The Department of Sociology at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), organized a seminar titled “Corruption as a Cultural Practice: Normalization and Resistance in Daily Life” on September 18, 2025, at the Bijoy Auditorium in BUP, Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka. The objective of the seminar was to critically explore how corruption becomes embedded and normalized within cultural and social practices of everyday life, while also highlighting the forms of resistance individuals and communities engage in to challenge these practices. It aims to deepen students’ sociological understanding of corruption, extending beyond legal and economic dimensions, and encourages them to reflect on cultural norms, moral reasoning, and potential pathways for promoting integrity and accountability in society.

The keynote speaker of the seminar was Brigadier General Hafiz Ahsan Farid, SGP, ndc, psc (Retd), Commissioner of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Bangladesh, The keynote speaker highlighted the pressing reality of corruption both globally and within Bangladesh, emphasizing how it undermines development, weakens institutions, and erodes public trust. Addressing Gen Z directly, the speaker urged young people to take an active role in reducing corruption by rejecting normalized unethical practices, promoting transparency, and holding leaders accountable. With their technological skills, fresh perspectives, and strong social networks, Gen Z can become catalysts for change through awareness campaigns, civic engagement, and everyday acts of integrity. The speaker motivated students to believe that even small actions like refusing to participate in unfair shortcuts can create a ripple effect toward building a more just and accountable society.

Additionally, Jannatul Bakia Jeni and Rokiaya Yeasmin Rifa, two young enthusiastic lecturers of the Department of Sociology were the panel speakers of the seminar, who emphasized that corruption is not only an individual moral failure but also a social phenomenon deeply rooted in cultural practices, institutional structures, and power relations. They explained how social norms, patron-client networks, and hierarchical systems often normalize corruption in everyday life. From a sociological standpoint, they highlighted the importance of understanding corruption as both a product of and a reinforcement for inequality, exclusion, and weak governance. The speakers also stressed that meaningful resistance requires collective awareness, civic responsibility, and structural reforms rather than relying solely on individual morality.

Alongside the students of the Department of Sociology, students from other departments also attended and participated spontaneously in the seminar. In addition, the honorable Deans of other faculties, the Chairmen of various departments, members of the EC Committee, and faculty members from different departments were also present.

However, the seminar concluded with an interactive session between the keynote speaker and participants, where students raised questions regarding the corruption situation in Bangladesh and how they can deal with those different situations, and what their stance should be. The Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), BUP Brigadier General Md Shahedul Islam expressed his gratitude to the keynote speaker, panelists, moderator, participants, and Chairman and the organizing committee of the Department of Sociology, BUP.

Finally, the seminar successfully came to an end under the proficient moderation of Al Jamal Mustafa Shindaini, Hall Provost and Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, BUP, whose leadership ensured smooth proceedings and enriched discussions throughout the session.