Researchers from 24 countries join international conference at Chittagong University

A two-day international conference featuring researchers from 24 countries began at Chittagong University (CU) today.

The inaugural session of the first RCASBC International Conference 2026 was held at the university’s Social Science Faculty Auditorium at 9:30am.

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The conference is being organised jointly by the Hong Kong Research Centre for Asian Studies-Bangladesh Centre (RCASBC) and CU’s Department of International Relations under the theme “Rethinking Rule-Based Global Order: Middle and Small States in a Changing World”.

The conference seeks to provide an important academic platform for scholars, researchers, university teachers, postgraduate students, policy analysts, diplomats, government officials, think tank researchers and other interested participants to engage in meaningful intellectual exchange on the changing nature of the global order and the evolving roles of middle and small states in international affairs, said a press release.

CU Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Mohammad Al-Amin, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Md Shafiqul Islam, and Port City International University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Tayeb Chowdhury, among others, attended the inaugural session.

Speaking at the event, Prof Dr Mohammad Al-Amin said technological advancement and innovation were essential for taking the country forward. Such conferences create opportunities for new ideas and innovative thinking, he said.

Prof Dr Md Shafiqul Islam said the university administration encouraged conferences, seminars and other knowledge-based discussions. The conference would help generate new insights into changes in international politics and the global order, he said.

Mohammad Niaz Morshed, chairman of CU’s Department of International Relations and member secretary of the organising committee, chaired the session.

According to the organisers, 457 research abstracts were submitted from 24 countries, representing more than 800 authors and researchers from over 120 universities, research institutions, think tanks and other academic and professional organisations.

After reviewing and selecting the abstracts, around 200 research papers are expected to be presented in six thematic sessions.

Around 45 papers by foreign researchers will be presented virtually, the organisers added.