Bangladesh English Language Teachers Association (BELTA) and the Department of English, Jashore University of Science and Technology jointly organized the BELTA National Conference 2023 at JUST on 25 November 2023. The conference, themed 'Rethinking English Language Teaching-Learning Practices,' unfolded at the Central Gallery in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Academic Building of JUST.

The inaugural ceremony, graced by Professor Dr. Md. Anwar, the Vice Chancellor of JUST, set the tone for insightful discussions. In his address as the chief guest, Professor Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain emphasized the pivotal role of English as the language of science and research, stressing the necessity of mastering it for effective teaching and learning. He posed a crucial question regarding the challenges students face in adapting to English at the university level, prompting a call for solutions to identify systemic issues within the education system.

Acknowledging BELTA's significant contribution to English education in post-pandemic situations in Bangladesh, Professor Dr. Md. Anwar expressed gratitude to the organizers for selecting JUST as the venue for the National Conference.

Ahmed Bashir, President of BELTA and a Professor in the English Department at Dhaka University, was the conference convener. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Rubina Khan, immediate past president of BELTA and a professor in the English Department at Dhaka University. Dr. Khan delved into Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and In-service Professional Development (IPD) methods as essential tools for acquiring teaching skills.

The conference, presided over by Dr. Md. Munibur Rahman, Chairman of the English Department at JUST, featured addresses from BELTA President Professor Ahmed Bashir, and Professor Dr. Tajin Aziz Chowdhury from Dhaka University's English Department.

Other notable participants included BELTA General Secretary Dr. Md. Mohib Ullah, Professor Dr. Md. Shahjahan Kabir, Professor Dr. Abdur Rahman Shahin and Professor Md. Samyul Haque from Khulna University’s English Discipline, Associate Professor Md. Sazzad Hossain Zahid and Dr. Azran Azmee Kafia from Islamic University’s English Department, Associate professor Dr. Kh Atikur Rahman from Bangabandhu Maritime University, Assistant Professor Dr. Md Shaiful Islam from the English Department of Modern Languages, Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), and Associate Professor Dr. Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Dr. Marium Jamila, Assistant Professor Dr. Farzana Nasreen, Md. Abdul Halim, Abdullah AL Mamun, Farhana Yeasmin, Mst. Sharmin Sultana, Tanzir Ahmed, Lecturer Tabassum Islam Nabanee, Tushmit Mehruba Aka, Md. Mahmudur Rahman Siam, Sharifuzzaman from JUST’s English Department and others.

The conference drew the participation of over 150 teachers, researchers and students from schools, colleges, and universities across the country, presenting more than 60 articles and presentations during the parallel sessions and workshops. A panel discussion added depth and perspective to this enriching event. The inaugural program was skillfully conducted by Koraisha Binte Humayun and Tasneem Mahbooba, two students from JUST's English Department, adding a dynamic student perspective to the proceedings.