Speakers 

1.     Tatshushi Arai

Dr. Tatsushi Arai is an Associate Professor at Kent State University’s School of Peace and Conflict Studies. A peace researcher and mediator with 25 years of global experience, he has led conflict resolution efforts in over 20 countries. His research focuses on peacebuilding, coexistence, and systemic social change.

2.     Shahidul Alam

Shahidul Alam is a Bangladeshi photojournalist, media institution builder, educator and a human rights activist. He founded Drik, Pathshala, and Chobi Mela. His work has been globally exhibited, and he has received numerous awards, including Time’s Person of the Year (2018) and a National Geographic advisory role. He returned an honorary doctorate in 2024.

3.     Huma khan

4.     Hummam Quader Choudhury

Humam Quader Chowdhury is a politician with the Bangladesh National Party and a human rights activist. The son of BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, he was abducted and tortured by Sheikh Hasina’s regime. He claims his abduction was pre-planned amid a broader law enforcement operation.

5.     Saifuddin Ahmed

Saifuddin Ahmed, an associate professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dhaka University, is the university’s new proctor. He previously taught at Sust, NSU, and UAP. An academic author, he researches human rights, global governance, and political analysis, emphasizing their role in peace, development, and societal well-being.

6.     Barrister Imran Abdullah Siddiqui

Barrister Imran Abdullah Siddiqui is a senior lawyer and Member of the Bangladesh Constitution Reform Commission. Educated at LSE and Nottingham Trent, he specializes in constitutional law and has worked on key public interest litigations. A partner at The Law Counsel, he also serves as Counsel at the ICC and founded CELGAP.

7.     Ambassador Saquib Ali

Saquib Ali is a former diplomat and political analyst who served as Deputy High Commissioner in Karachi, Beijing, and Washington, DC. He also taught at Bangladesh’s National Defence College and has expertise in international relations and defense studies.

8.     Sultan Mohammed Zakaria

Sultan Mohammed Zakaria Mazumder is a doctoral student at UW-Madison specializing in comparative international education. His research focuses on education, democracy, and human rights. He has worked in academia, Amnesty International, and consulted for global organizations. He also advises IRIS-NRC and Amnesty International USA on South Asia.

9.     Saquib Sarker

Saqib Sarker is a journalist and researcher covering Bangladesh. His work has appeared in TRT World, Al Jazeera, and others. He currently documents the July-August 2024 killings with the International Truth and Justice Project (UK). Previously, he held editorial roles at Dhaka Tribune, The Business Standard, and Netra News.

10.  Khondokar Raquib

Khondokar Abdur Raquib is a PhD researcher at the University of California and co-founder of Diaspora for Justice. Previously, he was a lecturer at Bangladesh Army International University and later joined BRAC University as a Senior Lecturer in Anthropology. He holds degrees from SOAS, University of London, and Dhaka University.

11.  Md. Ataur Rahman Talukder

Md. Ataur Rahman Talukder is an Assistant Professor of International Relations at Bangladesh University of Professionals. He previously taught at Bangladesh Military Academy and holds degrees from Dhaka University. An active mentor in Model UN and BUP Global Affairs Council, he researches identity politics, security, and governance in the Global South.

12.  Ali Ahsan Zonaed

Ali Ahsan Zonaed is an activist and organizer of Bangladesh’s July Uprising. A Dhaka University graduate, he founded Choukidar and has extensive experience conducting healing circles with victims and activists. He currently serves as a joint convenor of the National Citizen Committee.

13.  Zahidul Islam Miaji

Muhammad Zahidul Islam Miaji is a lecturer at North South University, Bangladesh, and an Erasmus scholar with an M.A. in Political Science & International Relations from Ghent University, Belgium.