Department of OSL DU hosts seminar on strategic leadership and moral integrity
As part of its 11-day celebration marking its 9th founding anniversary, the Department of Organisation Strategy and Leadership (OSL), University of Dhaka, organised a seminar titled "Strategic Leadership: Empowering Youth and Moral Leadership in Challenging Environments" on 29 June 2025 at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban.
The event featured Emeritus Professor Dr A.F. Serajul Islam Chowdhury as chief guest, with Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Dhaka, delivering the inaugural speech. Keynote speaker Kamran T Rahman, President of the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was joined by special guests Dr Md Sanwar Jahan Bhuiyan, Secretary, Bangladesh Public Service Commission Secretariat; Dr M Rezaul Islam, Director, IQAC; and Prof Muhammad Abdul Moyeen, Founding Chairperson of the OSL department.
Professor Dr Md Shariat Ullah, Director of the Executive MBA programme at the department, delivered the opening remarks, while Chairman Md Rashedur Rahman moderated and concluded the session.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Prof Shariat Ullah emphasised the need for leadership at every societal level, noting that success hinges on clarity, courage, and a strong moral compass. Kamran T. Rahman described today's global climate as one of disruption, where leadership must be grounded in ethics and character—particularly among young people. "Leadership without ethics is direction without a compass," he said.
Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan praised the department for becoming a vital part of the academic landscape and encouraged a continued focus on youth empowerment and moral discourse.
Dr Bhuiyan noted the evolution of leadership from authority-centric to relationship-driven models and applauded the university for addressing the leadership gap in Bangladesh. Dr Rezaul Islam urged the inclusion of youth ethics and leadership in the curriculum, especially in the age of AI.
Prof Moyeen reminded students that authentic leadership is about co-creation and character-building, not titles. Dr Serajul Islam Chowdhury encouraged youth to uphold cultural values while cultivating emotional intelligence and social responsibility, suggesting public entrepreneurship as a path to combat capitalist excesses.
In his closing remarks, Md Rashedur Rahman expressed hope that the youth would grow into morally grounded leaders like Dr Chowdhury and that the lessons from the seminar would be reflected in their everyday lives.
