Published: 12:29 AM, 12 October 2026
Philosophy and Bengali Studies Deserve a Place in the Syllabuses of All Universities
Abdullah Al Imran
Universities are not merely institutions for producing doctors, engineers, economists or business executives. They are also centres of intellectual development, ethical reflection and cultural understanding. In a rapidly changing society like Bangladesh, higher education must prepare students not only to earn a living but also to think independently, understand their heritage and contribute responsibly to national development. From this perspective, philosophy and Bengali studies deserve a place in the syllabuses of all universities across the country, regardless of their academic specializations.
At present, many university students devote most of their time to discipline-specific subjects, professional training and preparation for competitive employment. Although these priorities are important, an education system that overlooks philosophical inquiry and cultural literacy risks producing technically competent graduates without adequately developing their critical faculties, social awareness and sense of responsibility. Introducing philosophy and Bengali studies as compulsory or carefully designed foundational courses could help address this imbalance.
Philosophy encourages people to question assumptions, examine evidence, evaluate arguments and seek reasoned answers to complex questions. These skills are essential in every field, from medicine and engineering to law, economics and public administration.
For instance, medical professionals must consider ethical questions concerning patient consent, confidentiality and equitable access to treatment. Engineers need to understand their responsibilities regarding public safety and environmental protection. Business graduates must confront questions of honesty, fairness and corporate accountability. Philosophical education can provide students with the tools to examine such dilemmas systematically.
In Bangladesh, where misinformation, online rumours and polarized public discussions can influence social attitudes, critical thinking is particularly valuable. Students should learn to distinguish facts from opinions, identify logical fallacies and assess information before accepting or sharing it. Philosophy can encourage a culture of rational debate in which disagreement does not necessarily lead to hostility.
Furthermore, philosophy introduces students to fundamental questions about justice, freedom, equality, human rights and the responsibilities of citizenship. These subjects are relevant to a country seeking to strengthen democratic institutions, improve governance and ensure equal opportunities for its people.
Bengali is more than a means of communication for the people of Bangladesh; it is a central element of the nation's historical experience and cultural identity. The Language Movement of 1952 remains a defining chapter in the country's struggle for linguistic recognition and self-determination. The sacrifices made by the language martyrs continue to remind successive generations of the importance of protecting linguistic rights.
The recognition of International Mother Language Day by UNESCO in 1999 further demonstrated the international significance of linguistic diversity. Yet celebrating Bengali on special occasions is not enough. Universities must ensure that students understand its literary achievements, historical development and contribution to the formation of national consciousness.
A well-designed Bengali studies course could introduce students to the works of Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Jibanananda Das, Begum Rokeya, Shamsur Rahman and other influential writers. Their writings explore freedom, humanity, social injustice, gender equality, nationalism and the relationship between individuals and society.
Students should also study the Liberation War of 1971, the cultural movements that shaped Bengali identity and the role of literature in challenging oppression. Such education can deepen their understanding of Bangladesh's history while encouraging respect for its diverse cultural traditions.
Importantly, Bengali studies should not be confined to memorizing literary biographies or reproducing textbook interpretations. Students should engage with texts critically, compare historical perspectives and examine how literature reflects changing social realities.
Some may argue that adding philosophy and Bengali studies to university syllabuses would increase academic pressure on students already struggling with demanding programs. Others may contend that professional degrees should prioritize technical knowledge to meet the needs of the labour market.
These concerns deserve consideration, but they should not become reasons to exclude the humanities. A balanced curriculum can incorporate introductory courses without unnecessarily extending degree programs or reducing essential professional training.
Universities could offer practical, interdisciplinary modules combining philosophical reasoning, professional ethics, communication skills and Bengali cultural studies. Engineering students, for example, could examine the ethical consequences of technological development, while business students could explore social responsibility and fairness. Students in science and technology could also benefit from studying Bengali literature and communicating complex ideas effectively in their mother tongue.
Such an approach would make education more relevant rather than less specialized. Employers increasingly value graduates who can solve problems, communicate clearly, work collaboratively and make responsible decisions. Philosophy and language-based education can strengthen these abilities.
Bangladesh is experiencing rapid changes driven by urbanization, digital technology, globalization and demographic transformation. These developments create opportunities but also raise difficult questions concerning inequality, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and social cohesion.
Universities should provide spaces where young people can examine these challenges through evidence, reasoned discussion and cultural understanding. Philosophy can help students evaluate competing ideas, while Bengali studies can connect them with the historical and literary experiences through which communities have expressed their hopes and struggles.
Neither subject should be used to impose a single political, religious or cultural interpretation. Instead, courses should encourage academic freedom, intellectual diversity and respectful disagreement. Students must be free to question established ideas and explore different viewpoints using sound evidence and rational argument.
This is particularly important in a pluralistic society such as Bangladesh, where people from different religious, ethnic, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds share common civic responsibilities.
The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, universities and curriculum planners should initiate a national discussion on introducing philosophy and Bengali studies into undergraduate education across public and private universities. Each institution could develop courses suited to its academic structure while maintaining common learning objectives.
A practical framework might include a compulsory introductory philosophy course and a Bengali language, literature and cultural studies module, with flexible options for students from different disciplines. Qualified teachers, updated reading materials and interactive teaching methods would be essential to ensure meaningful learning.
Assessment should reward independent reasoning, discussion, essays and practical applications rather than rote memorization alone. Universities should also encourage seminars, literary discussions and interdisciplinary research.
Ultimately, the purpose of higher education extends beyond professional qualification. Bangladesh needs skilled graduates, but it also needs thoughtful citizens who can question injustice, respect cultural diversity, communicate effectively and act with integrity.
Making philosophy and Bengali studies integral to university education would be a valuable step towards that goal. A nation that invests in both technical competence and human understanding strengthens not only its workforce but also its intellectual independence, cultural confidence and democratic future. It is time for Bangladesh's universities to recognize that these subjects are not peripheral additions to education; they are essential foundations of a complete education.
Abdullah Al Imran studies Software Engineering in Green University Bangladesh, Dhaka.
