About HCFD
Hatiya Chhatra Forum – Dhaka is a non-political welfare organisation run by and for students from Hatiya Upazila who are studying in Dhaka.
Our mission
Every year, students leave Hatiya for Dhaka to study. Many are the first in their family to do so, arriving in a city where they know almost no one. HCFD exists so that no student from the island has to face that first year alone — and so that a lack of money, contacts or information never decides who gets to finish their education.
Our vision
To foster unity, harmony and brotherhood among students from the island of Hatiya studying in Dhaka, and to help them realise their full potential by resolving the academic, financial and career challenges they face.
How we started
Hatiya is an island of life and inspiration at the mouth of the Meghna, its natural beauty framed where green land meets open water. From this island, talented young people have spread across the country, proving themselves in the classroom and in the profession of teaching alike — every year producing BCS cadres, bankers, engineers, entrepreneurs and business owners. But to compete with the rest of the country, Hatiya's students need more than talent: they need guidance, and someone standing beside them on the way to success. Far from family, most students are denied exactly that. So, alongside their institutions and families, and as successor to the former Hatiya Student Welfare Association, Dhaka, Hatiya Chhatra Forum, Dhaka was founded in September 2013 with a single vow: to stand by Hatiya's students in the heart of Dhaka. Here there is the chance to build real relationships with people from home, and each year, on merit and sacrifice, a new committee opens the door to new responsibility, skill and leadership.
What we do
Unifying Hatiya's students
Bringing every Hatiya student in Dhaka together through member registration and an elected executive committee.
Regular events
Organising programmes throughout the year for Hatiya students studying in Dhaka.
Sports, tours & competitions
Sport, competitions and educational tours that turn acquaintances into lasting friendships.
Admission & housing help
Guiding newly arrived students from Hatiya through admission and finding a place to live.
Problem solving
Practical help for students facing difficulties at their college or university.
Community involvement
Standing with the people of Hatiya whenever the island needs us.
Blood & healthcare
Arranging blood and support for Hatiya patients who come to Dhaka for treatment.
Education & career guidance
Running education and career-focused programmes in both Dhaka and Hatiya.
Our journey so far
A few highlights from the road since 2013.
500+
Bags of blood donated by our members
2013
Serving Hatiya's students in Dhaka
- 2014
Exchange meeting in Hatiya with the local MP, Upazila Chairman and municipal Mayor; competitions at Hatiya Dwip Government College; a BCS-cadre career programme at Dhaka University.
- 2015
Educational tour to the Sonargaon Museum, an Iftar Mahfil in Dhaka, and a friendly football match in Hatiya.
- 2016
Educational tour to Gazipur National Park; an Iftar Mahfil and honour ceremony at Dhaka University recognising Hatiya's teachers, politicians, businesspeople, sports and human-rights organisers, and journalists.
- 2017
Educational tour to Moinot Ghat on the Padma, and an Iftar party at Dhaka University.
- 2018
Active participation in "Hatiyar Milon Mela", organised jointly by all Hatiya-based organisations in Dhaka.
- 2019
Joined the picnic organised by the Hatiya Dwip Somiti at Dream Holy Day Park, Narsingdi.
What we stand for
Non-political
Every Hatiya family carries its own political views, and so do we as individuals — but Hatiya Chhatra Forum, Dhaka itself takes no side. Every member is equal, and committee selection is judged solely on willingness to work for Hatiya, never on political identity.
Transparent
Every taka raised and spent is reported to the members.
Open to all
Any student from Hatiya studying in Dhaka can join, at any institution.
A note to guardians
Around 500 students from Hatiya are currently studying at Dhaka's top institutions — over 60 at Dhaka University alone. Most come from middle-class families and rely on tuition work to fund their studies, but opportunities are often decided by who you know. If you're looking for a tutor for your child, consider a student from home first — we'll vouch for the quality, and you can raise any concern with us directly.
Join us
If you are from Hatiya and studying in Dhaka, the forum is already yours. Tell us where you study and we will add you to the network.