Dhaka Toastmasters Club marked its 250th milestone meeting at the EMK Center in Gulshan, Dhaka, bringing together Toastmasters leaders, past presidents, members, professionals and guests for a morning of communication, leadership, reflection, performance and community engagement.
Stephen Forbes, Country Director of the British Council in Bangladesh, attended as Guest of Honour and delivered an address drawing on his extensive international leadership experience. His remarks translated cross-cultural experience into practical lessons on listening, clarity, adaptability and continuous improvement in communication and leadership.
Scott E. Hartmann, Director of the Public Engagement Unit at the U.S. Embassy Dhaka, attended as a Special Guest. Leaders from Toastmasters International District 41, along with current and former club leaders, were also present. The event was held under the leadership of Mustakim Ahmed Sunny, President of Dhaka Toastmasters Club, with Shakil Ezaz serving as Event Chair.
Rather than following only a conventional Toastmasters meeting format, the programme combined keynote remarks, leadership addresses, prepared and impromptu speaking, reflections from past presidents, performance, audience participation, music and fellowship. A dedicated Past Presidents Session brought former leaders together to reflect on memorable moments from their tenures, leadership lessons, and what they hope the club will preserve in the years ahead.
Two hundred and fifty sounds like one big achievement. I think it is 249 times somebody said, ‘Yes. Let’s meet again.’” — Mustakim Ahmed Sunny, President, Dhaka Toastmasters Club
Toastmasters International District 41 leaders also addressed the gathering, including Golam Dastagir Jony, DTM, District Director, and TM Md. Shek Sadi, Division F Director. Guests experienced an interactive Table Topics session, responding to impromptu speaking prompts without prior preparation. The programme also featured “Success Manuscript” by DTM Fayez Uddin Ahmed, alongside musical elements and audience engagement.
The celebration highlighted the people behind the club’s journey, including past presidents, current Executive Committee members, volunteers and members who have contributed over the years. It was also designed to be accessible to first-time visitors, allowing guests to experience prepared speaking, impromptu communication, constructive feedback, and leadership in practice.
Dhaka Toastmasters Club was chartered in May 2015 and is part of Toastmasters International District 41. The club provides a supportive environment where members practise public speaking, impromptu communication, constructive evaluation and leadership through regular meetings. Toastmasters International traces its origins to 1924 and today operates a worldwide network of clubs focused on communication and leadership development through practice and peer feedback.
The 250th milestone meeting concluded with music, conversation, and fellowship, bringing together different generations of the Dhaka Toastmasters community while looking ahead to the club’s next chapter.
