Society needs people like Dr Anisuzzaman
Speakers tell event marking his 80th birthday; say he can be called 'nation's conscience'
Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman can be recognised as the “nation's conscience” for his lifelong journey into literature and multifaceted contributions to society, eminent personalities said at an event yesterday.
On one hand, the scholar authored numerous books to enrich Bangla literature, while he also took to the street and echoed people's demands during different movements, they said.
Marking his 80th birth anniversary, which was on February 18 this year, cultural organisation Chandraboti Academy arranged the event in Abdul Karim Shahitya Bisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy in the capital.
Sharing his experience, Prof Anisuzzaman said whatever he could do for the country was possible because of the support he got from his family members, colleagues, students and well-wishers.
He said his involvement in left-leaning politics after the 1952 Language Movement was crucial in shaping the rest of his life.
Prof Anisuzzaman particularly mentioned the support of his wife, Siddiqua Zaman, who he said freed him from family burdens.
Speaking as the chief guest, Finance Minister AMA Muhith said Prof Anisuzzaman is one of those rare personalities who could be termed a “lighthouse”. The society needs people like him, said the minister.
Former University Grants Commission chairman Prof Nazrul Islam said he [Prof Anisuzzaman] always gave importance to learning in the mother language.
Rights activist Sultana Kamal said Prof Anisuzzaman made a major contribution to the 1971 Liberation War.
Bangla Academy Director General Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan, women's rights activist Maleka Begum, litterateur Selina Hossain, Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Hoque, educationist Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam, and Bangla literature Prof Golam Mustafa of Chittagong University also spoke.
A book titled, “Anisuzzaman Shammanana Grantha”, published by Chandraboti Academy, was launched at the event.
Prof Anisuzzaman wrote on a wide range of issues including national identity, education, religion, history and social reconstruction.
Some of major works are Muslim Manash O Bangla Sahitya, Swaruper Sandhane, Purono Bangla Gadya, Bangali Nari: Sahitye O Samaje, Kal Nirabadhi, and Ihajagatikata O Anyanya.