The Department of English and Modern Languages (DEML) at North South University (NSU), in collaboration with the Bangladesh English Language Teachers Association (BELTA), is set to host an international conference titled "Re/Envisioning Paradigms in English Language Education" on December 6 and 7, 2024, at the university's campus in Bashundhara Residential Area, Dhaka. The event is also sponsored by the US Embassy, Dhaka, and the British Council.

This two-day event will explore the profound shifts occurring in English language education due to the rapid changes in our global landscape. As these transformations reshape the field, the conference aims to address emerging paradigms and equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the evolving terrain of language education.

The conference will be convened by Prof Ahmed Bashir, President, BELTA and Professor, Department of English, Dhaka University, and Dr Nazia Manzoor, Assistant Professor and Chair, Department of English and Modern Languages, NSU. The conference features a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists from leading academic institutions worldwide. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr Martin Lamb, Senior Lecturer in TESOL and Academic Lead for Internationalization in the School of Education at the University of Leeds, UK.

Additionally, three plenary speakers, from both Bangladesh and the international academic community, will share their valuable expertise, such as Dr Shamsad Mortuza, Professor of English at Dhaka University, Dr Shaila Sultana, Professor and Director of the BRAC Institute of Languages, BRAC University, and Professor David D Perrodin, English Language Specialist, and Journal Manager with the Institute of Population and Social Research, Mahidol University.

Eminent scholars and experts from Bangladesh and around the world will also contribute to the discussions, including Dr David Teh, Lecturer in the Department of Academic Excellence at the Institute of Teacher Education, Dhani Ram Sharma, President of NELTA Karnali, and Dr Iksanudin, Associate Professor at Universitas Tanjungpura, Indonesia. They will discuss various critical themes in English language education such as translanguaging, multilingual teaching strategies, and professional development.

In addition to the featured sessions, the conference will host a colloquium on "Prospects and Challenges of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) in the Department of English," a panel discussion on "Pathways for Promoting Sustainable Partnerships: Strengthening Language Teacher Association Ties," and the BELTA Signature Event titled "Perspectives on the Future of English in the Global South." The conference will also feature a segment for student poster presentations and various workshops including, "Integrating digital learning resources into English language classrooms", "Social Emotional Learning (SEL)", and "Instilling Integrity: Promoting Values and Ethics in Primary and Secondary Classrooms".

Prominent figures from Bangladesh's academic scene will also be in attendance, including Professor Dr Mohammad Anwar Hossen, Member of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, and Professor Dr Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North-South University.

Conference participants – from students to seasoned academics – will present their papers and engage in discussions on a range of topics, including language policy, translation studies, applied linguistics, special education, and educational leadership, fostering rich academic dialogue and exchange.

The event invites educators, researchers, and language specialists to engage in this exciting academic event, which promises to offer valuable insights and foster collaboration in the field of English language education.