Dhaka: A two-day international conference focusing on the philosophies of renaissance in the thoughts of Allama Iqbal and Kazi Nazrul Islam commenced at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University (DU). The event was inaugurated in the presence of Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan, who served as the chief guest.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the opening session featured addresses by notable figures including Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Islamic Thought Dr M Abul Aziz, and Editor of Dainik Amar Desh Mahmudur Rahman. The session was chaired by Chairman of the DU Urdu Department M Golam Mawla. Keynote papers were presented by Professor Dr Mahmudul Hasan from the International Islamic University Malaysia and Professor Dr Khaja M Ekramuddin from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India.
The session began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran and a moment of silence to honor the martyrs of the 1971 War of Independence and the July Uprising of 2024. The conference sees participation from representatives of 18 countries, with 133 papers being presented across 18 sessions.
Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan emphasized the importance of the conference in enhancing the university’s development through merit, innovation, and collaborative knowledge practices. He highlighted that the event not only served as an academic dialogue but also as an opportunity for networking and fostering humanitarian values, thus strengthening scholarly bonds and cooperation.
The Vice-Chancellor reflected on the enduring impact of Allama Iqbal and Kazi Nazrul Islam’s philosophies on society, literature, and the humanitarian spirit. He also remarked on the significance of the July Uprising in shaping the social and political landscape of Bangladesh.