Dhaka: Academics and writers at a discussion here today recalled the contribution of Professor Abdur Razzaq in shaping the nation’s intellectual base and building self-reliance through instilling immense thirst for knowledge among generations. They said, Professor Razzaq presented insightful observations on the development of the Bengali Muslim middle class during the colonial period.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof. Razzaq identified the impacts of bureaucracy in the politics of the Indian subcontinent, which is still relevant in addressing the political crisis, they noted. The speakers came up with the observations at a memorial discussion on noted political and social thinker late Professor Abdur Razzaq at Poet Shamsur Rahman seminar room of Bangla Academy.
Chaired by Bangla Academy Director General Professor Dr. Mohammad Azam, the discussion was addressed by Pro Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Open University (BOU) Professor Sayeed Ferdous, University Press Limited (UPL) editor Firoz Ahmed,
Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Mahbub Morshed, and Bangla Academy secretary Mohammad Nayeb Ali.
BOU Pro-VC Professor Sayeed Ferdous highlighted how the Muslim writers and intellectuals had very little space in the Kolkata dominated intellectual arena, which was deeply observed by Professor Razzaq. He emphasized the need for realizing the separate demands, perspectives, and realities of both Muslims and Hindus in the political landscape, insisting that without addressing these realities and adopting economic classes in politics, further political advancement is not feasible.
Professor Sayeed urged young politicians to avoid focusing on single identities or excluding particular communities in politics, as such moves might alienate others and yield no good results. He noted that Professor Razzaq’s major focus was to analyze significant events of the Muslim League and Congress, critiquing many nationalistic political narratives and questioning the inclusivity of politica
l parties in India.
Bangla Academy DG Professor Azam lauded Professor Abdur Razzaq as an excellent example of liberalism, interpreting the socio-economic situation of his time with great acuity. Despite his criticism of colonial modernity and westernization, Prof. Razzaq accepted the positive aspects of colonization. Professor Azam remarked that Prof. Razzaq supported both the Pakistan Movement and the Bangladesh Movement, always backing his positions with arguments.
Writer and journalist Mahbub Morshed reflected on the intellectual influence Kolkata held over Dhaka during the 1940s and 50s, highlighting Professor Razzaq’s exceptional role in breaking this dominance and fostering intellectual growth in East Bengal. Morshed noted that unlike other intellectuals who migrated to or spent significant time in Kolkata, Professor Razzaq pioneered new thoughts and observations in the Bengali middle class and political landscape.
Citing Professor Razzaq’s observations on bureaucracy, UPL editor Firoz Ahmed discusse
d Razzaq’s thesis on the impact of bureaucracy on political movements during the British period, which left a lasting imprint on the political trajectory of the subcontinent. Ahmed praised Prof. Razzaq’s foresight, especially his observations post-1947 regarding economic disparities between the two wings of Pakistan and the eventual downfall.
In conclusion, the speakers emphasized Professor Razzaq’s profound impact on understanding the nature of the educated Indian middle class and the foundation of organized political movements in India, underscoring the continued relevance of his insights in today’s socio-political context.