Khulna: Experts at a seminar here on Tuesday said intellectual enlightenment plays a crucial role in the development of human society, while language proficiency, particularly deep knowledge of one’s mother tongue, forms one of the key foundations of enlightenment. They addressed at the seminar titled “Revisiting the Socio-Political Legacy Of Jrgen Habermas in Contemporary Bangladesh” was held at Khulna University today, focusing on the life, philosophy and intellectual contributions of German philosopher and sociologist Jrgen Habermas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Sociology Discipline of the university organized the seminar at the Journalist Liaquat Ali Auditorium this afternoon. Speaking as the chief guest, KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim highlighted the uncertainties in the contemporary socio-political context and said sudden changes in a long-established social system create new political and social realities. He emphasized that critical thinking and intellectual practices are essential to understanding such transformations, which are strongly reflected in Habermas’ philosophy.
KU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Harunur Rashid Khan, who addressed the seminar as special guest, noted that Habermas’ thoughts and works are multidimensional and highly influential in the European intellectual sphere. He pointed out that reading habits indicate the intellectual development of a nation, while books enable people to learn about the ideas of globally renowned thinkers. Such seminars play an important role in enhancing students’ knowledge and analytical abilities, he added.
The seminar was presided over by Sociology Discipline Head Prof Dr Abdullah Abu Sayeed Khan. Dean of the Social Science School Prof Sheikh Sharafat Hossain attended the programme as an honoured guest. Prof Dr Sanjoy Kumar Chand and Assistant Professor Tasnia Tahsin Suha conducted the event, which was attended by teachers and students of the discipline.