News Desk
RAJSHAHI, BANGLADESH: A special guest lecture on the enduring poetry and philosophy of the renowned subcontinental poet and visionary Allama Muhammad Iqbal was held at the University of Rajshahi on 16 November 2025. The event, hosted at the Dean’s Complex Conference Room, focused on the theme, “The Relevance of Iqbal’s Poetry for the New Generation in the 21st Century.”
Professor Dr Baseera Ambreen, Director of the Institute of Urdu Language and Literature at Punjab University Oriental College, Pakistan, and former Director of the Iqbal Academy Pakistan, delivered the keynote address. She highlighted Iqbal’s emphasis on education, moral integrity, and social justice, noting how these ideals resonated deeply with contemporary youth. Dr Ambreen stressed that in a world challenged by conflict, division, and moral decline, Iqbal’s poetry urged Muslim society to unite, rekindling in young people a love for the ideals of the Prophet (PBUH) and the true spirit of Islam.
During the lecture, Dr Ambreen presented a book on Allama Iqbal, compiled with her scholarly contributions and published under the auspices of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka. The book, printed beautifully in both Urdu and Bangla, was described as a valuable resource for understanding Iqbal’s philosophical depth.
Professor Dr Muhammad Belal Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at RU, praised Iqbal’s profound philosophical insights, noting their lasting impact on Bangladesh’s literature and culture. “A discussion on a philosopher like Iqbal will open new vistas of thought for the new generation,” he said. Dr Waheed ur Rahman also contributed to the event, sharing insights on the contemporary relevance of Iqbal’s poetry.
The lecture concluded with Professor Dr Muhammad Shahidul Islam, Chairman of the Department of Urdu, expressing gratitude to the speakers and reaffirming the department’s commitment to hosting international discussions, providing students with opportunities for intellectual engagement.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering of academics and students, including Professor (Retd) Dr M Shamim Khan, Professor Dr Hossain Ahmed Kamali, and Professor Dr Md Nasir Uddin. Mohammad Tahir, a student from Karachi University, also participated, highlighting the cross-cultural exchange of ideas. Students of the Department of Urdu performed literary and artistic presentations of Iqbal’s well-known poetry, adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere.
The lecture series, organised by the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, aimed to foster intellectual discourse, inspire young minds, and promote a deeper understanding of Iqbal’s enduring philosophy. Following the lecture, guest scholars were taken on a guided tour of the Rajshahi University Virendra Research Museum, where they were introduced to historical and cultural artefacts and insights into Bangladesh’s rich heritage. Visitors recorded their reflections in the museum’s guest book, marking the occasion as an enriching cross-cultural engagement.
