40 promising development practitioners took part in the 4-week-long collaborative course conducted by Dhaka University and Friendship Academy.
By Iffat Ara Sharmeen,
23 May 2026
On 22 May 2026, the Summer School on ‘Development in Practice’ course came to an end, with participants being awarded their respective certificates in the presence of eminent development and academic leaders. The ceremony took place at the Faculty of Social Sciences building at the University of Dhaka. The event provided a platform where students and experts exchanged crucial insights on real-world development.
The event kicked off with a welcome speech by Dr Kazi Maruful Islam, Professor, Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka. This was followed by a speech by Brig Gen. Ilyas Iftekhar Rasul, NDC, PSC (retired), Senior Director and Head of Education, Friendship. A small documentary showcasing the students’ journey throughout the course was also shown as an ode to their hard work.
Stephane Van Haute from Friendship Luxembourg joined the event as a special guest and congratulated the students for their participation. Dr Mohammad Mainul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Dhaka, served as the Chief Guest of the event and shared his remarks. The event ended with closing remarks from Dr Nayeem Sultana, Professor of the Department of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka, who also chaired the event. The entire ceremony was moderated by Nazneen Sultana, Assistant Professor at the Department of Development Studies of the University of Dhaka.
The Summer School 2026, curated by Friendship Academy and the University of Dhaka, saw the participation of 40 emerging development practitioners as they navigated through the successes and realities of real-world development through the interventions led by Friendship.
The course taught topics relevant to current development practices, such as GO-NGO collaboration, poverty reduction, project management, displacement, community empowerment through education, development communications, gender-responsive development, health and climate interventions, emergency response, good governance, and entrepreneurship in development. A field trip to the northern char islands was also included, which allowed participants to engage with marginalised communities firsthand. Apart from the University and Friendship, trainers from external renowned organisations taught sessions as well, including from Suchana Programme, BIISS, UNDP, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Planning Commission, Muslim Hands, and Plan International.
