Econ Inspiration: Episode-1

The first episode of ‘Econ Inspiration’, a motivational series aimed to inspire the students of Dhaka University hosted by Economics Study Center was held on 11th April, 2017. The idea is to bring in the inspirational people who have achieved tremendous success in life in each episode of the series to talk with the youths and motivate them.  The students might be driven by hearing their hard work and do the same in their life. This very concept stimulated Economics Study Center to start an initiative as such.

On the very first episode, Professor Dr. Nazma Begum, the first ever female Chairperson in the 96-year history of the Department of Economics, University of Dhaka, gave the keynote address. Professor Dr. Nazma Begum is one of the most inspiring personalities among the students of Economics Department. Her speech enthralled and enlightened an audience comprised of eminent faculty members, among whom Prof. Dr. Barkat-e-Khuda, Prof. Dr. M M Akash, Md. Moniruzzaman, Abul Kalam Azad graced the occasion. Besides, students in various stages of study at the department, notably including officials from Bangladesh Bank, were present. She talked about the difficulties she had to face in life to reach this position. ‘I always tried to maximize utility in life’, this the very basic principle that Dr. Nazma Begum followed in life. Despite the terrible experiences during the liberation war, she did not stop fighting to achieve her dream. A brilliant student who aced both SSC and HSC from her board went on to become one of the best students of the Department of Economics, University of Dhaka.  Dr. Nazma Begum started the teaching profession at the year 1982 by joining the Social Welfare Department of Dhaka University. She joined the Economics Department at year 1986 and after teaching for a very long time became the first ever female chairperson of this department to create history. This great personality from her own experience said that Freedom is very important for a child. She shared many other experiences and motivated the youths to strive hard in life. She believes that without working hard one can never achieve her dream in life. She asked the students to be more passionate and run after their actual dream.

Report: Tahmid Hasan
Photo: Shakila Sultana, Jami Mishkat