workshop implementation subcommittee.

Among those attending were Ruhul Alam Siddiqui, vice president of DUPAAA and former ambassador; Farhad Jesmin Lity, vice president and retired government official; Riasat Al Wasif, joint secretary general of DUPAAA and joint secretary at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Ratna Sharmin Jhara, publication and communication secretary and joint secretary to the government; Hosne Ara Begum, organising secretary; Moina Khatun Tuli, cultural affairs secretary; Dr Mosa. Shamsunnahar Hira, joint secretary for education and research and chairperson of the Department of Public Administration at Cumilla University; Md Asadullahil Galib, media and publicity secretary and head of public relations at SBAC Bank PLC; Saiful Islam, office secretary; executive committee member Asadul Mahbub Salam (Nipu); Mohammad Ershad Khan; Rafiqul Haque, manager (senior assistant secretary) at Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited; and entrepreneur Md Saifullah.

The workshop featured brainstorming sessions on three themes: “Dreaming Future DUPAAA”, “Turning Dreams into Reality” and “Action Plan Preparation”. Participants discussed the association’s long-term vision, identified strategic priorities and developed recommendations for future initiatives.

Discussions also focused on strengthening collaboration between senior and younger alumni, promoting professional development, encouraging knowledge sharing, expanding social responsibility initiatives and reinforcing the association’s support for the Department of Public Administration and Dhaka University.

In his presidential address, Jalal Ahmed said long-term organisational success depends on strategic thinking, effective planning and active participation from members. He expressed confidence that the workshop’s outcomes would help strengthen DUPAAA as a professional and effective alumni association.

Secretary General A.S.M. Humayun Kabir said active engagement from alumni is essential for the association’s continued growth. He noted that the workshop was the first strategic planning workshop in DUPAAA’s history and expressed hope that its recommendations would help establish the organisation as a stronger platform for alumni, current students and the wider academic community.

During the programme, DUPAAA also congratulated Ratna Sharmin Jhara on her recent promotion to the rank of joint secretary.

The workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to implementing the recommendations and advancing DUPAAA’s vision of becoming a more organised, progressive and socially responsible alumni association.