Successful Completion of 3rd Seminar of Fanon Week

The Department of English continued its landmark six-part seminar series Frantz Fanon at 100: Decolonizing the Mind, Reimagining the World with Seminar 3: "Fanon’s Alienation and Freedom: An Overview", held on 19 July 2025. The event drew a captivated audience of 90 students and faculty, delving into Fanon’s exploration of psychological liberation and systemic resistance through the lens of The Wretched of the Earth.

The seminar was expertly hosted by Hazzaz Al Abtahee Nijhum, a distinguished faculty member, who set an engaging tone for the proceedings. Following this, Dr. Elham Hossain, Associate Professor, delivered a concise welcome speech, introducing the day's topic and its relevance within the broader series.

Dr. Nagesh Rao (Associate Professor, English and Modern Languages, Independent University, Bangladesh), a prominent scholar whose work deeply engages with critical theory and decolonial studies, dissected Fanon’s concept of alienation as both a consequence of colonialism and a catalyst for liberation. His presentation underscored:

● Psychological Decolonization: Emphasizing Fanon’s assertion that "the colonized is trapped in a world where he is both victim and perpetrator of violence," Dr. Rao linked this to modern struggles for identity and self-determination.

● Freedom as Praxis: He argued that true liberation requires "a revolution of the mind", rejecting assimilationist narratives and embracing radical reimagining of societal structures.

● Global Resonance: Drawing parallels between Fanon’s Algeria and contemporary movements (e.g., Black Lives Matter), he highlighted how alienation fuels collective resistance.

Audience engagement was fervent during the question and answer session, with students probing the intersection of alienation and digital colonialism in the 21st century. The lively Q&A session addressed tensions between individual agency and structural change, with Dr. Rao exploring Fanon's analysis of the psychic toll of colonialism and the path towards self-determination and collective liberation. After that, the crest was handed over to the esteemed speaker through a brief crest giving ceremony. 

Dr. Md. Shamim Mondol, Chairperson of the department of English, concluded with a motivational talk. He spoke passionately about the upcoming seminars in the series, igniting enthusiasm among the attendees for future discussions and emphasizing the department's commitment to fostering critical intellectual engagement. The session was a valuable contribution to understanding Fanon's enduring legacy and its implications for contemporary thought.

The seminar succeeded in bridging historical analysis with contemporary activism, ensuring Fanon’s legacy remains a living framework for justice.