North South University (NSU) hosts a book launching and award-giving ceremony titled “Reclaiming Bangladesh: Democracy, Governance, & Nation Building” by Ambassador Serajul Islam, today at the university’s Audi 801. The event was organized by NSU’s Office of External Affairs (OEA) and the Department of History and Philosophy, in collaboration with Dhaka Forum, NSU Debate Club, and NSU Art & Photography Club (NSUAPC).a press release said.

The event was graced by Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development & Cooperatives and Secretary General, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, former Finance Adviser to the Interim Government and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman, Board of Trustees, North South University. The session was chaired by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor, North South University.Members of the author’s family were also present at the event.

Speaking at the event, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reflected on the author’s life, convictions, and intellectual legacy, saying, “He remained steadfast in his convictions and never hesitated to express them. He was unwavering in his commitment to the country and never compromised on his patriotism. His writings were sharp and deeply reflective of his aspirations. His commitment to democracy was genuine and uncompromising. At a time like this, our country could have greatly benefited from a person of his conviction and integrity in guiding the affairs of the state.”

Reflecting on the author’s intellectual approach and character, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed said, “One must be willing to look beneath the surface and, at the same time, maintain a critical mind. He was deeply principled and remarkably uncompromising in his convictions. His intellectual honesty and willingness to question established assumptions made his work particularly significant.”

Aziz Al Kaiser said, “North South University has always sought to contribute to Bangladesh through education, research, and meaningful engagement with society. We are pleased to host a discussion bringing together policymakers, academics, and thought leaders to reflect on democracy, governance, and nation-building. Such initiatives create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and encourage us to think critically about the country’s future.”

Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “There are three chapters in this book, and the third part focuses on nation-building, which is also very important to us. North South University has always tried to contribute to the country’s development and human resource development. The contributions and initiatives of the author’s family are also part of this broader effort. Building a nation is not the responsibility of any single institution; families, universities, and society as a whole must work together to build a stronger and better Bangladesh.”

As part of the ceremony, the author’s family announced a scholarship initiative in his memory. Under the initiative, two students of North South University’s Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), one female and one male, will be awarded scholarships every year. Under the initiative, Samia Yesmin and Shahnewaz Kabir received scholarships last year, while Sheikh Tauhidul Islam and Shidratul Muntaha received scholarships this year.

The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Saleh Shahriar, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Philosophy, North South University. The panel featured Dr. Dilara Choudhury, an academic and political analyst; Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, former Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations; and Ms. Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid Bangladesh. The panelists exchanged views on various aspects of democracy, governance, and nation-building.

The ceremony featured the launch of “Reclaiming Bangladesh: Democracy, Governance, & Nation Building,” along with an award-giving segment. The program brought together policymakers, academics, researchers, professionals, students, and members of civil society for an engaging discussion on Bangladesh’s democratic journey, governance, institutional reform, and the challenges and opportunities of nation building.