Photo: BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, June 30, 2026 (BSS) - A seminar titled "From Plassey to Bangladesh: Lessons of History and the Contemporary Context" was held at Jahangirnagar University (JU) today with speakers stressing the importance of national unity, historical truth and safeguarding the country's 
sovereignty.

Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) organised the programme at the seminar room of Zahir Raihan Auditorium this afternoon. 
JUCSU Literature and Publications Secretary Jahidul Islam Bappy moderated the seminar.

Addressing the programme as the keynote speaker, Editor of the Daily Amar Desh Dr Mahmudur Rahman said the Battle of Plassey should not be viewed 
merely as a military defeat but as the beginning of Bengal's loss of economic independence.

He said the East India Company's acquisition of the Diwani rights in 1765 gave it legal authority to exploit Bengal's resources, which was followed by 
a devastating famine that claimed countless lives. History, he said, teaches that foreign powers always take advantage when national unity is weakened.

Referring to the country's present context, Dr Rahman urged all democratic forces to preserve the unity achieved through the July mass uprising, saying 
political competition should never create opportunities for defeated fascist forces or any anti-state elements to regain strength.

He also called for objective historical research on Nawab Sirajuddaulah, saying many colonial narratives and attempts to malign the last independent 
Nawab of Bengal should be reassessed through academic research at universities.

Speaking as the chief guest, Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said the Battle of Plassey was not merely 
a battle but the beginning of the country's long colonial subjugation.

He said history demonstrates that personal greed, conspiracy and the pursuit of power at the expense of national interests ultimately endanger state 
sovereignty, adding that economic dominance often leads to political control, as illustrated by the East India Company's transformation from a trading 
enterprise into a ruling power.

The vice-chancellor warned that new forms of colonialism could emerge through economic dependence, investment and loans, stressing that patriotism, 
integrity and national unity are essential to safeguarding Bangladesh's sovereignty alongside economic development.

Professor Dr Kh. Lutful Elahi of the History Department, Chief Information Officer of the Press Information Department Syed Abdal Ahmed and Supreme 
Court Senior Advocate Md Salahuddin spoke as special discussants.

JUCSU Vice-President (VP) Abdur Rashid Jitu presided over the programme, while JUCSU General Secretary Mazharul Islam and other student leaders were 
present.

The seminar concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session participated in by students.