Bangladeshi students in ISFiT 2019

International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT), 2019 took place recently in Trondheim, Norway. Eight Bangladeshis, from 500 students representing 145 countries, participated in the event, where migration was the key theme.

Farhan Mashuk, Khadiza Tul Qubra Binte Ahsan, Sadia Jamin Haque Suchi from Dhaka University, Md Rezoanul Islam from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Susmita Ghosh from North South University,  Zannatul Ferdous Munmun from Asian University for Women, Jawwad Shadman Siddique from BUET, and MD Thauhidul Islam from Jahangirnagar University, proudly represented Bangladesh in the largest international student festival of the year. They engaged in dialogues, debates and seminars, and carried the Bangladeshi flag during the opening ceremony, walk of peace and ski day. "I never realised that I could be social. ISFiT brought out my social skills and my confidence," says Sadia. Entertainment such as cultural shows, ice-breaking sessions, kickboxing, sightseeing and other activities in the snow, helped the multinational members bond and truly understand unity beyond borders. 

ISFiT equips participants with the ability to innovate practical solutions for their country's problems. The eight aspiring active citizens aim to implement what they've learnt, in Bangladesh. Khadiza believes, "Our engagement in dialogue regarding the Rohingya crisis is truly one of the few ways by which we can control the situation, and maybe initiate voluntary repatriation." She brought back a collaboration of students who are willing to work for international refugees. Rezoanul, another attendant states, "Our country faces brain drain. The meritorious students are going abroad for higher studies and many choose not to return." He plans to cooperate with NGOs who are working for underprivileged people and community development. Farhan said, "Bangladesh lacks exposure. In spite of performing impressively well in recent times, we have failed to come up with proper branding of our nation." He looks forward to attaining that national recognition by utilising the knowledge he gained from ISFiT. Susmita feels that each and everyone can make a difference. "A good citizen can help bring positive changes to a country. Being a civil citizen can change the surroundings for betterment. Norwegian citizens have helped take Norway to the top five in the Human Development Index. Thus, I want to spread the inspiration and become a civil citizen."

Enlightened by the ISFiT experience, these young students are on the path to help develop Bangladesh in sensible yet, powerful ways.