The School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SLASS) at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) launched a book titled “Living with Refugees” on November 28 at the Multipurpose Hall on campus. 

Organized with support from the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities (DSSH), South Asian Studies Centre, TUFS Field Science Commons (TUFiSCo), and ILCAA-Anthropology, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Japan, the event focused on refugee studies and their impacts.

Qudrate Khoda, PhD, Associate Professor of DSSH, served as the Master of Ceremonies and the event was coordinated by Nazia Mahmood PhD, Senior Lecturer. Professor Bokhtiar Ahmed, PhD, Dean of SLASS, opened the event with a welcome address. The book, published by The University Press Limited (UPL), was edited by Professor Ranjan Saha Partha (Jahangirnagar University), Obaydullah Al Marzuk (IUB), and Professor Masahiko Togawa (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies). It contains contributions from 19 researchers from Bangladesh and abroad.

Prof. Masahiko Togawa shared insights into the historical context of the Rohingya crisis, tracing its roots to Japanese military involvement in the region during World War II. He discussed how decisions made during and after that period contributed to the current situation and emphasized the interconnectedness of global actions and their consequences. Prof. Togawa highlighted that the crisis could not be resolved by one nation alone, stressing the need for collective action from all stakeholders, including those indirectly connected to the issue. He commended the authors and UPL for producing the book in Bangla, enabling a broader understanding of the crisis within local contexts. He described the book as a factual and reflective work that contributes to understanding the complexity of the Rohingya issue.

Professor Ranjan Saha Partha spoke about his work on the book over seven years. “I wanted to address divisions among refugees and political influences and make the issue clear to people in their language,” he said.

Mahrukh Mohiuddin from The University Press Limited (UPL) said, “In UPL's 49-year history, we have highlighted Bangladesh’s realities through First-World publication. The Rohingya crisis, with its socio-economic and humanitarian complexities, remains urgent, especially with the recent ICC arrest warrant against Myanmar’s military ruler. This book offers readers a detailed understanding of these critical issues through well-researched perspectives.”

Professor Meghna Guhathakurta, Executive Director of Research Initiatives Bangladesh, reviewed parts of the book, noting its analysis of refugee lives and the role of host communities. 

Professor S. Aminul Islam, former Chairman of the Sociology Department, University of Dhaka, said, “This book stands out for its quality and insightful contributions. It explores the sociological and anthropological dimensions of the Rohingya crisis, offering a detailed look into the affected populations' daily realities.”

Professor Imtiaz A. Hussain, PhD, from the Global Studies and Governance Department of IUB, remarked, “The Rohingya crisis represents a collision between environmental concerns and humanitarian needs. It has triggered a Level 2 humanitarian crisis as defined by the United Nations, requiring both local and global responsibilities to address its challenges. Local actions must take precedence, as they directly impact the region's socio-economic and ecological balance.”

Kazi Mahmudur Rahman, PhD, Professor and Head of DSSH, invited the guests for the unveiling of the book and delivered the closing remarks. The event concluded with the presentation of books and gifts to the guests.

BDST: 1358 HRS, DEC 08, 2024
MSK