Empowering Bangladesh: Pathways to Leadership, Unity, and Growth

April 19, 2025

North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Conference Agenda

10:00 AM – 10:05 AM | Welcome Remarks

·       Sabrina Islam-Rahman and Naureen Islam, Bangladesh Empowered Founders and Daughters of Ambassador Serajul Islam

10:05 AM – 10:15 AM | Special Welcome Address

·       Prof. Rizwanul Islam, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, North South

University

Session 1: Governance, Leadership & Democracy

10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Moderators: Ambassador Iftikharul Karim and Dr. Aninditha Ghoshal

Exploring Bangladesh’s evolving role on the global stage, governance strategies, and democratic leadership.

  1. 10:15 – 10:25 AM | Keynote Speaker’s Address: Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Honourable Adviser, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of Bangladesh
    “Insights on Sustainable Economic Strategies and Leadership in Governance”

  2. 10:25 – 10:35 AM | Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General (BNP)
    “The Future of Bangladesh: Governance and Democracy”

  3. 10:35 – 10:45 AM | Mr. Jashim Uddin, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh.
    “Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Shaping Bangladesh’s Role on the Global Stage”

  4. 10:45 – 10:55 AM | Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, Govt. of Bangladesh “Youth as Catalysts for Change”

  5. 10:55 – 11:05 AM | Dr. Rashiduzzaman, Professor Emiritus of Political Science, Rowan University, USA “Memories of Intellectual Exchanges with Ambassador Serajul Islam”

  6. 11:05 – 11:10 PM | Dr. Rashed Titumir, Professor of Economics and former Chairman of the Department of Development Studies, University of Dhaka, “Economic transformation in Bangladesh and its Implications for the Country’s Future.”

  7. 11:10 – 11:15 AM | Session Chair: Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor, North South University

11:15 AM – 11:25 AM | Scholarship Award Ceremony

Presentation of the Ambassador Serajul Islam Future Leaders Scholarship to students from Dhaka University and North South University
Led by Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman, Department of History and Philosophy, North South University

11:25 - 11:35 AM | Session Break (10 minutes)

Session 2: Political & Social Transformation

11:35 AM – 12:55 PM
Moderators: Ambassador Shahed Akhter and Ambassador Shamim Ahmed

Examining the intersection of politics, governance, and social equity in Bangladesh’s future.

  1. 11:35 – 11:45 AM | Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairman, BRAC and Executive Chairman of Power and Participation Research Center (PPRC)
    “Fostering Inclusive Growth and Effective Governance in Bangladesh’s Political Landscape”

  2. 11:45 – 11:55 PM | Dr. Dilara Chowdhury, Retired Professor and Chair of the Department of Government and Politics at Jahangirnagar University
    “The Myth of Political Empowerment of Women in Bangladesh”

  3. 11:55 – 12:05 PM | Mrs. Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid Bangladesh
    “Building Inclusive Societies through Civic Engagement and Grassroots Activism”

  4. 12:05 – 12:15 PM | Barrister Assaduzzaman Fuaad, General Secretary, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party
    “Constitutional Reforms and the Role of Law in a New Bangladesh”

  5. 12:15 – 12:25 PM | Dr. Anindita Ghoshal, Associate Professor of History, Diamond Harbour Women’s University
    “Imagining a Better Future: Ambassador Serajul Islam’s Vision of Democracy”

  6. 12:25 – 12:35 PM | Dr. Saleh Shahriar, Assistant Professor in the Department of History and Philosophy, North South University
    “Ambassador Islam’s Insights on Bangladesh-China Relations and Regional Strategy”

  7. 12:35 – 12:45 PM | Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Honourable Adviser, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of Bangladesh, "The Intersection of Governance, Environmental Sustainability, and Youth Empowerment"

  8. 12:45 – 12:55 PM | Dr. Harunuzzaman, Nuclear Engineer and Physicist, Ohio State University, USA
    “Democratic Transitions and Reform-Minded Leadership in Today’s Bangladesh”

  9. 12:55 – 1:05 PM | Wrap-up by Moderator / Brief Audience Reflections

  10. 1:05-1:15 PM Session Chair: Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer & Pro-Vice Chancellor In Charge, North South University.

1:15 PM – 1:25 PM | Closing Remarks

Sabrina Islam-Rahman & Naureen Islam
Bangladesh Empowered

1:25 PM – 2:15 PM | Lunch & Networking