Dr Dipu Siddiqui:A panel discussion on Cultural Understanding in a Plural Society’ was convened today, March 20, 2024, Wednesday, at 11:00 am, under the title ‘Interactive Session on Cultural Understanding in a Plural Society’ at the Campus of Royal University of Dhaka.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Tone Bleie, Head of the Department of Planning and Cultural Understanding at the University of Tomsø in Norway. Joining the discussion were Prof. Dr. Prafulla Chandra Sarker, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Sheikh Hasina University of Science and Technology; columnist Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of Adivasi Forum; and Brigadier General (Retd.) Mushfiqur Rahman, the newly appointed Registrar of Royal University.
Prof. Dr. Tone Bleie shed light on various facets of Scandinavian-Santal-Buro-Bengali heritage and underscored the enduring impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
An eminent educationist Professor Dr. Mesbah Kamal, Vice-Chancellor of the Royal University of Dhaka, who chaired the discussion, emphasized the necessity of fostering cultural relations for the advancement of a pluralistic society. He stressed the importance of acknowledging and safeguarding the rights of all races and their respective mother tongues, advocating for a policy that integrates mother tongue education alongside other languages. Dr. Kamal also highlighted the pivotal role of indigenous peoples in maintaining the earth’s natural balance and urged for their fair treatment and protection of their rights.
Eminent educationist Professor. Dr. Prafulla Chandra Sarker expressed that diversity enriches a nation’s beauty, emphasizing the value of multiculturalism and multilingualism in enhancing a country’s richness.
Sanjeeb Drong, a prominent columnist and indigenous researcher, called for concerted efforts to preserve the planet’s equilibrium and protect the rights of indigenous communities, advocating for documentary films as a means to raise awareness. He emphasized the crucial role indigenous peoples play in safeguarding the environment while also addressing the challenges they face in their daily lives, underscoring the need for justice.
Brigadier General (Retd.) Mushfiqur Rahman conveyed gratitude to the participants and encouraged them to publish their research findings in the journal of the Royal University of Dhaka.
Associate Professor Jahrat Ara, Head of the Department of English at Royal University of Dhaka, facilitated the discussion, which saw attendance from faculty, staff, and officers from various university departments.