Vision and Mission

Vision

The Department of History and Philosophy aspires to be the Centre of Excellence based on historical and philosophical knowledge and research activities within Bangladesh and across South Asia.

Mission

• Pursuing an inclusive approach towards better understanding of the socio-economic and political history of Bangladesh as well as of the South Asian region.
• Presenting innovative and scholarly research in applied history and philosophy that link up the past heritage, present realities and future aspirations at the national and regional levels.
• Transforming NSU students to acquire global standard in terms of critical thinking and moral development.
• Providing basic knowledge to the students in liberal arts to help grow them as human capital with enlightenment, patriotism, ethical standard, and intellectual abilities.

GED Courses

Current course offerings:

In Spring 2026, the Deaprtment of History & Philosophy is offering eleven (11) undergraduate courses and 5 graduate courses in 183 sections run by 17 full-time and 36 part-time faculty members. The undergraduate GED, school core and elective courses currently offered by the department are as follows:

• HIS 101: Bangladesh History and Culture
• HIS 102: Introduction to World Civilization
• HIS 103: Emergence of Bangladesh (Compulsory)
• HIS 203: Islamic History
• HIS 205: World History
• ETH 201: Ethical Theory
• PHI 101: Introduction to Philosophy
• PHI 104: Introduction to Ethics
• PHI 401: Business Ethics (Compulsory) 
• PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
• PSY 101L: Introduction to Psychology Lab

For further information, contact this number 01736494614 of the Department of History & Philosophy.

Catalog 2021-'24

Core Faculty

List of Faculty Members....

Adjunct Faculty

1. Dr. A.K.M. Shahnawaz [ASz]
    Ph.D. Jadavpur University, India
    Professor, Jahangirnagar University

2. Dr. Shamim F. Karim [SFK]
    Ph.D. Agra University, India
    M.Sc. University of Strathclyde, UK
    Supernumerary Professor, University of Dhaka

3. Dr. Abul Hossain Ahmed Bhuiyan [AHB]
    Ph.D. Central Queensland University, Australia
    M.A. Queen’s University at Kingston, Canada
    Professor, Bangladesh Open University

4. Dr. Mostofa Nazmul Mansur [MtN4]
    Ph.D. University of Calgary, Canada
    M.A. Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada
    Professor, Jahangirnagar University

5. Dr. Jasim Uddin [JsU]
    Ph.D. New South Wales, Australia
    Professor, University of Dhaka

6. Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan [Krl]
    Ph.D. of Cardiff University, UK
    M.A. Safia University, Bulgaria
    Professor, Jahangirnagar University

7. Dr. Md. Munir Hossain Talukder [MnT]
      Ph.D. National University of Singapore, Singapore
      M.A. Linkoping University, Sweden
      Professor, Jahangirnagar University

8. Dr. Md. Lutfor Rahman [LfR]
      Ph.D. University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
      M.A. McMaster University, Canada
      Professor, Jagannath University

9. Dr. Mohammad Mozahidul Islam [Mzd]
      Ph.D. University of New South Wales, Australia
      M.A. University of Tsukuba, Japan
      Professor, Jahangirnagar University

10. Dr. A. K. M. Rezaul Karim [ARK3]
      Ph.D. Kanazawa University, Japan
      Professor, University of Dhaka

11. Dr. Taiabur Rahman [TRh]
      Ph.D. City University of Hong Kong
      M.Phil. University of Bergen, Norway
      Professor, University of Dhaka

12. Dr. S. M. Ali Reza [SAR3]
      Ph.D. Osaka University, Japan
      LLM. Tohoku University, Japan
      Professor, University of Dhaka

13. Dr. Ashit Boran Paul [ABP1]
      Ph.D. Deccan Post Graduate & Research University, India
      Professor, Jahangirnagar University

14. Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam [KFI]
      Ph.D. University of Bonn, Germany
      M.A. University of Bergen, Norway
      Professor, University of Dhaka

15. Dr. Abul Kalam Azad [Klm]
      Ph.D. University of Aix-Marseille III, France
      M.A. Dalhousie University, Canada
      Professor, Jahangirnagar University

16. Prof. Md. Zakir Hossain [ZkH1]
      M.A. Linkoping University, Sweden
      Professor, Jahangirnagar University

17. Dr. Md. Humayun Kabir [HyK1]
      Ph.D. Jawaharlal Nehru University, India
      Professor, University of Dhaka

18. Dr. Md. Masood Imran [MDI1]
      Ph.D. Hiroshima University, Japan
      Professor, Jahangirnagar University

19. Dr. Md. Manzoor Elahee [MmEe]
      Ph.D. University of Sofia, Bulgaria
      M.A. University of Sofia, Bulgaria
      Professor, Jahangirnagar University

20. Dr. Most. Aeysha Sultana [MAS1]
      Ph.D. Flinders University, Australia
      Professor, University of Dhaka

21. Dr. Mohammad Golam Rabbani [MGRn]
      Ph.D. Jawaharlal Nehru University, India
      Professor, Janangirnagar University

22. Dr. Ahmed Jamal Anwar [AJA]
      Ph.D. University of Dhaka
      M.A. Dalhousie University, Canada
      Professor (Retd.), University of Dhaka

23. Dr. A H M Zehadul Karim [HzK]
      Ph.D. & M.A. Syracuse University, USA
      Professor (Retd.), University of Rajshahi

24. Dr. Tofail Ahmed [TfA]
      Ph.D. & M.Sc. University of Wales, UK
      Professor [Retd.], University of Chittagong

25. Dr. Md. Reazul Haque [RHU]
      Ph.D. Flinders University of South Australia, Australia
      M.A. ISS the Netherlands, Netherland
      Professor, University of Dhaka

26. Dr. Md. Faruk Shah [Fkh]
      Ph.D. University of Auckland, New Zealand
      Professor, University of Dhaka

27. Dr. Akib Ul Huque [Abq1]
      Ph.D. University Manchester, UK
      Associate Professor, University of Dhaka

28. Dr. Abdus Samad [AbS3]
      Ph.D. University of Delhi, India
      Associate Professor, Jagannath University

29. Major Gen. Dr. Md. Sarwar Hossain [SwH1]
      Ph.D. University of Dhaka
      M.A. Osmania University, India
      Adjunct Associate Professor, DHP

30. Dr. M. Saiful Islam [MSIa]
      Ph.D. National University of Singapore, Singapore
      M.Phil. Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
      Associate Professor, University of Dhaka

31. Mr. Aynul Islam [Aym]
      M.A. Antwerp University, Belgium
      PGD. UMass Amherst, USA
      Associate Professor, University of Dhaka

32. Dr. M. Atique Rahman [AqR1]
      Ph.D. Ghent University, Belgium
      M.Law. University of Turin, Italy
      Associate Professor, University of Dhaka

33. Mr. Mohammad Abul Kawser [MAKs]
      M.Phil. University of Oslo, Norway
      Associate Professor, University of Dhaka

34. Dr. Kazi A.S.M. Nurul Huda [KIS]
      Ph.D. University of Oklahoma, USA
      M.A. University of Oklahoma, USA
      Associate Professor, University of Dhaka

35. Dr. H M Saidur Rahaman [HSR]
      Ph.D. University of Leuven, Belgium
      Associate Professor, Jagannath University

36. Dr. Mollika Roy [MRo]
      Ph.D. Monash University, Malaysia
      Associate Professor, University of Dhaka

37. Dr. Syed Moynul Alam Nizar [SYN]
      Ph.D. The University of Canterbury, New Zealand
      M.Sc. & B.A. The University of Manchester, UK
      Associate Professor, Jahangirnagar University

38. Dr. Naima Nigar [NMG]
      Ph.D. University of Nottingham, UK
      M.Sc. University College London (UCL), UK
      Assistant Professor, University of Dhaka

39. Mr. M. Ashique Rahman [MAR2]
      M.A. Boston University, USA
      Research Fellow, BIISS

40. Barrister Kazi Tamrin Rashed [KTR]
      Bar-at-Law, Lincoln’s Inn, UK
      P.G.D.L. City University, UK
      LLB. University of London, UK
      Adjunct Lecturer, DHP

41. Barrister Ridma Khan [Rdn]
      LLM. UCL & Queen Mary University of London, UK
      Adjunct Lecturer, DHP

Admin

Department of History & Philosophy

Ms. Mahmuda Begum

Faculty Assistant
Email: mahmuda.begum@northsouth.edu
Ext.:2121

 

 

Rifa Sanjida

Asst. Program Officer (Contractual)
Email: rifa.sanjida@northsouth.edu
Ext.: 6366

Seminar & Workshop

___________________________________________________________________________

Spring 2026 Orientation Program of the MAHAS Program

On 19 January 2026, the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), North South University, successfully hold its Spring 2026 Orientation Program at the SHSS Conference Room. The event marked a warm and inspiring beginning for the newly admitted students of the Master of Arts in History and Asian Studies (MAHAS) Program. The session was graced by the presence of Professor Dr. Md. Rizwanul Islam, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), and Professor Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Chair of Department of History and Philosophy (DHP). Faculty members of the department were also present to extend their heartfelt welcome to the new cohort.

________________________2026_____________________________

The Data Handover Ceremony titled “Historical Ethnography of 1971: Documentations of 2300 Villages in Naogaon by Professor Afsan Chowdhury, eminent Bangladeshi Liberation War researcher and Bangla Academy Award recipient took place at the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), North South University.

The Liberation War Research Center (LRC) under the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), North South University, organized the formal handover of a significant research data on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, at 03:30 PM at the SHSS Dean Conference Room (NAC1024). The ceremony, titled “Historical Ethnography of 1971: Documentations of 2300 Villages in Naogaon,” marked an important academic occasion dedicated to the preservation and advancement of Liberation War research. The dataset was officially handed over by Professor Afsan Chowdhury, eminent Bangladeshi Liberation War researcher and Bangla Academy Award recipient, whose scholarly contributions to the study of the Liberation War are widely recognized. Professor Abdur Rob Khan attended the program as the special guest, while the event was moderated by Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP).

Special Lecture on “The July Charter” by Dr. Sumit Bisarya, Head of Mission and Constitution Building Program at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), The Hague, Netherlands Explores Constitutional Reforms at North South University.

The Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), North South University hosted a Special Lecture titled “The July Charter: Understanding the Political Reforms in Comparative Perspective” on Monday, 27 October 2025, at the Syndicate Hall. Dr. Sumit Bisarya, Head of Mission and Constitution Building Program at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), The Hague, Netherlands, served as the keynote speaker. Professor Md. Rizwanul Islam, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, delivered opening remarks. The event was chaired by Professor Abdur Rob Khan and moderated by Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), concluding with an engaging Q&A session.

Fall 2025 Orientation Program of the MAHAS Program

On 25 September 2025, the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), North South University, successfully hold its Fall 2025 Orientation Program at the SHSS Conference Room. The event marked a warm and inspiring beginning for the newly admitted students of the Master of Arts in History and Asian Studies (MAHAS) Program. The session was graced by the presence of Professor Dr. Md. Rizwanul Islam, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), and Professor Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Chair of Department of History and Philosophy (DHP). Faculty members of the department were also present to extend their heartfelt welcome to the new cohort.

