To establish social harmony and humanity, it is essential to practice the philosophy of universal brotherhood espoused by the eminent educator and education reformer of the subcontinent, Hazrat Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah (R.). Speakers made these remarks on Saturday (29 November) afternoon at an international seminar titled “Global Fraternity” held at the auditorium of the Dhaka Ahsania Mission’s headquarters in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The seminar focused on Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah’s (R.) vision of universal brotherhood.
Presided over by Professor Dr. Golam Rahman, President of Dhaka Ahsania Mission, the seminar was attended by Professor Dr. Kazi Din Mohammad Khasru, Vice-Chancellor of Prime University, as the chief guest. He stated that today’s seminar centers on the life and philosophy of Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah (R.), whose legacy inspires this gathering.
He added that Ahsanullah’s writings, teachings, and humanitarian activities encouraged people to reject hatred, eliminate discrimination, and develop a humane identity that transcends boundaries.
Other speakers at the seminar included Dr. Kazi Ehsanur Rahman, Adviser to DAM Club25; Khandaker Sakhawat Ali, Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Governance and Development, BRAC University; Dr. Noor Ul Zaman Rafiq, Director of Research Administration and Engagement at the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning; and Akmal Ali, Founder and President of the United Nations Association of Fiji. The vote of thanks was delivered by Iqbal Masud, Chief Executive Officer of the Ahsanullah Centre for Universal Humanity.
Speakers noted that Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah (R.) believed that the joy of serving others far exceeds the joy of receiving service. This belief is deeply rooted in Sufism and aligns harmoniously with the compassion-based teachings of the Qur’an. His lifelong dedication to human welfare, efforts to build unity, and activities aimed at spreading the message of love, purity, and peace stand as a living reflection of this philosophy.
Humanitarian professionals, social workers, social thinkers, and development practitioners from various parts of the world also participated in the seminar online. To accommodate international participants, English was chosen as the seminar’s primary language. The program also included open discussions, a question–answer session, and opportunities for international attendees to share their views.
The seminar highlighted the philosophy of global fraternity envisioned by Khan Bahadur Ahsanullah (R.) and explored it through the lens of human values and Sufi thought. Inspired by his guidance on global fraternity, Ahsania Mission was established in 1935 with the objective of laying the foundation for social and spiritual development. The seminar also emphasized the core concepts of global brotherhood from the perspective of universal peace and harmony.