Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) hosted a mini symposium titled “What Islamic Finance Can Teach the World: Rethinking Economics Beyond Profit”, featuring globally renowned academic Professor Dr M Kabir Hassan, Distinguished Professor of Finance at the University of New Orleans, USA.

Delivering the keynote, Prof Hassan highlighted the multidimensional aspects of Islamic economics for human welfare, stressing its role in building fairer, more inclusive, and sustainable financial systems. In an interactive Q&A session, he responded to questions from students and faculty, offering practical insights into the application of Islamic finance principles.

The event was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A M Sarwaruddin Chowdhury, who spoke about the challenges of interest-based global financial systems and the importance of Qur’anic guidance in shaping ethical economic practices. Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Sajedul Karim noted that the prohibition of interest in Islam underlines the need for alternative models, while Treasurer Professor Dr Md Ismail Hossain emphasised that finance should be rooted in justice, ethics, and social responsibility rather than profit alone. Distinguished Professor Dr Md Mostafizur Rahman also reflected on the broader implications of Islamic finance for humanity.

The symposium was chaired by Professor Dr Mohammad Jakir Hosen, Acting Director of the Research Centre, with Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam as chief coordinator, alongside Professor Dr Mohammad Ashraful Ferdous Chowdhury.

Organised by the SUST Research Centre in collaboration with the SUST Business Club, the event aimed to foster dialogue on how Islamic finance principles—integrity, equity, and social responsibility—can shape a more resilient global economy.