The CEAA Retreat 2025, held at Bashanta Bilash (বসন্ত বিলাস), Narayanganj, Dhaka, was not just a recreational event; it was a meaningful journey of planning, responsibility, teamwork, and shared joy. For me, attending this retreat as an organizer and photographer was a truly enriching and memorable experience.
Behind the Preparation
The primary objective of the retreat was clear from the beginning: to make the event successful for everyone. To achieve this, our organizing team worked tirelessly well before the journey day. We approached several companies to seek sponsorship support, managed the purchasing of gift items, collected registration fees, and carefully handled wrapping and sorting tasks. Every small responsibility contributed to the bigger goal of creating a smooth and enjoyable retreat.
At the initial stage, although I was actively performing my duties as one of the organizers, I was personally not interested in joining the picnic. Due to certain mental and financial challenges at that time, I had decided to stay behind. However, Nazifa Apu kindly encouraged and convinced me to participate. Looking back now, I am truly grateful for her motivation, as it allowed me to be part of an unforgettable experience.
The Journey Begins -19 December 2025
The much-awaited day, 19 December 2025, finally arrived. The bus reached on time, and we began our journey at 8:15 AM from the AUST campus. Following the Rampura–Demra–Narayanganj route, we reached our destination, Bashanta Bilash (বসন্ত বিলাস), at 10:00 AM.
Upon arrival, the registration process started smoothly, where tickets were collected for participants. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a refreshing breakfast consisting of dim khichuri, tea, and jira pani, which set a warm and welcoming tone for the day.
Events and Activities
One of the most heartwarming segments of the retreat was the children’s drawing event. The children freely expressed their creativity through drawings, while their parents watched with joy and encouragement. It was truly wonderful to see families enjoying the program together.
Following this, a rope-pulling competition was organized for the men, adding excitement and friendly competition to the event. Later, participants enjoyed the swimming pool party, dancing to lively music and playing handball, creating an atmosphere full of energy and laughter.
After these activities, everyone gathered for a buffet lunch, which was followed by relaxing boat rides and horse rides, enjoyed by families and children alike.
Raffle Draw and Closing Moments
Around 4:00 PM, the much-anticipated raffle draw event began. Raffle tickets were sold after arrival at the venue, and with each prize announcement, the excitement among participants grew. Every winner announcement was met with cheers and applause.
Our CEAA President, Jahir Bhai, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting CEAA’s activities throughout the year and appreciating the collective efforts behind the retreat. The event concluded with participants joyfully releasing sky lanterns, creating a beautiful and memorable closing scene.
Return Journey
We started our return journey to Dhaka at 6:15 PM and safely arrived back at the AUST campus by 8:00 PM. Though the day had been long, it was filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment.
My Experience as an Organizer and Photographer
Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat. I actively sold raffle draw tickets, participated in the pool party, and most importantly, captured countless joyful moments through my camera. Serving as both an organizer and photographer allowed me to experience the retreat from multiple perspectives.
Attending the CEAA Retreat 2025 as an organizer and photographer was a rewarding professional experience that provided valuable hands-on learning beyond routine participation. One of the most significant learning aspects for me was bus management, which was a completely new experience. Coordinating transportation schedules, ensuring smooth movement of participants, and managing time efficiently helped me develop practical skills in logistics, coordination, and team management.
Through photography, I focused on capturing candid and group moments—preserving emotions, interactions, and memories that truly defined the retreat. From travel scenes to activity highlights, every frame tells a story of collaboration and shared happiness.
Conclusion
The CEAA Retreat was not merely a picnic; it was a platform for learning, leadership, teamwork, and connection. Being trusted with both operational and creative responsibilities strengthened my confidence and enhanced my ability to manage multiple roles effectively.
This experience has contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth, and I remain deeply grateful to CEAA, the organizing team, and all participants for making the retreat successful and memorable.
Please visit Medium for more photos.
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| Bull's Eye |
Moments of Magic
Photographed by
Engr. Aditya Dev
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