BAFA: A History

Photo: Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo

Rashid Ahmed Chowdhury, or more commonly known as Bulbul Chowdhury, was born in Chunatigram, Chittagong and grew up in Kolkata. "At that time, a muslim boy who dances was considered impossible!" says Hasanur Rahman Bacchu, guitar-guru and President, Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts.

During his graduate education, Bulbul came in across well known artists, like sarod player Santosh Chandra, composer Timir Baran Bhattacharya, and dancers Uday Shankar and Sadhana Bose. Such interactions spurred his desire to excel as a dancer. He got his break in 1936, when he was given the chance to perform with danseuse Sadhana Bose in the Rabindra Nritya Natya Kach O Devajani. To avoid the scrutinising gaze of contemporary conservative Muslims, that was when he took the pseudonym Bulbul Chowdhury.  After the division, in 1947, Bulbul came back and became Pakistan's cultural ambassador. As a dancer with an Islamic background, Bulbul broke stereotypes and ingrained in the people, a love for dance and culture.  In 1953, with his troupe, he visited countries like Britain, Ireland, Holland, Belgium and France. He was also declared the National Dancer of Pakistan in 1949.

In 1954, Bulbul Chowdhury passed away from cancer. His wife, actor and dancer Afroza Bulbul Chowdhury and friend Mahmud Nurul Huda wondered about how to make Bulbul's name live on. "Then after making many journey to and fro the Government, a lot of speculation, and hard work, with Justice M Ibrahim as the first president of the institution, on May 17th, 1955, the first class was held at what used to be a CID office once- 7 Weisghat, Kotwali, renamed Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA)," says Hasanur Rahman.

Since then, BAFA can boast of some of the best artists in the country, even today, of being from their institution. "Here, we call ourselves 'Made in BAFA'. It is a matter of immense pride for all of us that we were once students of this prestigious place." Hasanur Rahman himself was a student of the Hawaiian guitar, under the tutelage of Panna Ahmed. In 1979 he earned his certificate, after which he became a teacher, a committee member and then eventually, the president.

"While we were just committee members here, Amanullah Chowdhury was the then president. During his reign, the whole place had become quite family oriented- his wife being the principle, his daughter being a teacher and his relatives being in the administration. So naturally, we revolted. After Amanullah Chowdhury left, his wife Raiza Khanam Jhunu made another institution of the same name- BAFA, changing the B of Bulbul to B of Bangladesh. And since then, apparent 'branches of BAFA', so far 19, have opened all across the city- none of them authentic." The main campus of BAFA is still in the historic location of 7 Weisghat. The other original branches of Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts are in Dhanmondi (Ali Hossain Girls High School), Kamlapur (Kamlapur School and College), Mirpur (Mirpur Shahid Smriti High School), Banasree (Holy Crescent School and College), Uttara (Uttara Girl's High School and College) and Mohammadpur (New Medashiri School).

The courses available are of vocal training and songs- Nazrul sangeet, Rabindra sangeet and folk, dances such as contemporary and classical, instruments- Hawaiian guitar, Spanish guitar, Tabla, Violin, Flute and Keyboards.

BAFA has been consistent in instilling culture and performing arts in the young hearts of our country for decades now. Unfortunately, with the world moving immensely fast, and with younger children being more and more pressurized into the rat-race of the real world so soon, these arts have now become 'back-benchers' in our lives. Hasanur Rahman says, "I still believe that art and culture helps a child grow mentally and physically. It not only helps in their physical growth and exercise, but are mentally more relaxed than children who have nothing to do but study and play games."

The building which hosts the main office and branch of BAFA is a significant one. A building from the 17th century period, the architecture and interior boast nothing short of royalty. The intricately designed staircase, the wooden floors, the large oval windows and semi-circular balconies, which give you a sneak-peek of the majestic Buriganga River, can intensify your liking for what once used to be a fortress.

This historic building is now in dire need of restoration. "Because of the confusion of 'real BAFA', it seems the government is also confused about which the authentic BAFA is, considering how the imitated institutions are getting more highly regarded now. Also, even after being stamped a heritage site, our building gets no proper maintenance and care. Without the government's help, we will not be able to sustain this prestigious building," worries Hasanur Rahman. "Having that said, I invite the youth of today to open their minds and hearts and delve into the arts, so that they don't have to resort to anything even remotely close to violence for a purpose in life. And our institutions doors are wide open for anyone who wants to be a part."