Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG), North South University (NSU) and Prothoma Prokashon celebrated World Peace Day 2021 in person activities maintaining physical distance by releasing balloons and pigeons, organizing a peace rally and a week-long Exhibition of Rohingya Artifacts. The week-long Exhibition was organized by CPS and International Organization for Migration (IOM) from 19-25 September 2021.
On the occasion a book launching ceremony on the Rohingya issue titled “Rohingya Refugee-Life: The Uncertain Future and the Liability of Civilization” was held virtually on 21 September 2021. Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo, joined as a Special Guest while Professor Atiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of NSU chaired the session.
Discussants in the book launching opined that the recommendations of the various chapters of this book would play a key role in policy formulation and implementation of action plans to address the Rohingya crisis. Two NSU faculties Dr Ishrat Zakia Sultana and Dr Bulbul Siddiqui edited the book. They briefly discussed the contents of all eight chapters of the book.
Ambassador Shahidul Haque, Professorial Fellow, SIPG, NSU & former foreign secretary, said that the book mentioned the Rohingya as victims. But they are not only victims but also survivors. He raised concern as the Rohingya crisis is being pushed to the margin on global politics because of other crises.
Motiur Rahman said that this book is very timely as the Rohingya crisis is still looming and the solution is at a stake. He also said that Prothoma Prokashon is very happy to publish this book and he added that Prothom Alo will continue to work with NSU for more research and publications.
Professor C R Abrar, Immigration and Refugee Specialist said that independent research on the Rohingya issue is needed to understand the feelings and adversities faced by the Rohingya and to advise the policymakers and relevant stakeholders.
Professor Atiqul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of NSU stated that these kinds of initiatives are very important to stay alive intellectually. He appreciated this initiative of publishing a Bangla book on the Rohingya issue and emphasized on further collaboration between Prothom Alo and NSU.
