The three-day 4th International Conference of the Bangladesh Social Science Research Council (BSSRC) has begun at Comilla University (CoU), jointly organised by the university’s Faculty of Social Sciences and BSSRC.

The conference, themed “Science, Spirituality and Sanctity,” was inaugurated on Friday at the Social Science Auditorium. The inaugural session was conducted by Abdullah Al Mamun Chowdhury, lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, and Ayesha Akter, assistant professor at the Department of Economics.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Haydar Ali attended the inauguration as chief guest, while Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Masuda Kamal, Treasurer Prof Dr Mohammad Solaiman, and BSSRC President Prof Dr Nazma Khan Mojlish were present as special guests.

Conference Chair Prof Dr Shahnaz Husne Jahan and Co-Chair Prof Dr Mohammad Sohrab Uddin, dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, are leading the event, which brings together over 300 researchers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the Philippines, and South Korea.

A total of 170 research papers will be presented across 29 academic sessions on topics including gender equality, history and archaeology, art and architecture, environment and climate change, media and governance, and indigenous culture.

Prof Nazma Khan Mojlish said the goal of the conference is to foster intercultural understanding and promote ethical, human-centred knowledge creation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Haydar Ali noted that such international gatherings enhance CoU’s academic and research excellence.

Earlier, on 16 October, BSSRC hosted a press conference and organised a pre-conference tour to local archaeological sites including Itakhola Mura, Rupban Mura, and Latikhola Mura.

The closing ceremony will be held on 18 October at the historic Shalban Bihar, marking the conclusion of what organisers describe as a milestone event for young researchers.