Prof. Dr. Md. Ashraful Hoque, Vice-Chancellor, AUST congratulated them on their success. Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer, Prof. Dr. Sharmin Reza Chowdhury, AUST, Ar. ABM Mahbubul Malik, Head, Department of Arch., AUST and others.

Hosted by the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB)
November 1, 2025 | IAB Premises, Agargaon, Dhaka

The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) proudly hosted “OctFEST 2025”, a day-long exhibition and discourse dedicated to exploring innovative ideas in urban design. The event brought together sixteen leading architecture schools from renowned universities across Bangladesh, showcasing exemplary Urban Design Studio projects and fostering a collaborative exchange of ideas.

A roundtable discussion highlighted the day’s program, featuring distinguished experts including Ar. Jalal  Ahmed, Dr. Utpal Toufique, Prof. Dr. Maruf Hossain, and Prof. Dr. Nourose Fatemi, along with esteemed faculty members from participating universities. The discussion focused on the role and prospects of urban designers in addressing the complex challenges of cities like Dhaka—one of the world’s most populous and environmentally stressed metropolises.

Ar. Nusrat Wahid, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, AUST, participated in the roundtable as a course instructor of Urban Design Studio VII. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of integrating academic learning with real-world urban challenges, encouraging students to engage directly with the city’s issues and contribute to innovative, context-driven solutions.

The dialogue further expanded to address the contrasts between urban design challenges in the Global South and the Global North, underscoring the need for education systems and urban policies to align more closely with local contexts. Participants also discussed the significance of community involvement—including local residents, planners, developers, and stakeholders—in shaping sustainable and inclusive urban futures.

To promote greater engagement and recognition in the field, participants proposed the introduction of scholarships and awards for emerging urban designers and recommended that October be celebrated annually as “Urban October” in Bangladesh.

Among the standout exhibits was the Urban Design Studio VII project titled “Integrating Urban Amenities with Transit Stops Using TOD Concept, Uttara, Dhaka”, designed by AUST Students Farhan Muhibur Rahman, Shihan Rahman, and Nusrat Jahan . The project received special recognition for its innovative approach and outstanding presentation.

After being informed by Ar. ABM Mahbubul Malik,  HOD of the department of Architecture, AUST Honorable Vice Chancellor of AUST, Prof. Dr. Ashraful Hoque, met with the teachers and students, extending his warm appreciation and cordial greetings.

OctFEST 2025 successfully created a platform for young designers and professionals to share insights, envision sustainable futures, and reaffirm the role of architecture and urban design in shaping better cities for tomorrow.