NSU’s seminar on “জুলাই গণঅভ্যুত্থানে ছাত্র শিক্ষকদের সমন্বিত ভূমিকা”

North South University (NSU), in collaboration with Jahangirnagar University (JU), organized a seminar on “জুলাই গণঅভ্যুত্থানে ছাত্র শিক্ষকদের সমন্বিত ভূমিকা”on 11 August 2025 at the Faculty of Arts auditorium, JU. Professor Dr. Salimullah Khan (Department of History & Philosophy, NSU) delivered the keynote address, with Professor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of JU, as Chief Guest. The session was presided over by Dr. Md. Munir Hossain Talukder and attended by the Chairman of DHP, Professor Dr. Mahbubur Rahman (NSU) along with faculty, researchers, and students from both universities.

Seminar on “Remembering Eqbal Ahmad: Revolution and Counterrevolution in the Age of Late Colonialism” by Dr. Salimullah Khan, Professor, NSU, on 14 July 2025

Seminar on “জুলাই গণঅভ্যুত্থানঃ কাজী নজরুলের উত্তরাধিকার” on 02 July 2025. Guest Speakers Professor Salimullah Khan, DHP, NSU, and Poet Abdul Hai Shikder, Editor, Daily Jugantor. Session Chair of the seminar Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor, NSU.

On 2 July 2025, the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), North South University organized a special discussion titled “জুলাই গণঅভ্যুত্থান: কাজী নজরুেলর উত্তরািধকার” at AUDI 801, marking the observance of Nazrul Jayanti. The program brought together faculty members, students, and cultural practitioners to honor the revolutionary ideals of the National Poet. The session was presided over by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Salimullah Khan, Professor of the Department of History & Philosophy, North South University who joined the discussion as the principal discussant. Poet Abdul Hai Shikder Editor of The Daily Jugantor attended the program as a distinguished guest. The program also featured poetry recitation by Nasim Ahmed, National Award–winning recitation artist from the Nazrul Institute, and Nazrul Sangeet performed by teachers and students of North South University. Faculty members and students actively participated in the event, making it a meaningful academic and cultural observance.

Day-long Conference on “Ambassador Sirajul Islam's Vision of Empowering Bangladesh: Leadership, Unity and Growth, Diplomacy and Governance for the Country's Transformation” on 19 April 2025

Empowerment Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), North South University, organized a discussion titled “Ambassador Sirajul Islam’s Vision of Empowering Bangladesh: Leadership, Unity and Growth, Diplomacy and Governance for the Country’s Transformation” on 19 April 2025 at AUDI 801. The program was chaired by Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor, North South University. Distinguished participants included Mr. Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Member of the BNP Standing Committee; Ms. Shama Obayed, Organizing Secretary, BNP; and Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad, General Secretary of the AB Party, among others. Mr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Economic Adviser to the Interim Government, delivered a video message during the session.

Seminar on “What if Socrates had Constitutional Rights?” by Mr. Nafiz Ahmed, Lecturer of Law, NSU, on 06 March 2025

The Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), North South University organized its Monthly Seminar titled “What if Socrates Had Constitutional Rights?” on Thursday, 6 March 2025, at the SHSS Conference Room (NAC 1024). The seminar was presented by Mr. Nafiz Ahmed, Lecturer, Department of Law, North South University. The session introduced the historical context of Socrates’ trial and explained how citizen participation shaped the Athenian tribunal.

Seminar on “ভাষা আন্দোলন ও বাংলাদেশের অভ্যুদয়: স্মৃতিকথা ও আত্মজীবনীর আলোকে” by Poet Abdul Hye Sikder, Editor, Daily Jugantor, on 19 February 2025

The Liberation War Research Center (LRC), under the Department of History & Philosophy (DHP) organized a thought-provoking seminar titled, “The Language Movement and the Emergence of Bangladesh: Reflections Through Memoirs and Autobiographies.”

Seminar on “Visa Politics: During Post Partition and Present Day” by Mr. Mohammad Afzalur Rahman, Lecturer, DHP, NSU, on 06 February 2025

Special Program Honoring Professor Mahmud Shah Qureshi, jointly organized by the Department of History & Philosophy (DHP) and NSU Central Library on 29 January 2025

The Department of History & Philosophy (DHP) and the Central Library of NSU jointly organized a special event at the Bangladesh Corner to honor Professor Mahmud Shah Qureshi, Former Director General of Bangla Academy, for his generous contribution to the NSU Library from his personal collection.

Seminar on “বিজয় ’৭১: আমাদের গৌরব গাঁথা” by Professor Afsan Chowdhury and Major General (Retd.) Dr. Md. Sarwar Hossain on 24 December 2024

A day-long program on “Mental Health in the Workplace” on 20 October 2024

Overview

The Liberation War Research Centre (LRC) at North South University, established under the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP), is dedicated to preserving the historical legacy and collective memory of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. The Centre serves as a hub for research, documentation, and education on the nation’s struggle for independence, one of the most remarkable liberation movements in modern history.

Through archiving rare documents, collecting oral histories, and promoting scholarly research, the LRC seeks to bridge the gap in historical knowledge and foster critical understanding of Bangladesh’s liberation and its ongoing relevance to global justice and human rights.

The Centre functions as a multidisciplinary platform, engaging academics, students, freedom fighters, and the wider community in research, dialogue, and public outreach. It also aims to build strong collaborations with national and international institutions to advance comparative studies on liberation movements, displacement, and human resilience across South Asia and beyond.

Mission & Vision

Vision:

To become the leading academic hub for research, learning, and dissemination of knowledge on liberation struggles, nurturing an informed, enlightened, and justice-driven generation.

Mission:

The Liberation War Research Centre is committed to collecting, preserving, and sharing authentic knowledge about Bangladesh’s Liberation War. It strives to foster scholarly inquiry, promote education in history and human rights, and encourage dialogue on freedom, identity, and justice in both national and global contexts.

Undergraduate Courses

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE IN HISTORY AND GLOBAL STUDIES (HGS)

The DHP is planning to offer this program from 2026

Graduate Program and Courses

Master of Arts in History and Asian Studies (MAHAS)

Overview of the Program:

The Program will lead to the receiving of Masters of Arts (MA) Degree by the students. It offers three components: a distinctive focus on Bangladesh and South Asia, a broader Asian perspective (South East and Far East), and a chance to specialize in either history or develop skills in regional area studies. Courses would draw on the insights offered by disciplines such as History, Political Science, Philosophy, and Environmental Studies and apply them in Bangladesh and Asian contexts. Secondly, students would be able to interact and exchange ideas with some of the leading South, Southeast, and East Asian specialists within the larger framework of the History and Asian Studies Program. Thirdly, in order to understand the complex and often contradictory social and cultural realities, students would acquire the necessary knowledge in bridging successful Asian experiences in the regional context.

Academic Calendar:

The program will maintain the following academic calendar:

Program Modules/Courses:

The MAHAS Program will offer a wide range of courses from different aspects of History and Asian Studies with a particular focus on South Asian studies. There are two formats of the program. Students who will qualify for format-1 must take mandatory six core courses and four elective courses out of eight offered courses (subjective to availability). Those who will not qualify for Format-1 must take six core courses and six elective courses out of eight offered courses.

MAHAS Program Plan: Format 1 (with Thesis)

MAHAS Program Plan: Format 2 (without Thesis)

List of Courses:

Target Groups:

• Fresh graduates from various fields of liberal arts as well as social sciences who wish to be promoted to a policy-making position;
• Fresh graduates from various fields of liberal arts as well as social sciences who wish to go for higher studies in History or Asian Studies or related interdisciplinary studies;
• Individuals already in jobs and need further skills for professional development such as journalists, bureaucrats, and diplomats.
• Foreigners, including expats and diplomats, who are interested to learn the socio-economic and political history of Bengal/Bangladesh in particular and Asia in general.

