Southeast University (SEU) celebrated World Poetry Day 2026 with a programme organised by its School of Arts and Social Sciences in collaboration with Writers Web Bangladesh on Thursday, 23 July, at the university’s Multipurpose Hall in Tejgaon.
Ahmed Azam Khan, Minister of Liberation War Affairs of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, attended the event as chief guest, while Rezaul Karim, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Southeast University, was present as guest of honour. The programme was chaired by Professor Dr Yusuf Mahbubul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of Southeast University.
Southeast University said in a press release that the celebration brought together poets, literary personalities and researchers from Bangladesh and nearly 15 countries across Asia, Europe, America, Africa and Oceania through both in-person and virtual participation.
In his speech, Ahmed Azam Khan urged young people to work for national development guided by the spirit of the Liberation War. He said the honour and dignity of freedom fighters must remain protected forever and praised Southeast University for its academic environment and achievements.
Other speakers included Professor Dr M Mofazzal Hossain, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Southeast University; Professor Dr Muhammad Shamsul Hoque, Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences; Professor Dr Farhana Helal Mehtab, Dean of the School of Law; Abbas Faruq, President of Writers Web Bangladesh; and Dr Gouranga Mohanta, Senior Vice-President of Writers Web Bangladesh.
A major highlight of the event was the award distribution ceremony for university students from across Bangladesh who participated in poetry and essay competitions.
The programme was attended by deans of different faculties, department heads, faculty members, administrative staff and a large number of students from various universities.
The celebration featured poetry recitations, literary discussions and international literary exchanges, highlighting the universal appeal of poetry and promoting cultural unity.
