International Conference on Bangladesh Studies ICBS on October 09-10, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey

Topics/Call fo Papers

Call for Abstracts

2nd International Conference on Bangladesh Studies (ICBS-II), 2026

Theme: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Reform of Bangladesh 2.0 and Türkiye-Bangladesh Collaborative Horizons

Date: 09-10 October 2026

Venue: Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye

Mode: Hybrid

Website: https://icbs2.cpsrinfo.org/

The 2nd International Conference on Bangladesh Studies (ICBS-II), 2026 invites abstracts from scholars, researchers, postgraduate students, policymakers, legal professionals, development practitioners, civil society actors, journalists, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora. The conference provides a multidisciplinary academic platform for examining the evolving political, legal, economic, social, cultural, institutional, and international dimensions of Bangladesh.

Under the theme “A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Reform of Bangladesh 2.0 and Türkiye-Bangladesh Collaborative Horizons,” ICBS-II seeks to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping Bangladesh’s future, with particular attention to reform, democratic transition, institutional accountability, sustainable development, human rights, education, technology, public policy, and international cooperation. The conference also encourages contributions that examine the expanding possibilities of Türkiye-Bangladesh collaboration in diplomacy, trade, education, culture, research, regional cooperation, and strategic partnership.

We welcome theoretical, empirical, historical, legal, political, sociological, economic, cultural, and policy-oriented contributions. Interdisciplinary and comparative papers are strongly encouraged, especially those that connect Bangladesh’s domestic reform agenda with regional and global debates on democracy, development, governance, justice, sustainability, and international cooperation.

Suggested topics include, but are not limited to:

1. July Revolution 2024 and the Path to Bangladesh 2.0

- Origins, causes, actors, and historical significance of the July Revolution

- Student and youth leadership, civic resistance, and mass mobilisation

- State violence, accountability, documentation, truth-seeking, and reparations

- Constitutional and governance reform in the post-revolution context

- Democratic transition, institutional rebuilding, and political consolidation

- Media, digital activism, public narratives, and counter-narratives

2. Türkiye-Bangladesh Collaborative Horizons

- Bilateral diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Bangladesh

- Trade, investment, finance, and economic cooperation

- Academic exchange, research collaboration, scholarships, and university partnerships

- Cultural diplomacy, civilizational dialogue, and people-to-people relations

- Bangladesh in Turkish foreign policy and Türkiye in Bangladesh’s strategic outlook

- D-8, OIC, and multilateral cooperation between Türkiye and Bangladesh

7. Religion, Culture, and Social Change

- Religion, politics, and public life in Bangladesh

- Cultural heritage, national identity, historical memory, and pluralism

- Media landscape, press independence, and public discourse

- Bangladeshi diaspora, remittances, identity, and transnational civic engagement

- Interfaith relations, social cohesion, and inclusive citizenship

- Arts, literature, creative expression, and cultural change in post-revolution Bangladesh

8. Health, Foreign Policy, and Regional Diplomacy

- Health policy, healthcare system reform, and universal health coverage

- Mental health, trauma, and psychosocial recovery after political violence

- Bangladesh’s foreign policy, strategic autonomy, and new partnerships

- SAARC, regional diplomacy, and South Asian cooperation

- Globalization, geopolitics, and Bangladesh in a multipolar world

- Bangladesh’s engagement with the OIC and Muslim world institutions

Abstract Submission Guidelines:

Participants are invited to submit original abstracts relevant to the conference theme. Abstracts may be based on completed research, ongoing research, policy analysis, legal and constitutional analysis, field-based studies, comparative work, or interdisciplinary reflection.

Abstracts should clearly state the research problem, objectives, methodology or analytical approach, key arguments, and expected contribution. The conference language is English or Turkish. Abstracts may be submitted in either English or Turkish.

Abstracts should normally include:

- Title of the paper

- Name, affiliation, and contact details of the author(s)

- Abstract of 200-300 words

- 5-6 keywords

- Separate title page, where required by the conference guidelines

Important Dates:

Abstract submission deadline: 05 August 2026

Notification of abstract acceptance: 25 August 2026

Registration deadline: 30 August 2026

Full paper submission deadline: 30 September 2026

Conference dates: 09-10 October 2026

Conference Features:

The conference will be held in hybrid format, with in-person sessions at Istanbul University, Istanbul, Türkiye. Participants from any country and discipline are welcome. Submissions may be individual or co-authored, with a maximum of three authors per submission. There is no registration fee. Presenter and participation certificates will be awarded. Selected submissions will be published in the conference proceedings, subject to the decision and guidelines of the organisers.

For details and submission information, please visit:

https://icbs2.cpsrinfo.org/