Architect Mazharul Islam turns eighty-six

With his innovative designs Mazharul Islam introduced modern architecture in the country. Photo: Mumit M

Architect Mazharul Islam, the pioneer of modern architecture in Bangladesh has turned 86. On the occasion, family members, friends and well-wishers of the master architect arranged a reception at Bengal Shilpalaya on December 25. Matiur Rahman, editor and publisher, daily “Prothom Alo” anchored the event.
At the programme friends, family members and well wishers greeted Mazharul Islam with flowers. A large cake was cut celebrating the occasion.
Former students, colleagues and leading architects of the country gathered at the venue to congratulate the architect on his birthday.
The speakers at the event recalled their memories of Mazharul Islam and discussed his works.
"With his innovative designs Mazharul Islam introduced modern architecture in the country," said architect Shamsul Wares, Professor, Department of Architecture, University of Asia Pacific.
"Islam's creations will continue to inspire upcoming generations," Professor Wares added.
Mazharul Islam was born on December 25, 1923 in Murshidabad. He went to America in 1950 and studied at the University of Oregon, US; for two and a half years for his Bachelor's degree in Architecture. In 1956, he got a scholarship to study tropical architecture in London at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. Under Paul Rudolph, he completed his post-graduation from Yale University in 1961. He was the Senior Architect of the Government of East Pakistan (1958-64).
Mazharul Islam was instrumental in the commissioning of Louis I Kahn to design the Sangshad Bhaban (Parliament Building). The realisation of this project has put Bangladesh on the architectural map of the world.
Islam has been a jury member for several prestigious national and international design competitions and awards including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the headquarter building of the Islamic Development Bank in Jeddah, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at Riyadh among others.
Some of his major projects includes: Jahangirnagar University, Chittagong University, Joypurhat Housing, Central Public Library, Shahbagh and more.
His works reflect to our culture, tradition, topography and climate.
He also designed the Fine Arts Building. Speaking of his design of the of the Fine Arts building Wares said, “He designed the building without any a main gate or walls -- the building is open from all sides with an open stairway -- resembling freedom,”
His other noted works includes Nipa Bhaban at the Dhaka University campus and Jibon Bima Corporation Building.
The event also included a cultural session where family members of Mazharul Islam performed a chorus of Shalil Chowdhury number “Sheidin ar koto durey”. A student of University of Asian Pacific performed a Tagore song "Ontoro momo bikoshito koro”.
The event ended with screening of the documentary “Tini” on Mazharul Islam. Directed by noted filmmaker Enamul Karim Nirjhor who is also an architect, the documentary contained a biography of architect Mazharul Islam, his works -- his famed designs and interview; and comments on Mazharul Islam's designs by noted Bangladeshi and internationally reputed architects.