TESOL Society of Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Department of English Studies at State University of Bangladesh (SUB), successfully launched the inaugural ‘Let’s Talk Research’ series. This series aims to foster discussions among English Language practitioners, academics, researchers, and students. It provides a platform for research enthusiasts to informally discuss recent publications, awarded PhD projects, and research in English Literature, ELT/TESOL, and Education. The series aims to keep participants updated with the latest knowledge and encourage contributions to the field.
The first webinar featured Dr. Md. Maksud Ali, a Sessional Academic at the School of Education, University of Queensland, Australia. Dr. Ali’s talk focused on “Researching English Language Teaching Policy in Bangladesh from a Political Economic Perspective.” He explored the effects of neoliberal globalization on education policies in Bangladesh and highlighted problematic implications. The session included an interactive Q&A session with participants and a stimulating discussion with Dr. Mian Md. Naushaad Kabir, Associate Professor at the Institute of Modern Languages, University of Dhaka.
The webinar began with a welcome speech by Hamidul Haque, Assistant Professor & Head of English at the American International University Bangladesh and Vice-President of TESOL Society of Bangladesh, who introduced the ‘Let’s Talk Research’ Series. The Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Kabir, Vice Chancellor of State University of Bangladesh, officially inaugurated the series, emphasizing the importance of postgraduate studies and research in academia.
Touhida Easmin Humaira, Assistant Professor & Acting Head of the Department of English Studies at State University of Bangladesh, briefly discussed the collaboration between TESOL Society of Bangladesh and the university, which was initiated by Professor Dr. Sayeedur Rahman, President of TESOL Society and Advisor to the Department of English Studies. The first session concluded with a speech by the Special Guest, Dr. Raqib Chowdhury, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia. Dr. Chowdhury highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of English Language Teaching (ELT) in Bangladesh and expressed hopes that the discussions in the webinar series would inspire university teachers to pursue doctoral studies.
