The Department of Media Studies and Journalism (MSJ) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) successfully organized the Curriculum Integration (CI) Forum – Spring 2026 on Thursday, February 5, at the Chhayanaut Auditorium, Dhanmondi.
The forum, centered on the theme “The Pitfalls of National Consciousness,” brought together faculty members and students for acritical reflection on nationalism, media, and postcolonial transformation.
The forum 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 session and set the intellectual tone of the discussion.
Following the opening, Tahseen Nower, a Lecturer at the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, delivered a presentation titled "The Pitfalls of National Consciousness." In her talk, she explored the dual nature of national consciousness, emphasizing both its emancipatory potential and its inherent risks. Drawing on Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth, she explained that national consciousness often emerges as a powerful force during moments of resistance, particularly in struggles against colonialism or authoritarian rule, by creating a strong sense of unity and collective purpose. However, she cautioned that the same force can become restrictive and counterproductive when it hardens into uncritical conformity, ultimately turning against the very 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 reflected on the limitations of postcolonial transformation, arguing that in many cases, societal change remains confined to the level of national consciousness. He noted that when transformation does not extend beyond symbolic nationalism into broader social consciousness, meaningful social transformation fails to materialize. As a result, structural inequalities and bigger social changes remain unresolved, despite the presence of strong national narratives.
The keynote was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants engaged in thoughtful discussion on nationalism, identity, and the role of media in shaping collective consciousness. The forum concluded with closing remarks by the host, marking the end of a rich and reflective academic exchange.
The Curriculum Integration Forum (CI Forum) is a signature academic initiative of ULAB MSJ, connecting classroom learning with contemporary social and political issues through critical reflection, research, and dialogue. Each semester, the forum highlights a thematic issue that encourages students and faculty to link media theory with practice, fostering critical engagement and academic excellence
