‘A pioneer of freethinking’

It has been two years since National Professor Anisuzzaman, famously known as the nation's lighthouse, passed away. Yesterday was his second death anniversary.

Chandrabati Academy organised a seminar in remembrance of his life and works at the capital's Foreign Service Academy on the day.

Foreign Minister Abdul Momen was chief guest at the seminar. Selina Hossain, chairperson of Bangla Academy, and Prof Muhammad Samad, pro-vice chancellor of Dhaka University, were special guests.

The seminar was chaired by renowned singer Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya.

Litterateur Anisul Hoque, Abul Khayer and Prof Abdul Mannan were present among many distinguished guests. 

Dr Anisuzzaman's wife Siddiqua Zaman and son Ananda Zaman were also present.  

Honouring Anisuzzaman's contributions, Momen said, "Professor Anisuzzaman was our lighthouse. Although he has left us, he has left behind a treasure trove of literary works and fundamental research on Bengali literature."

"We must preserve his works and convey his thoughts and ideas to our future generations," the minister said.

Selina said, "A personality like Anisuzzaman is born once every several centuries. We must teach our next generation about how he has enlightened us through his thoughts and literary works."

"He is one of the pioneers of freethinking in Bangladesh. His knowledge on our history, heritage and traditions was massive. He was a vanguard in all our historic national movements, such as the Language Movement, Liberation War and the movement for democracy," added Selina.

Remembering Anisuzzaman's contributions in the Language Movement, Prof Samad said, "Anisuzzaman was one of the thought leaders of the movement. He wrote the first leaflets of the movement, which inspired hundreds of students and student leaders at that time."

"His role in constructing the thoughts and philosophical background of the movement is unforgettable. At the same time, he was active on the ground, organising processions during the movement," he said.

Anisul said, "If we study Anisuzzman's life, we can learn deeply about the contemporary history of Bangladesh. He was a scholar like no other. However, there is hardly any academic research on his life and works."

Bannya said, "We can learn the beauty and wisdom of simplicity from Anisuzzaman's life. He used to respect people from all walks of life."

At the end of the seminar, speakers launched a photo-book on Prof Anisuzzaman's life, edited by poet Maruful Islam.

Maruful said, "Professor Anisuzzaman was a great scholar. He has enlightened the entire nation through his scholarly works. His works and contributions will always be remembered by this nation."