The Signature program of Department of English, AIUB "Discover English: A Student conference on English Language and Literature" was recently successfully executed by the students and teachers of Department of English in collaboration with TESOL Society of Bangladesh at the AIUB premise, drawing an enthusiastic nationwide response from university students.

The day-long academic event at AIUB brought together 184 participants representing undergraduate, postgraduate (MA, MPhil), and PhD programs in English Language and Literature from universities across the country. The conference featured 112 peer-reviewed research presentations from 32 institutions, supported by 62 adjudicators who provided detailed academic feedback to student presenters.

The event opened with the welcome speech of M Hamidul Haque, Associate Professor and Head of the English Department, AIUB and President of the TESOL Society of Bangladesh, and Prof. Dr. Sayeedur Rahman, Advisor, TESOL Society of Bangladesh, who shared his insights on the significance of student-led conferences in advancing research and collaboration. The Convener of Discover English 2025 Munia Jaman, MA student of the Department of the English, AIUB, has also expressed her gratitude to the participants and organizers for their support and enthusiasm.

The keynote address was delivered by Mohammad Mosiur Rahman, PhD Candidate at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His talk, “Trends in Applied Linguistics and TESOL Research: Orientations, Frameworks, and Methodological Diversity,” highlighted evolving global directions in language education and applied linguistics research.

The closing ceremony was graced by AIUB Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Saiful Islam as Chief Guest and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md Abdur Rahman as Special Guest. The session began with an inspiring speech from Prof. Dr. Tazul Islam, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, who encouraged students to continue their scholarly pursuits.

A highlight of the event was the Best Student Research Awards and Special Mention recognitions, acknowledging exceptional academic contributions. Eight student papers received special mention across graduate and undergraduate categories. The recognized presenters are:

Graduate Language

Selling the Green Dream: Ecolinguistic Analysis of Greenwashing in Bangladesh Tourism Advertising

Kashfia Tabassum Onty and Razia Akter, MA in ELT and Applied Linguistics Bangladesh University of Professionals

Bridging Generations through Language: Multilingual Identity in Bangladeshi Media

Zarin Subah Redee and Zaahin Hassan, MA in TESOL, East West University

Graduate Literature

Strategic Instrumentalization of Banal Nationalism and Rise of Digital Despotism in Look Who’s Back

Monika Kamal Nishat, MA in English Literature, BRAC University

From Oppressed to Oppressor: The Interplay of Racism and Patriarchy in The House on Mango Street and Little House on the Prairie.

Ratri Bhadra, MA in English Literature, East West University

Undergraduate Language

Media and Misinformation: The Need for Media Literacy in the 21st Century

Sadia Sharmin Biva, BA in English, Bangladesh University of Professionals

Unique Linguistic Features of Gen Z on Social Media and Their Influence on Social Identities

Aiman Swaad Ahmad, Ramisha Nujhat Raisa, Mysha Rashid, BA in English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh

Undergraduate Literature

From Shakespeare to Shitposts: Grotesque Wit and the Continuity of Shock Humor

Mohammed Talal, Tarannum Ahmed, BA in English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh

Beyond the Unspeakable: A Pluralistic Trauma Reading of Huzama Habayeb’s Velvet

Natasha Binte Sarah, BA in English and Humanities, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh

The conference concluded with a vibrant cultural showcase performed by AIUB students, celebrating the successful culmination of a day dedicated to scholarship, collaboration, and the exploration of English studies.