4th Trans-Himalayan Communication Conference begins at DU

The two-day 4th Trans-Himalayan Communication and Social Development Conference began at Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday, highlighting the need for stronger regional cooperation, cultural exchange and international communication through digital technology and media development.

The inaugural session was held at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of the university. The conference is jointly organised by the DU Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Department of Public Administration and Department of Development Studies, in collaboration with the School of Public Administration of China's University of Electronic Science and Technology, China's Kongba TV and Nepal's Himalaya Television.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir attended the programme as the chief guest, while DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr A B M Obaidul Islam was present as the special guest.

Addressing the event, DU VC Prof Dr A B M Obaidul Islam emphasised the need for long-term cooperation among universities through joint research, collaborative teaching and platforms for researchers.

He also called for expanding research on digital platforms, social media management and digital diplomacy, alongside developing joint curricula on media and information literacy. Adviser Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said knowledge exchange for development was not limited to publishing reports, as accountability and legitimacy were its fundamental pillars.

He said knowledge sharing had become particularly important at a time when misinformation, fake news and propaganda were                  spreading, adding that universities and media outlets had crucial roles in addressing these challenges.

Presided over by Prof Dr Taiabur Rahman of the DU Department of Development Studies, the inaugural session was also addressed by University of Electronic Science and Technology of China President Prof Dr Hu Jun, DU Faculty of Social Sciences Dean Prof Kazi Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman and Himalaya Television CEO Shyam Kadel.

Director of the Pan-Himalayan Communication Research Center Professor Dr Han Hong delivered the welcome address.
Teachers and representatives from the organising departments of Dhaka University and the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, along with delegates from China's Kongba TV and Nepal's Himalaya Television, are participating in the conference.