Bangla Society: President

I’m Zareen (Law Student) and I am running for President of UCL’s Bangla Society because I believe I have the necessary skills, experience and, most importantly, passion to lead this club. 

On a little about my background: I am Bangladeshi but have been born and brought up in Hong Kong. With my extended family living in Bangladesh, it was crucial to maintain my cultural roots. This experience is shared by many as most Bangladeshis live in HK with their small immediate family. Therefore, whilst living alone in HK, our family made it imperative to establish a close-knitted community. We did this through establishing the first and only official Bangladesh Association in Hong Kong, organising events for every occasion, a Bangla school and many more. Consequently, my entire childhood has been about community, belonging and having fun and I wish to transfer this to our UCL Bangla Society. 

Additionally, my past leadership roles (Head Girl, Chair of Community Service, D&I, Deputy Organiser of a large scale charity show, founder of numerous clubs, etc.) has prepared me to assume the responsibility of being president by honing my organizational, problem-solving, and networking abilities. As president, I would strive to expand our membership by creating more engaging activities that appeal not only to existing members but also attract new ones, including other cultural societies!

Therefore, if you want an active and sociable society for 23/24, please vote Zareen for President!

For those wondering why the scene for Bangladeshi and Bengali culture remains so silent while our Desi neighbours paint henna, hold parties, and play drums into the night, wonder no more. I will take the bull by the horns and restore the glory days of BanglaSoc. Here’s a non exhaustive list as to why you should vote me as your president next year:

• Like many Bangladeshis and Bengalis living abroad, reading and writing in our mother tongue can be a daunting task. Under my leadership regular Bangla lessons for beginners will return. 

• Collaborating with our brothers and sisters across the Desi societies within UCL and across other universities to hold cross societal events, games nights, cultural events, movie nights and of course challenges. 

• Celebrating the rich traditions of West Bengal and Bangladesh. Ever tried kacchi Biryani from Dhaka, or heard the poetry of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore? Do you know about the significance of February 21, or why there are two Bengals in the first place? We will invite a range of speakers to discuss contemporary issues faced by the Bengali and larger South Asian diaspora, touching on topics such as history and identity in the post-colonial age. 

You probably get it by now - the range of things I want to deliver for BanglaSoc is as rich and diverse as our homeland. I hope this has convinced you to cast a ballot in my name. After all, it can’t be a true Bangla Society without some political nudging.

Joy Bangla