The Department of Sociology, Varendra University organized a special seminar titled "Narratives of Exclusion: What Can We Learn?" on Thursday, September 11, 2025at 10:30 AM in the Varendra University auditorium. The keynote speakers at the seminar were Dr. Joe Devine, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research – Doctoral) and Professor of Development Studies at the University of Bath, UK, and Dr. Mathilde Maitrot, Senior Lecturer in International Development in the Department of Social and Policy Sciences at the University of Bath, UK. The event was presided over by Professor Dr. Md. Siddiqur Rahman, Coordinator of the Department of Sociology.

The seminar commenced with a floral reception and the presentation of a token of appreciation to Dr. Joe Devine and Dr. Mathilde Maitrot. The welcome address was delivered by the Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Md. Shahidur Rahman.

In the seminar, the speakers presented their research-based papers on "Narratives of Exclusion" in the context of Bangladesh. Dr. Maitrot, in her speech, said, “Our research shows how deeply exclusion is embedded in society, which can be understood through the experiences of families and women. The responsibility of a sociologist is to delve into these narratives, analyze them in the light of policy, and play an evidence-based role in bringing positive change to society.”

In his speech, Dr. Joe Devine said, “Our research has revealed clear disparities in income levels across different districts of Bangladesh. While some districts are economically advanced, many are lagging behind. This results in a situation where one class of people within the same country leads an advanced life, while many others remain in a marginalized state. Exclusion is not just a social problem; it is also a question of human rights. Sustainable change is not possible without understanding the reality of those whose voices are unheard in the development process. Understanding the experiences of marginalized populations and formulating policy based on that is the first step towards building an inclusive society.”

Esteemed Head, Coordinator, faculties and students from the different Department participated in the seminar. Throughout the session, the valuable opinions and discussions of the guest speakers opened new horizons for the students. The event concluded with remarks from the Coordinator of the Department of Sociology, Professor Dr. Md. Siddiqur Rahman.