The Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) organised the Curriculum Integration (CI) Forum – Spring 2026 at the Chhayanaut Auditorium in Dhanmondi on Thursday.
Centered on the theme “The Pitfalls of National Consciousness,” the forum brought together faculty members and students for critical reflection on nationalism, media, and postcolonial transformation, according to a press release.
The session was initiated by Mrittika Kamal, Chair of the Curriculum Integration Forum and Lecturer at the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, who formally opened the event and set the intellectual direction of the discussion.
Following the opening, Tahseen Nower, Lecturer at the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, delivered a presentation titled “The Pitfalls of National Consciousness.”
Her presentation examined the dual nature of national consciousness, highlighting both its emancipatory potential and its inherent risks.
Drawing on Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth, she explained how national consciousness often emerges as a powerful unifying force during resistance movements, particularly against colonialism or authoritarian rule.
She also cautioned that when such consciousness hardens into uncritical conformity, it can become restrictive and counterproductive, ultimately turning against the people it once mobilized.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Dr Sumon Rahman, Dean of the School of Social Science and Head of the Department of Media Studies and Journalism.
In his address, he critically examined the limitations of postcolonial transformation, noting that in many cases social change remains confined to the level of national consciousness.
He argued that when transformation does not move beyond symbolic nationalism to a broader social consciousness, meaningful social change fails to occur, leaving structural inequalities and deeper societal issues unresolved despite strong national narratives.
The keynote session was followed by an interactive question-and-answer segment, during which participants engaged in discussions on nationalism, identity, and the role of media in shaping collective consciousness. The forum concluded with closing remarks by the host.
The Curriculum Integration Forum is a signature academic initiative of ULAB MSJ that seeks to connect classroom learning with contemporary social and political issues through critical reflection, research, and dialogue. Held each semester, the forum focuses on a thematic issue that encourages students and faculty to link media theory with practice, fostering critical engagement and academic excellence.
