Bangladeshi Student Association | Graphic by Rose Taylor | The Wright State Guardian
The Bangladesh Student Association, founded with the motto of supporting international students, particularly those from Bangladesh, aims to provide a welcoming environment and essential resources to help them in their transition to university life.
BSA objectives
The advisor of BSA, Dr. Ahsan Mian, is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. He explained the goal of the club.
“The main objectives of Bangladesh Student Association [at] Wright State University are to promote cross-cultural activities, diversity and inclusion, share Bangladeshi cultures [and] help new students coming from Bangladesh, among others. These activities are helping new Bangladeshi or non-Bangladeshi students to feel WSU [as a] home, thereby improving their mental health and retention,” Mian said.
Md Asadul Hoque, the president of BSA, hopes to see Bangladeshi students thrive on campus with the club’s help.
“As a student-led organization, BSA promotes the cultural, social and educational interests of Bangladeshi students on campus. In addition to on-campus assistance, BSA provides off-campus accommodations and hosts various gatherings to meet the diverse needs of current and prospective students, fostering a holistic support network,” Hoque said.
Activities
As a community, BSA consistently extends a warm welcome to all new students arriving or planning to join the university. Recognizing the challenges associated with adapting to a new country and environment, the group’s primary goal is to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for international students.
Through various initiatives and programs, including orientation sessions, mentorship programs and social events, BSA endeavors to facilitate a smooth transition for newcomers.
BSA also arranges cultural events, such as Bengali Nights, Pohela Boishakh and Victory Day celebrations, to create a sense of home for its members. These programs not only showcase the rich heritage and traditions of Bangladesh, but also provide opportunities for students to bond, exchange experiences and cultivate a sense of community.
Through these cultural endeavors, BSA fosters an inclusive environment where Bangladeshi students feel welcomed and supported at WSU.
One student who has benefited from BSA is Al Shahriar Uddin Khondakar Pranta, a Computer Science and Engineering student from Bangladesh.
“It was very depressing situation for me for the cultural and weather shock I got here after coming to Dayton, but the community members welcomed me and helped me with accommodation and supported me mentally to cope up with the situation. For a newcomer, this is a great relief,” Pranta said.
Belonging and comfort
There are many clubs on campus that help provide a sense of belonging and comfort for international students, not just Bangladeshi individuals. BSA is an excellent choice for students looking to join an international club.While there are currently no upcoming events for BSA, students can join the club through Engage to keep an eye on future activities.
