Noted US historian Wolpert to write book on Bangabandhu

Renowned US historian Dr Stanley A Wolpert, who is now on a visit to Bangladesh, will write a book on the country's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad told this to BSS in the evening after receiving Prof Wolpert earlier at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they discussed host of matters including the emergence of Bangladesh and the pivotal role played by the Bangabandhu.

Prof Wolpert, an expert on South Asia and author of over a dozen books on politics and personalities of the region, arrived here Sunday at the invitation of Foreign Minister Azad. Foreign Secretary CM Shafi Sami received the distinguished historian, who currently chairs the South Asian of the Institute of International Studies and Overseas Programme of UCLA at the airport.

The foreign minister, who met Prof Wolpert about two years ago in Los Angeles, requested him to write a book on the Bangabandhu. Azad said he has already communicated the message (Prof Wolpert's decision to write a book on Bangabandhu) to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Prime Minister asked all concerned to make available everything needed for the purpose, he said.

Azad said Prof Wolpert, who is the guest of the Foreign Ministry, has already done quite a bit of home work, but can only start his work on the new book on the leader of Bangladesh after he finishes his current assignment - a biography on Mahatma Gandhi.

Prof Wolpert presented Azad with two books.

Meanwhile, the visiting professor went to Tungipara earlier in the day to pay homage to the Bangabandhu. Accompanied by Foreign Secretary Shafi Sami and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Jawadul Karim, Prof Wolpert saw the progress of work of the Bangabandhu Mausoleum, went round the ancestral home of the Bangabandhu, the school he attended and the present home of the Bangabandhu's family members.

Prof Wolpert, who took several pictures of the leaders ancestral home and the neighbourhood, also talked with some villagers. Two family members of Bangabandhu including Sheikh Helaluddin MP accompanied the professor.

Foreign Secretary Shafi Sami, who was present during the meeting between Prof Wolpert and Azad, said he has come to know that the distinguished historian has made considerable study on the political history of Bangladesh. The foreign secretary said he was convinced through his talks with the visitor that Prof Wolpert has undertaken a project to write a book on the Bangabandhu and contemporary history of Bangladesh.

The 73-year-old historian, who spent several years in the region both to study and teach, will call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before he leaves on Friday on completion of his visit.

The foreign minister said Prof Wolpert is expected to visit Bangladesh again to collect materials for the book on the leader.