The Concordia University, one of Canada’s leading higher education institutions, has invited Bangladeshi researcher, writer and filmmaker Md Rabiul Islam, widely known as Shamol Shishir, as a research intern under the faculty of arts and science.
The invitation comes from the university’s Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling.
‘In a recent letter signed by the Immigration Specialist of Concordia University, I am scheduled to take part in research activities under the IRCC’s special 120-day Researcher Exemption policy,’ Shamol Shishir said,
This invitation from Concordia follows Shishir’s research and creative work on Bangladeshi wedding songs and women’s oral creativity. ‘My documentary project, “Wedding Songs: The Unseen Artistry of Women” is currently in progress, combining field research with filmmaking,’ he said.
For many years, Shishir has documented the oral traditions, wedding rituals, songs and cultural memories of rural Bangladeshi women.
‘My collected oral histories, field recordings, and socio-cultural analysis have aligned closely with the research interests of Concordia University.’
Throughout my research stay, I will work under the supervision of a senior faculty member—an associate professor and lead co-director at COHDS. We will engage in collaborative research on folklore, oral history, women’s creativity, and methods of digital storytelling, Shishir added.
Shishir’s work has brought new international attention to Bangladeshi folk culture—particularly the undocumented oral creativity of women. He said, ‘My research on wedding songs is not merely cultural documentation; it is also a valuable record of women’s stories, memories, emotions, and lived experiences.’
He said, ‘For centuries, Bangladeshi women have expressed their stories and emotions through wedding songs. My goal is to bring those voices to the world with dignity. The opportunity offered by Concordia University will help me take this work even further.’
He also shared his future plans.
‘During my stay in Montreal, I will study digital storytelling practices, archival preservation techniques, and global perspectives on oral traditions. Upon returning to Bangladesh, I will further develop both my documentary and research,’ he said.
