Pabna’s Edward College renames Suchitra Sen Hall

Government Edward College in Pabna has dropped Suchitra Sen's name from the title of a residential hall, drawing criticism from residents of the district where the legendary film actress was born.

The college authorities recently renamed three residential halls, including the Suchitra Sen Student Hall for female students, which has now been changed to "July 36 Student Hall".

Additionally, Sheikh Russel Student Hall was renamed Bijoy 24 Student Hall, and Begum Fazilatunnesa Hall was renamed Aysha Siddika (R) Student Hall.

Edward College Principal Md Abdul Awal Miah inaugurated the newly installed nameplates yesterday.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Awal said the academic council of the college decided to rename the halls following students' demand in keeping with the spirit of the July uprising.

However, the removal of Suchitra Sen's name has drawn sharp reactions from the local community and cultural figures.

"Suchitra Sen was not a politician and should not be treated as one. A hall was named after her to honour her legacy in her home district. Now her name has been removed, just like the names of political figures. This is unacceptable," said Noresh Chandra Modhu, secretary of the Suchitra Sen Smrity Shangrakhkhan Parishad, Pabna.

Suchitra Sen, originally from Hem Sagore Lane in Pabna town, was an iconic figure in the Bengali film industry.

Though she left Pabna before the Partition in 1947, residents continue to regard her as one of their own.

"The people of Pabna bear her name in their hearts even though it has been erased from an institution. We protest this decision and demand her name be reinstated," said ABM Fazlur Rahman, a veteran journalist and noted social worker in Pabna.

Principal Awal, however, denied any political interference behind the renaming.

"The hall was previously named under pressure from political leaders and a neighbouring country's high commission. There are no establishments within educational institutions in the country named after film actors or actresses," he claimed.