Dhaka University hosts launch ceremony of new book on South Asian geopolitics
The launch featured extensive discussions on collaboration beyond borders and the complexities of identity politics in the region
The Department of International Relations and Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Dhaka, in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Bangladesh, launched "The Futures of Borders and Geopolitics in South Asia: Beyond a Statist Discourse" yesterday (24 September) at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium.
The ceremony was graced by Rüdiger Lotz, ambassador of Germany to Dhaka, as the chief guest, with Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha, pro-vice chancellor (administration) of Dhaka University, as the special guest, reads a press release.
Ambassador Md Nazrul Islam, rector of the Foreign Service Academy, attended as the guest of honour.
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Professor Taiabur Rahman, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, chaired the event.
Felix Gerdes, resident representative of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Bangladesh, was also present at the ceremony.
The book, edited by Professor Dr Amena Mohsin, Professor Dr ASM Ali Ashraf, Professor Dr Niloy Ranjan Biswas, and Dr Mohammad Atique Rahman, presents an innovative approach to South Asian geopolitics by moving beyond traditional state-centered perspectives.
Participants praised the publication's methodology, which incorporates critical and feminist perspectives while offering policy recommendations for regional cooperation, trade, and governance.
The launch featured extensive discussions on collaboration beyond borders and the complexities of identity politics in the region.
Speakers emphasised the need to integrate marginalised voices in academic and policy discussions, highlighting the interdependence between South Asian countries despite political challenges. The role of epistemic communities and business networks in fostering regional cooperation was identified as crucial for addressing contemporary geopolitical tensions.
Ambassador (retd) Humayun Kabir and Professor Dr Syeda Rozana Rashid addressed the limitations of state-centered approaches in tackling global challenges such as trade, energy, and environmental issues, and emphasised the necessity for closer regional cooperation in economics, infrastructure development, and sustainable development goals.
