Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today emphasized the necessity of developing a universal humanist philosophy to achieve lasting global peace and address the ongoing crises facing the world. Speaking as the chief guest at the 2nd International Conference on 'Philosophy for Peace' at the Teacher-Student Centre auditorium of Dhaka University, Swapon highlighted the importance of philosophical foundations in preserving humanity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Swapon, acknowledging his background as a political activist rather than a philosopher, stressed that philosophy is a critical element distinguishing humans from other living beings. He remarked that without a philosophical foundation, an individual cannot truly preserve their humanity, even if they possess a human body and mind. Swapon noted that human history demonstrates that once basic survival needs are met, fundamental questions about origin and destiny arise, marking the beginning of philosophical inquiry.
Swapon further pointed out that traditional philosophies, despite their noble intentions, lack universal acceptance. He urged intellectuals to help create a common philosophical platform, as he believes this is essential to resolving the current global peace crisis. He called for a unified, human-centric worldview to be shaped by thinkers worldwide.
The event was officially inaugurated by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof A B M Obaidul Islam, who, in his speech, equated life and philosophy, describing philosophy as a deep analysis of life necessary for building a knowledge-based society. Prof. Obaidul Islam expressed concern over the decline in human and moral values in today's turbulent world, despite significant progress. He highlighted the indispensable role of philosophy in fostering moral consciousness and building a humane global society. The Vice-Chancellor expressed optimism that the participating philosophers and Sufi scholars would offer constructive guidelines for global peace-building.
The conference also saw the presence of other notable figures, including State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, Bangladesh Open University Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, National University Vice-Chancellor Prof S M Amanullah, and Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan.