Prominent scholar and former vice-chancellor of Islamic University Professor Dr Rashid Askari attended the two-day International Conference on 'Relevance of Humanities Studies in the Twenty-First Century' held at Khulna University on Thursday.

As a freethinking writer, columnist, fictionist, and Bangabandhu researcher, Dr Askari's presence added value to the conference, which aimed to explore the significance of humanities studies in modern times.

Khulna University vice-chancellor Professor Dr Mahmood Hossain addressed the conference as the Chief Guest while Associate of the Hutchins Center for African and African-American Research, Harvard University's Professor Emeritus Dr Tobe Levin von Gleichen, Bangabandhu Chair Professor of Bangladesh University of Professionals Professor Dr Sayed Anwar Hussain and Bangladeshi Fictionist Selina Hossain were present at the conference as keynote speakers.

Khulna University's Arts and Humanities School Professor Dr M Rubel Ansar chaired the conference.

Dr. Askari said, “The terrific ICT achievements are shaping and reshaping everything in human life including people’s literary bent. However, they are not always sources of artistic nourishment to the authors of our times, for, exciting pieces of software like ChatGPT may make great inroads into the creativity and originality of the writers. Whatever it is, literature will stand up to the relentless onslaught of the cyber-hegemony.”

A line-up of conference presenters from across the country also took part in the conference.