Dhaka University's (DU) TSC Auditorium buzzed with intellectual energy as Young Writers' Conference 2025 brought together emerging talents from across Bangladesh's academic landscape.
The daylong celebration, organised by Dhaka University Young Column Writers' Forum and media partner Daily Observer, carried the inspiring slogan "Guiding the Future Through the Pen of Youth."
Saturday's gathering drew participants from approximately 35 universities and educational institutions, creating a vibrant platform for literary exchange.
"Writing remains our most powerful tool for societal transformation," emphasised Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Saima Haque Bidisha during the morning inauguration ceremony.
The programme commenced with a thought-provoking mime performance reflecting the July Uprising, setting the tone for deeper discussions.
Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Interim Government's Ministry of Industry and Public Works, delivered the keynote address during the seminar "July Uprising: A Bloody Chapter in the Fall of Autocracy."
The Adviser emphasised that unity remains absolutely vital one year after the July uprising that toppled what he branded a fascist regime.
"If you grow weak, become disorganised, and lack unity among yourselves, if divisions arise, then fruits of uprising will not remain in our hands," Adviser Adilur told young writers gathered at an event organised by Dhaka University Young Column Writers' Forum. He stressed that "only unity can carry outcome of July uprising toward justified goal."
The adviser paid tribute to writers who endured brutal persecution under the previous administration's digital laws, revealing that "some were tortured to death" including writer Mushtaq who was murdered. He described how young intellectuals were "locked up in mirrored rooms" and punished under the Information and Communication Technology Act and Digital Security Act simply for their creative work.
Career guidance took centre stage during the afternoon panel discussion, featuring Dr. Emadur Rahman from Bangladesh Satellite Commission Ltd. and Dr. Nahiduzzaman Sajjad from Bangladesh Medical University. These sessions provided practical insights for aspiring writers seeking diverse career paths.
The conference culminated with competitive elements including the July Memoir Writing Contest and a specialised quiz on the July Revolution. Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, presided over the prize distribution ceremony whilst guests unveiled Sarasij, the forum's biannual magazine, marking another milestone in youth literary development.
NRE/SH
