19 AZIMPUR: No trace remains of Tamaddun Majlish’s historic office

The Language Movement did not just come to be. Behind the historic movement, that brought about a turn of events for Bangladesh, are a million stories -- of people, of premises, of places. In this 10-part series, we explore some of the places and premises vital to the movement. Establishments that we've lost to time, buildings that today bear no sign of the glories they once played host to. For part two, we take you to 19 Azimpur, the office of Tamaddun Majlish and many others.

"When the Language Movement was still in its infancy, Principal Abul Kashem nurtured it with a mother's care. We were inspired by his company, most of which was hosted by 19 Azimpur."

Such was the significance afforded to 19 Azimpur by language veteran Gaziul Haque. Just 17 days after Pakistan's inception, Tamuddun Majlish started its own journey from this very building. Throughout the early days of the Language Movement, the building played an important role.

But none of this can be found today. As modernisation set in on the capital, in 2005, the tidy, two-storey building was taken over by an apartment.

It stands close to the Azimpur Graveyard. Unfortunately there's no memorial stone or even a sign that would retell its historic significance to an unknowing passer-by.

During the early days of the movement, this building virtually became its headquarter. The first book on the movement was published from here. Along with Tamaddun Majlish's office, it hosted the "Shainik" newspaper, one of the main mouthpieces of the movement.

Tamaddun Majlish was founded by Principal Abul Kashem, who used to live at 19 Azimpur as well. The organisation got its start on September 1, 1947.

Merely two weeks later, on September 15, the first book of the movement "State Language of Pakistan: Bengali or Urdu?" was published from here.

On November 14, 1948, the first edition of Shainik was published. From 1952, the monthly "Dyuti" was published from here as well. With so many publications coming out from here, 19 Azimpur became a gathering spot for writers and intellectuals of the time.

The building also hosted two more important offices, those of "Amader Press" and "Tamaddun Library".

According to historians, 19 Azimpur was central to numerous activities related to the development of various socio-cultural initiatives as well as the Bangla language itself. The establishment of Bangla College, implementation of Bangla curricular books, establishment of folklore organisation, and more were birthed in this very premise.

Though away from the spotlight, Rahela Kashem, the wife of Abul Kashem, played a significant role for the movement from here. From hospitality to taking care of administrative duties, Rahela seemingly did everything.

Led by her, a contingent of female participants of the movement would spent nights at the building preparing posters, which would later get pasted all over the walls of Old Dhaka.

Contacted, current owner of the building Md Bahauddin said, "We've heard of the history of this building, but we don't have contact with anyone from Abul Kashem's family. The property got passed down to us by inheritance."

The same was echoed by caretaker Md Amzad Hossain. "I've heard from neighbours that prominent figures used to come here back in the day, but I've never seen them. From what I know, during the Ershad regime, Kashem's sons sold the building and went off to live abroad."

Language Movement researcher Golam Kuddus said, "19 Azimpur played a vital role during the movement, and thus it's a part of the country's history. Logically, there's a need to preserve it."