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ways. One is by committing genocide or directly killing people. Also, killing people en masse is happening by destroying nature, as well as through illegal drug smuggling and the trade of weapons,” he added.

He said to resist such killing en masse, the world must end wealth accumulation by individuals and establish a “social ownership”. “The era of wealth accumulation by individuals is about to end. Now, the world has no option left but social ownership to survive,” he further said.

Prof Serajul also said Bangladesh has never been able to get rid of poverty and the reason for this is that the country’s wealth is being smuggled abroad.

“This wealth has been smuggled by the Pakistanis. Now, the Bangladeshi rulers are smuggling it and are smuggling it openly,” he said.

At the event, different sociocultural organisations and renowned personalities congratulated Prof Serajul on his achievement with floral bouquets.

A towering figure, Choudhury has worn many hats: an eminent teacher of English literature, prolific writer, editor, columnist, literary and cultural critic, and political analyst.

He continues to speak out against injustice, steadfastly defending freedom of speech and academic autonomy. His voice -- resonating in the classroom and the public sphere -- has shaped generations of scholars, writers, and activists.