Entry Requirements and How to Apply:

Students are required to fulfill the following conditions in order to be admitted to the degree program in History and Asian Studies:

• Successful completion of a Bachelor's degree in History, International Relations, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, Philosophy, or any other related disciplines.
• CGPA of 2.75 in a four years Bachelor's degree or equivalent second-class Bachelor's degree with good academic standing.
• Good command in English is essential and IT skills are desirable.
• Any further admission requirements as per North South University rules and regulations.

Selection criteria/additional info:

Selection of students is based on previous academic achieve­ments and the following criteria:

• Grades on courses
• English language level
• Documented knowledge of and/or interest in the field of Asian Studies and statement of purpose
• Non-academic knowledge and/or work experience of rele­vance to Asian Studies

Tuition and Financial Assistance:

Tuition and other program expenditures will be based on existing North South University’s graduate tuition structure. Financial assistance will be available for meritorious and deserving students.

Career Prospects:

Graduates of the program will have not just historical and contemporary knowledge of the region as a whole, but also the crucial transnational and cross-cultural competencies that are required for working as part of a team in international organizations that are expanding their work with and inside Asia. Graduates will find positions not only in academic institutes, government agencies, Asia related organizations, foreign embassies, or diplomatic missions but also in consultancy firms, media houses, and the tourism industry. Those planning to pursue a career in academia through Ph.D. research can also benefit from the structure and courses of the program.

Greeting from the Director

It is my great privilege to welcome you to the Liberation War Research Centre (LRC) at North South University.

The Liberation War of 1971 is not only the defining moment in our nation’s history but also a profound testament to the enduring human spirit, the pursuit of justice, dignity, and freedom. At the LRC, our mission is to honor this legacy through research, documentation, and education. We aim to preserve the memories and sacrifices of those who fought for independence while promoting critical reflection on liberation struggles in Bangladesh and beyond.

Through our archives, oral history projects, publications, and international collaborations, we aspire to make the Centre a living repository of history, one that connects the past with the present and inspires future generations to uphold the values of truth, resilience, and humanity.

I invite scholars, students, and citizens alike to join us in this important endeavor of remembrance and discovery. Together, we can ensure that the lessons and spirit of 1971 continue to guide our collective journey toward a more just and enlightened future.

Director, Liberation War Research Centre (LRC)

North South University

Research

Research

Academic Publication

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of History and Philosophy (DHP) at North South University. At DHP, we go beyond teaching history and philosophy; we inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. We encourage our students to ask profound questions: Why do societies change? How do ideas shape the world? What responsibilities do we hold as individuals and communities? Exploring these questions helps connect the past with the present and equips students to face the challenges of tomorrow with purpose.

We currently offer the Master of Arts in History and Asian Studies (MAHAS), which provides advanced regional and global perspectives, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, diplomacy, NGOs, media, and international organizations. Looking ahead, we are excited to launch the Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in History and Global Studies, designed to foster global awareness, analytical depth, and strong ethical foundations.

Alongside these programs, our GED courses, including Emergence of Bangladesh, Business Ethics, World History & Civilizations, Philosophy, and Psychology, equip all NSU students with essential knowledge that complements their main studies and nurtures well-rounded intellectual development.

The heart of DHP lies in its faculty, scholars trained at internationally recognized institutions who bring passion, expertise, and mentorship into the classroom. Beyond coursework, our vibrant community of seminars, workshops, and dialogues links knowledge to real-world issues and nurtures both intellectual and personal growth.

At DHP, education is not just preparation for a career, it is preparation for a meaningful life. We strive to cultivate graduates who think clearly, act responsibly, and contribute positively to society. I invite you to join us in this journey of discovery, where your ideas can take flight and your potential can be realized.

Dr. Mahbubur Rahman
Professor  & Chair DHP

Contact

Rifa Sanjida

Assistant Officer (Contractual)
Email: rifa.sanjida@northsouth.edu
Phone: 02-55668200; Ext.:6366
Office: NAC 1047
Department of History and Philosophy
North South University
Bashundhara R/A, Block B, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh

Event & Seminar

workshop