H. H. Risley and Bengal, 1873-1911

Sir Herbert Hope Risley (1851-1911) – who signed himself ‘H. H. Risley’ – was a member of the Indian Civil Service (ICS) who became British India’s pre-eminent anthropologist.

Sacrificed for Development

After the creation of Pakistan, the nascent state embarked on vigorous projects to industrialise both parts of the country.

Gender and Genocide in Bangladesh

History is complicated; simplifying it is the work of politicians. My research on Bangladesh challenges the national memory of the 1971 war, as represented at the Liberation War Museum.

The Journey of British-Bengali Women in Higher Education

In recent years, British-Bengali women have made significant strides in higher education, challenging stereotypes and overcoming systemic barriers. Drawing on in-depth interviews, this article delves into their journey, highlighting the challenges and achievements of these young women as they navigate their way through university and beyond.

2m ago

The Last Romantic

In 1961, the Arts Faculty of the University of Dhaka was still located at the southern end of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. It was there, under the high-ceilinged rooms with their antique benches that Dr Khan Sarwar Murshid taught the MA English Preliminary students.

2m ago

Blood on the Barred Walls: The 1975 Jail Killing Revisited

In 1975, Bangladesh’s political landscape was irrevocably altered by the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and almost his entire family (except for his two daughters, who were abroad) at their Dhanmondi 32 residence.

2m ago

From Sultanate to Mughal: The Architectural Legacy of Bengal

In conversation with Professor Perween Hasan, distinguished historian and expert on architecture of the Indian subcontinent

3m ago

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan and the Muslim Renaissance in South Asia

This year marks the 207th birth anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, who was born into a prominent family with ties to the Mughal court in Delhi on 17 October 1817, and passed away on 27 March 1898.

3m ago

From Controversy to Classic: Lal Shalu After 75 Years

Syed Waliullah’s (1922-1971) debut novel Lal Shalu drew significant attention upon its release but faced mixed reviews, including outright rejection. Since then, it has been translated into multiple languages, adapted for the stage, and made into a film. Today, it is regarded as the first major modern novel by a Bengali Muslim writer.

3m ago

Abul Hashim and Revisiting the United Bengal Plan (1946-47)

Fifty years ago, in October 1974, Abul Hashim, a prominent political leader of the then dissolved Bengal Provincial Muslim League (BPML) breathed his last in Bangladesh, leaving behind an important political legacy now long forgotten.

3m ago

“Reform must come from the people”

The 1969 Mass Uprising was primarily focused on achieving either provincial autonomy or independence, which ultimately led to the Liberation War in 1971.

4m ago

The luckless president & an American icon !

As I was completing my undergraduate program in USA, the American Presidential election of 1976 came up.

4m ago

Abdullah: The novel that pioneered a new era in Bengali literature

Kazi Imdadul Huq’s novel Abdullah, written nearly a century ago, is regarded as one of the first modern novels by a Bengali Muslim writer. Initially known for his poetry and children’s literature, Huq transitioned into a notable prose writer, offering profound insights into history, culture, and society. Abdullah was his only novel, published posthumously, and it has since become a milestone in Bengali literature, earning enduring acclaim from readers.

4m ago