UoK - Department of Bengali : Introduction

Established in 1953, the department of Bengali at the University of Karachi offers a regular program of studies at the Bachelors and at the Maters levels. The program enables students to develop a meaningful understanding and appreciation of Bengali Literature. Moreover, it gives an insight into the history of Bengali Literature starting from the medieval age right up toll the modern age. In addition to this, it acquaints students with the different genres of literature namely poetry, drama and fiction/prose.

A pool of highly competent faculty members has been associated with the Bengali department. Professor Syed Ali Ahsan, Professor Muhammad Farooq, Professor Syed Ali Ashraf and Mr. A.B.M. Mohiuddin Chaudhry have all contributed immensely to the development of the department

Apart from organizing various Seminars, the Department has also brought a number of publications like "Bengali Literary Review". The Seminar Library of the Department it is equipped with 2,000 books on Bengali Literature’s. Several hundred books on different themes of Bengali Literature have also been kept at the Dr. Mahmud Hussain Library, University of Karachi.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching at the Bengali department is carried out mainly through lecture. Visiting speakers from other institutes are also invited from time to time. Students are required to give presentations on various topics as well as to submit assignments. The department hosts seminars at national and international levels from time to time, in which distinguished speakers from Bangladesh read out their papers and speak on different aspects of their fields of interest in Bengali literature The last seminar organized by the department was on the prominent Bengali scholar Qazi Nazrul Islam who contributed immensely to the Pakistan Movement.

Career Opportunities

Students who graduate form this department are competent enough to enter the teaching progression for the subject of Bengali at primary as well as at a higher level. Furthermore, opportunities of working in Bangladeshi banks such as the Rupali Bank and in various government departments are available to them. They may also opt for research or work as translators and interpreters.