Yamin Hasan got the chance to study at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Comilla University (CoU) after passing the competitive admission test. He dreams of building a successful career after graduation.

He also wants to learn from the experiences of former students who are now doing well in their professions. However, the university has no central alumni association, making it difficult for him to connect with them.

Yamin is not the only student who wants to stay connected with former students. Many current students believe that the experiences and advice of alumni can help them plan their careers, prepare for jobs and pursue higher education. But the lack of a central platform has made regular communication between current and former students difficult.

A university’s identity is not defined only by its campus, teachers or current students. Its former students also play an important role in building its reputation and carrying its name forward.

Nearly two decades have passed since Comilla University was established, but the university still has no central alumni association. During this time, thousands of students have graduated from the university. Many of them are now working in government and private organisations, banks, media outlets, educational institutions and research centres. Some are also working abroad. However, no permanent platform has been created to bring all these former students together.

A review of the matter shows that several attempts were made at different times to form a central alumni association, but none of them was successful. In February 2018, two meetings were held in Dhaka. Later, a 71-member committee was announced on Facebook. However, the committee was dissolved after facing criticism over allegations of political involvement. Further attempts were also made to form an association, but various problems stopped the process.

Some departments also took steps to form their own alumni associations. However, no successful initiative has been taken to bring former students from all departments under one central organisation. As a result, the university still has no central alumni association.

Yamin Hasan, a student of the 2023-24 academic session of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, said, “Many former students of the university are now doing well in different professions. Their experiences could help us plan our careers and prepare for the future. But without an alumni association, it is difficult to stay connected with them and learn from their experiences. If there were a central association, we could get their advice and prepare ourselves better for our professional lives.”

Another student, Jayanta Karmakar, said, “An alumni association would help us stay connected with former students. We could learn a lot from their experiences and advice, especially about building a career and preparing for jobs.”

An alumni association could bring many benefits to both current and former students, according to those concerned. It could help students get advice on career planning, job preparation, higher education and research. Former students who are established in different professions could also help current students find internships and job opportunities. Besides, reunions, seminars and workshops could bring former students closer to the university.

Afia Mas-Uda Mithila, a former student of the university, said, “Without an alumni association, former students can mostly stay connected with the university only through personal contacts. A proper association could help current students build their careers by sharing the experiences and professional connections of former students. It could also play a role in the development of the university. The administration should take steps to form an association soon and prepare a database of former students.”

Another former student, Umme Habiba Shanta, said, “Without a central alumni association, former students have limited opportunities to stay connected and share their experiences. An effective association could guide current students in their careers and help them find internships and jobs. It could also arrange scholarships for talented students who cannot afford their education. The university administration and former students should work together to build a strong and lasting organisation.”

Asked about the issue, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Amjad Hossain Sarkar said, “Several attempts were made earlier to form an alumni association. But those initiatives did not move forward because of disagreements between different groups over leadership. We want the association to be free from political influence and to work in the interests of all students. We will discuss the matter with the Vice-Chancellor and decide how to move forward with the initiative.”