An online research talk by Dr. George C. Grinnell of the University of British Columbia (UBC) on "The Social Life of Biometrics: How Culture and Technology Intersect." was organized by the Department of English, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, American International University -Bangladesh (AIUB) on 7th July 2022, 10 PM (BST). Dr. George C. Grinnell is an Associate Professor in the Department of English and Cultural Studies at University of British Columbia, Canada. His talk focused on how the field of biometrics has come to structure some of the ways we think about human mobility and the foundations of identity in the wake of the recent public discussions of migration, including the displacement of millions from Ukraine and Syria and ongoing global concerns with undocumented migrants. The speaker in this webinar tried to also focus on a very serious humanitarian issue taking a very challenging state of opinion against the brutal use of biometric technology to ensure the individual serenity of the developed countries that are politically, economically, and socially in an advantageous position. These advantageous position holders utilize the biometric technology to filter the legal and illegal transgressors in their land. They gratify the system by the satisfaction of depriving the unwanted wretched humanity that are bleeding their foreheads by striking their heads at these secured borders just for a survival from death or hunger. The biometrics, according to the speaker, is looking at only who is trying to intrude but not the circumstances that are making these people helpless to beg help. This unique humanitarian issue of the presentation evoked catharsis in the mind of the audience that attended. The teachers and students of the Department of English, AIUB attended the webinar. The webinar was inaugurated by the Dean of Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Tazul Islam and the Head of the Department of English, Mr. M Hamidul Haque conveyed vote of thanks at the end. He commended the presentation to be unique in approach. The “Seminar, Workshop and Outreach sub-committee” headed by Associate Professor Mr. Asif Kamal, organized the seminar and Mr. Sohel Rana Assistant Professor in the Department of English invited the speaker and moderated the webinar.
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