News Desk : dhakamirror.com
World Philosophy Day celebrated featuring a variety of programs and activities at Dhaka University campus on 21 November 2024.
To mark the occasion, the Department of Philosophy, the Govinda Dev Centre for Philosophical Research, and the Centre for Moral Development jointly organised a day-long programme. This year’s theme was “Philosophy for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
The discussion session, held at the auditorium of the Teacher-Student Centre, featured Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Professor Dr Shah Kauser Mustafa Abul Ulai, Chairperson of the Department of Philosophy. Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, addressed the event as a special guest.
The keynote speech, titled “The Philosophy of the 2024 Mass Uprising in Bangladesh: An Islamic Perspective,” was presented by Professor A K M Yunus of the Department of Philosophy. Associate Professor Dr Kazi A S M Nurul Huda and Professor Maleka Akter Chowdhury from the Department of Philosophy at Government Titumir College also spoke at the event. Professor Md Nuruzzaman delivered the vote of thanks.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Khan highlighted the importance of philosophical education in both personal and collective life.
He emphasised the need to strengthen ethical philosophy and ideals through self-purification and reflection.
The Vice-Chancellor noted the increasing divisions in society, which are leading to growing distances among people and resulting in conflicts, unrest, and chaos. He described such divisions as a defeat of humanity and urged philosophers and philosophy researchers to play an active role in resolving conflicts and bridging divides in society by spreading the message of peace.
Earlier in the day, a rally was held with the participation of faculty members and students of the department. The rally commenced at the base of the Aparajeyo Bangla sculpture and concluded at the Teacher-Student Centre. Additionally, a commemorative publication was unveiled to mark the day.
It is worth noting that UNESCO declared World Philosophy Day in 2002. In 2005, its General Conference decided to celebrate the occasion on the third Thursday of November every year. The University of Dhaka has been regularly observing World Philosophy Day since then. – Press release
