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NEW DELHI: Within the midst of chaos in Bangladesh, which noticed the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s authorities, statues of the nation’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, have been destroyed and a museum devoted to him was set ablaze.
Nonetheless, simply throughout the border in Kolkata, West Bengal, a 114-year-old hostel quietly preserves the reminiscence of his deep reference to India.
In line with TOI archive story, Baker Hostel, at Maulana Azad School (previously Islamia School), holds a particular place in historical past because the room the place Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as soon as stayed from 1945 to 1946.
It was right here that he was elected normal secretary of the school union, and a 12 months later, he performed a key position in defending Muslims throughout the communal riots in Kolkata.
His journey at Islamia School started in 1942 when he enrolled for his intermediate research, later pursuing a BA diploma.
Room quantity 24 turned his base, the place he began laying the groundwork for what would finally result in Bangladesh’s independence.
Mujib‘s management within the independence motion earned him the title “Bangabandhu” (Buddy of Bengal) and he turned a revered determine worldwide.
Responding to a request from the Bangladesh authorities, the West Bengal authorities transformed rooms 23 and 24 right into a museum in 1998.
Guests can discover the house and pay their respects to Mujib. The room was refurbished and a small library with books on Mujib was arrange, although hostel residents have expressed frustration over restricted entry to those sources.
Whereas Mujib’s reference to Kolkata light throughout the 50’s and 60’s, as he turned deeply concerned within the wrestle for justice for the individuals of East Pakistan, his bond with the town remained vital.
He did not return to Kolkata between 1947 and 1972 however after his victory within the 1970 elections, he reached out to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, in search of a protected haven in Kolkata if the Pakistani authorities blocked his political actions.
He lastly returned to Kolkata in 1972 for a historic victory celebration rally on the Maidan months after Bangladesh was born.
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