A special lecture titled “The Republic of Kosovo towards Euro-Atlantic Integration: Relations with Bangladesh, Asia and the Prospects for Future Cooperation” was held at Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury (MAC) Auditorium of Social Science Building, Dhaka University (DU) on Sunday, April 27.
Organized by Applied Democracy Lab, the event drew participation of hundreds of students from Dhaka University, its affiliated colleges and Daffodil International University.
Before the event, Ambassador visited various infrastructures of Dhaka University and July graffiti.
Additionally, he had a meeting with Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Khan, where they discussed potential collaborations in the fields of education, research and cultural exchange.
The program commenced with a welcome speech from Professor Aynul Islam of Department of Political Science, Dhaka University and Director of Applied Democracy Lab.
He emphasized the significance of fostering academic and diplomatic dialogue on international cooperation and democratic development.
Mr. Lulzim Pllana, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh
Mr. Lulzim Pllana, Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo to Bangladesh, delivered the keynote speech.
In his address, Ambassador Pllana highlighted Kosovo's journey toward Euro-Atlantic integration, its growing diplomatic engagement in Asia and the potential avenues for collaboration with Bangladesh in the fields of education, trade and diplomacy.
“Our history is a story of resilience. After enduring genocide and ethnic cleansing, Kosovo rose from the ashes with an unshakable commitment to peace, democracy, and dignity,” Ambassador Pllana said.
Reflecting on value of youth in national transformation, he added, “The students of Bangladesh were central to your nation's rebirth. As Kosovars, we deeply resonate with that experience. Young people are always at forefront of building just societies.”
On Kosovo’s soft power strategy, the envoy remarked, “It’s not just about whose army wins; it’s about whose story wins. In the 21st century, soft power, narratives and people-to-people diplomacy are what shape global influence.”
Dr. Sazzad Siddique, Chairperson of Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dhaka University also spoke at the event, shedding light on geopolitical implications of Kosovo’s international recognition and its strategic outreach to the Global South.
A lively question-and-answer session followed the speeches, allowing students to directly engage with the speakers on matters of foreign policy, international law and bilateral cooperation.
The event concluded with remarks from Dr. Taiabur Rahman, Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences at Dhaka University, who praised the initiative for contributing to academic enrichment of students and fostering global awareness.
