ULAB MSJ Successfully Hosts Curriculum Integration Forum on “Platform Society in the Global South”
The Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) successfully organized the Curriculum Integration (CI) Forum – Summer 2026 on Saturday, 13 June 2026, at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, University of Dhaka. The event brought together students, faculty members, and academics for an engaging discussion on the evolving role of digital platforms in contemporary society.
This semester’s forum focused on the theme of Platform Society in the Global South, critically examining how digital platforms increasingly shape social interaction, communication, economic activity, and political participation in Bangladesh and across the Global South. The discussion highlighted the growing influence of platform-based technologies on everyday life and their impact on the relationship between individuals, institutions, and society.
The program began with a welcome address by the host, followed by remarks from Tahseen Nower, CI Chair and Lecturer, Department of Media Studies and Journalism. The opening remarks were delivered by Professor Dr. Din M Sumon Rahman, Dean of the School of Social Science and Head of the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, who highlighted the significance of Curriculum Integration as an academic initiative connecting classroom learning with contemporary issues, while also introducing this semester’s theme on platform society and its growing relevance in understanding today’s digital world.
“Facebook already decides what content it will show you. It may feel like a choice, but in reality, the platform consciously determines what you see before you even realize it.”
— Prof. Dr. Sumon Rahman
The forum formally commenced with a presentation titled “How Digital Platforms Shape Everyday Life” by Usama Rafid, Lecturer, Department of Media Studies and Journalism.
“We often think we are freely using platforms like Facebook or Instagram, but in reality, we rarely know who is using our data, who is accessing our information, or how these platforms are often using us instead.”
— Usama Rafid
The keynote session followed with a presentation titled “Platform Society in Bangladesh: Monopolizing Interaction, Monetization, and Politics,” delivered by Andalib Rubayat, Senior Lecturer, Department of Media Studies and Journalism. Through an in-depth discussion supported by relatable real-life examples, he offered the audience an out of the box perspective on how digital platforms shape power structures, economic systems, and social realities, particularly within the context of the Global South.
“Platforms are no longer just tools of communication — they actively shape what people see, discuss, and believe. In the Global South, where young people are increasingly connected online, these platforms play a powerful role in shaping democratic participation.”
— Andalib Rubayat
An interactive question-and-answer session followed the presentations, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers. The event concluded with closing remarks by the host.