Khulna: Lawmaker of Khulna-4 constituency and BNP Information Affairs Secretary Azizul Bari Helal has announced plans to develop Pithavog in Rupsha upazila into a research centre dedicated to the study of Rabindranath Tagore’s life and works. The announcement was made during a discussion at the Rabindra Memorial Museum in Pithavog, commemorating the 165th birth anniversary of the Nobel laureate poet.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Azizul Bari Helal emphasized that all necessary government support and plans to establish the research centre would be implemented promptly. The discussion, which focused on ‘Rabindranath and Secularism,’ saw Helal highlighting the significance of Rabindranath’s literary works as timeless guides to humanity, secularism, peace, and beauty. He noted that Tagore envisioned a humane society devoid of divisions based on religion, caste, race, or ideology through his poems, songs, stories, novels, and essays.
The event featured several distinguished speakers, including General Secretary of Khulna Press Club Md. Tarikul Islam and former Treasurer of Khulna University Professor Mohammad Mazharul Hannan, who delivered the keynote speech. Rupsha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sanzida Rikta presided over the function, which was attended by officials such as Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Khulna Sadar Aprotim Kumar Chakraborty, Assistant Commissioner Md. Zakaria, and Joint Convener of District BNP Khan Zulfikar Ali Julu.
Earlier in the day, Azizul Bari Helal addressed another event at Kajdia Government Higher Secondary School and College building in Rupsha, organized by HEED Bangladesh Khulna region. The function focused on educational scholarships for meritorious students and raising awareness against drugs. Scholarships totaling Tk 3,35,500 were distributed among 71 meritorious students.