Dhaka University Biochemistry Alumni in North America


Our Vision
DUBANA is a dynamic alumni network of DU BMB students living in North America. Our association is dedicated to fostering strong connections, promoting networking opportunities, and providing support to current students. With a focus on collaboration and growth, we strive to empower our members to achieve success in their personal and professional lives. We are passionate about creating a vibrant community that thrives on shared experiences and mutual support. Join us today and be a part of our inspiring journey.
DUBMB Family in North America
Dhaka University Biochemistry Alumni in North America (DUBANA) is a registered non-profit 501(C) organization in the USA, for the graduates of the Dhaka University Biochemistry and Molecular Biology department who are living in North America. DUBANA serves as a voluntary and non-political forum focused on scientific, cultural, educational, and charitable causes.
Our Objectives
Promote Networking and Collaboration:
Fostering connections and friendships among the the Dhaka University Biochemistry and Molecular Biology alumni residing in North America.
Support Career Development:
Connecting scientists, students, and trainees in the field to aid in finding employment opportunities and enhancing their careers.
Conduct Educational Events:
Organizing seminars, workshops, and educational events individually and in collaboration with other national and regional meetings.
Advocate for High Standard in Education and Research:
Serving as a platform for making specific recommendations to research and educational institutions, as well as government organizations, to improve the standards of education, science, and technology.
Support Dhaka University:
Assisting the teaching and research activities of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Financial Support to the Students and Alumni for Education:
Providing scholarships/grants to the Dhaka University Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students and the students seeking higher education in North America.
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DUBANA Scholarships
DUBANA Undergraduate Scholarship
DUBANA provides at 4 yearly scholarships to undergraduate students of Dhaka University Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (DUBMB) department each year. Applications for scholarship are generally invited around January each year. Please contact DUBMB department student advisor for specific application detail.
DUBANA Ph.D. Student Scholarship
DUBANA provides at 3-5 yearly token scholarships to support partial travel or living (one time) to the new Ph.D. students coming to USA and Canada from the Dhaka University Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (DUBMB) department. Application invitation time varies year to year. Please check DUBANA webpage frequently.
LAUNCHING OF DUBANA
Building the Network
The inception of the Dhaka University Biochemistry Alumni in North America (DUBANA) traces back to an informal gathering at a community center in Maryland early in 2006. Dr. Arifur Rahman hosted that private event for a large number of people, where around a dozen attendees discovered their shared alma mater: the Biochemistry department of Dhaka University. Amidst reminiscing about their university days at the department, the idea of connecting biochemists across North America emerged. Dr. Shoaib Chowdhury volunteered to spearhead this initiative, leveraging his extensive network of former students from the department. Dr. Chowdhury began gathering contact information for biochemists, utilizing an email group of 29 addresses provided by Dr. Arifur Rahman. By April 2006, Dr. Chowdhury had compiled a list of approximately 130 biochemists. Through personal phone calls, he discussed the potential for a larger gathering, leading to a decision by biochemists in Maryland and Virginia to host a meetup for biochemists across the US and Canada.
The Initial Gatherings
The inaugural gathering took place in May 2006 at the Potomac Community Center in Maryland, with about 40 biochemists from the states including Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, Virginia, and Maryland. This event fostered professional discussions, networking opportunities, and cultural programs, culminating in the decision to hold another gathering in New Jersey in 2007.
In New Jersey, the second gathering, research talks were incorporated into the program. Continued discussions about the future of these gatherings led to the decision to formalize the group. By February 2009, Dr. Shoaib Chowdhury, along with Dr. Arifur Rahman and Dr. Rashidul Alam, registered "Dhaka University Biochemistry Alumni in North America" (DUBANA) as a nonprofit organization in Maryland as Dr. Chowdhury being the local agent. Dr. Shoaib Chowdhury also secured a Federal Tax ID and opened a bank account for DUBANA, co-signed by all three founding members. Additionally, Dr. Chowdhury purchased the domain name ‘www.dubana.org’, the webpage that was initially developed by Dr. Minhaz Ahmed.
Formalizing the Organization
Regular communication was maintained among key figures, including Dr. Shoaib Chowdhury, Dr. Arifur Rahman, Dr. Rashidul Alam, Dr. Nur E Kamal and Dr. Khairul Wara. Mr. Istiaque Uddin Ahmed from Toronto played a crucial role in connecting Canadian biochemists to DUBANA.
During the third gathering in Boston in 2009, an ad-hoc committee was established to formally launch DUBANA, consisting of Dr. Nur E Kamal, Dr. Shoaib Chowdhury, and Dr. AKM Khyrul Wara. The two members of the committee comprised of Dr. Chowdhury and Dr. Wara organized the first DUBANA election, leading to the start of the first elected committee's term on January 1, 2010. The elected officials were Dr. Nur E Kamal (NJ) as President, Dr. Rashidul Alam (MD) as General Secretary, and Dr. Arifur Rahman (MD) as Treasurer. The five elected directors were Dr. Md. Hasanuzzaman (LA), Dr. Md. Zahidul Islam (MI), Mr. Ayub Khan (CA), Dr. Liakot Khan (MA), and Dr. Golam Mohi (NY).