Blast from the Past
Photo: Prabir Das
Have you ever heard of Lilabati Nag? The first female student of University of Dhaka back in 1923, Lila attained 'first class first' in her Master’s from her department. Apart from being a female pioneer, with academic excellence, Lila is also remembered for being a dedicated activist and organiser who established an all-women club called Dipali, which was committed to work further for women emancipation.
Inspired?
How about the incredible story of Fajilatunnesa? Being the first Muslim female student in a previously male-dominated academic arena, Fajilatunnessa also stood 'first class first' in Mathematics from Dhaka University, leaving an example for other women during the time to follow. Not known only for excellence in academics, she was also regarded as one of those brave souls in the 1920s who would openly talk about the rights and freedom of women, and gave valiant speeches to mobilise public support for the demolition of communal riots. Speaking of communal riots- a conflict that was particularly vibrant during the 1920s - how much do we know about the history of having a common dining table for both Hindu and Muslim students, demonstrating a positive change in the face of adversity?
Dhaka Bishyabidyalay O Bangladesh e Uchcho Shikhkha (Dhaka University and Higher Education in Bangladesh), a book written by eminent writer, essayist and research scholar Syed Abul Maksud presents its readers with a collection of such stories set in Dhaka University since its inception in 1921.
Throughout the eleven chapters of this book, the writer has presented an elaborate research that he had started conducting during late 70s. On one hand, the writer talks about when and how Dhaka University was established and how it facilitated the intellectual journey of Muslim scholars back then, and Dhaka University's role in bringing a peaceful solution to the never ending Hindu-Muslim conflict. On the other, it draws a brilliant image of socio-cultural aspects of then Dhaka, especially of areas around the university like Ramna and Nilkhet. This book also illustrates how this institution has played a role in shaping our nationalistic movements.
Moreover, the writer also gives us an insight into the processes that make the university what it is: for example, its admission policies; its administrative expertise and how it evolved; the extracurricular activities and the ever vibrant clubs and campaigns; the academic life and the politics within it; the alumni and their success stories. This book aims to accommodate all of this in around 400 pages and the writer succeeds doing so through his lucid writing style without making it sound too academic, a writing style that this essayist is already acclaimed for.
What makes this book an interesting read is how the author shares snippets of the most mundane activities and the controversies behind them – giving readers a chance to compare them with today's scenario. The annual dinner that used to take place in the Muslim Hall can be taken as an example. Even for students living in different halls today, the joy of piling up plates with special food on feast nights remains unparalleled. Interestingly, the excitement of then and now remains the same, while the context and controversies are completely different.
As the author quotes, “The Annual Dinner is a very notable event of our Hall to which members look forward to with great anxiety and expectation.”
In fact, this feast used to be a significant incident for the then sparsely populated Dhaka. The feasts that used to take place during 1920s and 1930s, with a total of 600 to 800 guests, were a unique example of communal harmony during that time. While the feasts in Jagannath Hall and Dhaka Hall used to discriminate against the different castes of Hindus, at the Muslim Hall everyone used to eat together- regardless of their religion or surnames - an event that was not only rare, but also deemed impossible by many. Some would call it unnecessary and a waste of money, but no one could undermine how this dinner served an opportunity to share different faiths and cultures, as mentioned in an excerpt on hall union from 1926:
“This annual function has received more criticism than appreciation as it is condemned as an instrument of sheer waste and extravagance. But it has a great moral value. It gives us an opportunity of service, of trying our hands at a vast organisation- of displaying our energy and worth. It gives us an occasion of realising the ideal of one brotherhood of humanity. Christians, Hindus, Muslims all sit together and partake of the humble fare we offer to them…”
This book is the result of a compilation of the author's research for more than 25 years. His primary sources include interviews of around 250 people, starting from the meat sellers of Thatharibazar and Moulavibazar, the goldsmiths of Tatibazar, to many intellectuals who have been affiliated with Dhaka University. Not only that, he carefully scrutinises these personal experiences and puts them in the right context, and has also been through piles of records, almost lost documents and research works done before on this issue.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, an avid reader of research-based work, or any reference for academic purposes, this book could be a treasure trove for all – those who are interested in one of the oldest academic institutions of the country. For present day students, this elaborative research will surely be a reminder of the incredible journey of Dhaka University, made up of both successes and failures, through good times and bad. In fact, it can be considered an important document that would bestow a share of the legacy and responsibility of the university bequeathed to students.
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