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He also said the world is witnessing the killing of people en masse in different ways -- not just through genocide, but also through environmental destruction, illegal drug smuggling, and arms trade.

“To resist such killings, the world must end individual wealth accumulation and move toward a ‘social ownership’,” he said. “The era of individual wealth accumulation is nearing its end. Now, the only path to survival is social ownership.”

Prof Serajul also said Bangladesh has never been able to overcome poverty because its wealth continues to be smuggled abroad.

“This was done by the Pakistanis. Now, the Bangladeshi rulers are smuggling wealth – and they are doing it openly,” he said.

Prof Serajul also praised the role of women in the July uprising, but lamented the tragic death of Lamia, the 18-year-old daughter of a July martyr, who died by suicide in April after being a victim of rape earlier in March.

A social revolution is necessary to eliminate violence against women, he said.

At the event, various socio-cultural organisations and prominent figures congratulated Prof Serajul on his 90th birthday with floral bouquets.

Left-leaning politician Mujahidul Islam Selim also congratulated Prof Serajul, saying the nation needs him for many more years, as he is “a beacon during progressive movements”.

He noted that the recent anti-discrimination movement opened a new chapter in Bangladesh and urged people to understand its true essence.

He called on the country’s leftist parties to unite and form a greater alliance.

Presiding over the discussion, former TIB Chairperson Prof Perween Hasan said Bangladesh can become a peaceful nation if its people embrace diversity and reject exclusivity.

Prothom Alo Executive Director Sazzad Sharif said Prof Serajul Islam has evolved from a classroom teacher to a “guardian of the nation” by standing with the people in their struggles and movements.

Senior journalist Abu Sayeed Khan, alongside left-leaning politicians Razekuzzaman Ratan and Subhrangshu Chakraborty, also spoke at the event, which was moderated by Prof Azfar Hussain.