Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Office of External Affairs (OEA) of North South University (NSU) organized an intellectual keynote session titled “Allama Iqbal’s Concept of the Shaheen (Falcon) and Today’s Youth” on 18th November 2025. The event, held in collaboration with the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Bangladesh, aimed to foster academic, cultural, and scholarly exchange between the two nations.

As part of a lecture series organized by Pakistan High Commission for Dhaka renowned guest speaker Prof. Dr. Baseera Ambreen, Director of the Institute of Urdu Language and Literature at Oriental College, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, delivered the keynote address. She elaborated on Iqbal’s portrayal of the Shaheen as an emblem of self-respect, courage, moral strength, and intellectual freedom – qualities she emphasized are crucial for today’s youth to cultivate. Dr. Ambreen highlighted the timeless relevance of Iqbal’s philosophy in guiding young generations toward integrity, resilience, and purpose.

Dr. Cynthia McKinney, Director of the Office of External Affairs at NSU, extended welcome remarks underscoring the importance of philosophical discourse in shaping youth perspectives and strengthening academic ties. This was followed by insightful comments from Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, Chair of the Department of History and Philosophy, who discussed the significance of revisiting Allama Iqbal’s works in contemporary times.

Dr. Md. Hafizur Rahman, Professor of Biochemistry & Microbiology at NSU, recited a poetry piece inspired by the Shaheen concept and shared reflections on its relevance, adding a creative touch to the session.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests including Muhammad Wasif, Deputy High Commissioner of the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka, and Md. Quamuzzaman, Country Head and CEO of the National Bank of Pakistan in Bangladesh, whose presence underscored the strengthening bilateral cultural and educational ties.
Chief Guest Mr. M. A. Kashem, Member of the Board of Trustees and Founder Life Member of the NSU Trust, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the role of universities in nurturing fearless, visionary youth who embody the spirit of the Shaheen.
Prof Dr Waheed ur Rahman from University of Education talked about Allama Iqbal's views about youth awakening.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of NSU.
The Office of External Affairs extended its gratitude to all partners and attendees, making this scholarly event a success and reaffirms its commitment to fostering intellectual exchanges that enrich NSU’s academic environment.
After the seminar a fruitful discussion on Allama Iqbal’s vision for the youth of 21st century was organized with the NSU students’ representatives with the invited speakers from Pakistan, Dr Baseera Amberrn and Dr Waheed ur Rahman. At the end Director External linkages of NSU shared the draft of MoU for future collaboration.
On this occasion, Dr. Baseera Ambreen also presented a book on Allama Iqbal, which was compiled with her scholarly and literary contribution. The book has been published under the auspices of the Pakistan High Commission for Dhaka and is beautifully printed. It is written in both Urdu and Bangla languages.