The outreach, extension and continuing education unit of the office of the pro-vice-chancellor of the Independent University, Bangladesh has hosted a peace seminar in collaboration with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, and Restoration of Light in Dhaka recently.
The event, titled Bangladesh鈥檚 Pledge for Peace: A Future We Build Together, was organised as part of the HWPL鈥檚 9th annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War, said a press release on Monday.
The seminar focused on Bangladesh鈥檚 role in global peace efforts, emphasising civic engagement, community-driven initiatives, and peace education.
Professor M Tamim, vice-chancellor of IUB, delivered the opening address, underscoring the significance of grassroots movements in peace building. He cited South Korea鈥檚 Saemaul Undong initiative as a model for community-driven development.
A video message from Steve Kang, chief branch manager, HWPL Global 03 branch, reinforced the idea that peace requires collective responsibility.
Jaden Lee, general director, department of international law, HWPL Global 03 Branch, South Korea, highlighted the similarities between peace efforts in Bangladesh and Korea, advocating for structured community-based approaches.
A panel discussion on 鈥楾he necessity of peace implementation in Bangladesh鈥� featured insights from academics and peace advocates.
Professor Md Abdul Awal Khan, IUB鈥檚 department of law, discussed Bangladesh鈥檚 historical resilience and the importance of civic engagement, peace education, and interfaith dialogue in fostering a stable society.
He acknowledged HWPL鈥檚 global initiatives and Bangladesh鈥檚 contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Md Safayet Hossain, founder and principal of Skylark Model School, elaborated on the DPCW鈥檚 10 articles and 38 clauses, emphasising their role in conflict prevention and ethical education.
Sadia Afrin, director of Bangladesh Youth Organisation for Skill Development, addressed the economic and social impact of peace, advocating for interfaith programmes, educational campaigns and international collaborations.
Jesmin Akter, member of the International Women鈥檚 Peace Group and director of Art Box Gallery, discussed peace initiatives through art, citing the International Loving-Peace Art Competition as an example of artistic engagement in global peace initiatives.
The seminar included a question and answer session, an HWPL membership presentation, and a peace survey, where participants affirmed their commitment to peace education and community-driven efforts.
A peace performance concluded the event, with attendees holding posters bearing messages of unity under the slogan 鈥榃e are one, We love peace.鈥�
Professor Mohammad Nazmuzzaman Bhuian, dean of IUB鈥檚 school of law, delivered the closing remarks, thanking all participants and urging continued collaboration in peace initiatives.