Navigating the Horizon of Professional Growth: Reflections on BELTA National Conference 2023

Date: November 25, 2023

Location: Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh

On a crisp November morning at Jashore University of Science and Technology, the halls buzzed with scholarly energy as English educators and enthusiasts gathered for the BELTA National Conference 2023. Among the distinguished presentations, I had the privilege of sharing my insights in a proposal titled "Exploring the Professional Growth of New English Instructors at Private Universities of Bangladesh." The conference, a melting pot of ideas, provided a platform for educators to exchange knowledge, fostering a community dedicated to advancing language education.

Scheduled at 10:50 am in room 511, I took the stage, navigating through the nuances of my proposal within the allocated 20 minutes. The session was chaired by the competent Assistant Professor Ms. Farhana Yeasmin from the English Department at JUST. Alongside me, Assistant Professor Sumona Rani Saha delivered her paper, contributing to the diverse tapestry of discussions.

A highlight of the event was the keynote speech by the esteemed Professor Dr. Rubina Khan, a luminary from the Department of English at Dhaka University. Dr. Khan illuminated various paths of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) that could enrich teaching and learning pedagogy within the local context. Her insights served as guiding beacons for educators striving for excellence in their profession.

Credit is due to the visionary leadership of Professor Dr. Md. Munibur Rahman, whose dedication to his department and meticulous organization skills culminated in the success of the event. The conference not only served as a platform for academic exchange but also facilitated unexpected reunions, such as the impromptu KUSOED gathering, where I had the pleasure of reconnecting with old friends like Krishna Dutta, Sumon Roy, and Mahfujur Rahman.

In the spirit of reunion, I couldn't help but imagine the joy Dr. Laxman Gnawali would have felt if Ashraful Wadud and Ziaul Karim had joined the event. The conference wasn't confined to physical interactions; it transcended the boundaries of the conference hall and reached into the virtual space, bringing together friends on Facebook for meaningful conversations.

Special mentions are warranted for individuals whose contributions added layers of richness to the event. Asst Professor Md Abdul Halim (JUST), Dr. Azran Azmee Kafia (IU), Associate Professor Mohammed Mokarrom Hossain Latifee (PUST), Assistant Professor Golam Mohiuddin (GUB), and Assistant Teacher (English) Md Shofiul Basher Chowdhury (Hazaribag Girls High School & College) played integral roles in shaping the vibrant tapestry of the conference.

The warm hospitality extended by the JUST team deserves commendation, reflecting the humility instilled by their mentors. As the conference concluded, gratitude was extended to the BELTA President, Professor Ahmed Bashir (Department of English, DU), and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohib Ullah (Department of English, IIUC), for their pivotal roles in orchestrating a successful event.

In retrospect, the BELTA National Conference 2023 was not merely a convergence of ideas; it was a celebration of the shared passion for English education, a testament to the dedication of educators, and a beacon lighting the way for continuous professional growth in the ever-evolving landscape of language instruction in Bangladesh.