“Subaltern Research”: DEH Public Lecture by Dr. Ahmar Mahboob

The Department of English and Humanities at ULAB organized a public lecture entitled “Subaltern Research: Empowering Local Communities” by Dr. Ahmar Mahboob, Associate Professor at the Department of Linguistics, University of Sydney. It was held on February 6, 2020 at the ULAB auditorium in Dhanmondi campus and attended by an audience comprising faculty members and students from ULAB and other institutions.

In his lecture, Dr. Mahboob addressed the crucial issue regarding what academicians typically deem to be “research works” conducted for personal gain and, therefore, not effective in the long run especially when devoid of any “real world implication” necessary to meet the real needs of the community the researcher himself/herself is occupying. Living in a glocal context where it is of absolute necessity to address social issues, Dr. Mahboob stressed the significance for young researchers to engage with real life experiences of the voiceless regardless of the nature of the research which, in actuality, not only enhances the chances for it to be published in a recognized journal but acquires international attention at the same time.

The lecture concluded at 5.00 pm followed by a question-answer session where Dr. Mahboob again confirmed that as long as there is a willingness on the researchers’ part to truly contribute in their respective localities, it is possible to introduce substantial changes and make a better world in turn.

After the lecture, Professor Imran Rahman, Special Advisor to the ULAB Board of Trustees, handed over a token of appreciation to Dr. Ahmar Mahboob.

Some glimpses from the event: