Discussion held in Rangpur to mark centenary of Buddhir Mukti Andolon

A discussion marking the centenary of the historic Buddhir Mukti Andolon (Freedom of Intellect Movement) was held in Rangpur on Friday. The event was organized by the intellectual forum Atmasabha at Garan Art Gallery in the city's Beacon More area.

Presenting the keynote paper titled "Exploring the Evolution of Muslim Intellectual Thought in Bengal," Bangla Academy Research Officer, essayist and researcher Mamun Siddiqi said the movement's primary objective was to promote the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual enlightenment—principles that remain equally important today for building a knowledge-based society.

He said the ideals championed by the Shikha group, including secularism, democracy, tolerance, liberalism and pluralism, could serve as a model for building a progressive society and state.

Joining the discussion, Dr Sanjoy Sarkar, Associate Professor at the University of Barishal, said the Buddhir Mukti Andolon was not merely a historical event but continues to be relevant in promoting free thought, human welfare and social progress. He urged young people to embrace rational thinking and challenge superstition and unjust social practices.

Rajib Kumar Saha, Assistant Editor of Bangla Academy and an essayist, said the movement occupies a significant place in Bengali history.

He noted that the journal Shikha played an important role in promoting modern education, language and literature, women's empowerment, secular values and free thinking.

Khairul Islam Palash, Assistant Professor at Begum Rokeya University, said the vision of modern and science-based education advocated by the Muslim Sahitya Samaj could have a positive impact on the country if fully implemented.

Mir Rabi, poet, columnist and executive head of Atmasabha, said the event was organized to reassess the legacy and influence of the Buddhir Mukti Andolon in post-independence Bangladesh. He added that Atmasabha regularly organizes knowledge-based initiatives to foster creativity and critical thinking.

The programme opened with a musical performance by Israt Jahan Kakon. Photographer Firoz Chowdhury delivered a reflective address, while poet and political analyst Anindya Auwal and Nur Nabi Islam, representing the Carmichael College unit of Atmapath, also spoke. The concluding remarks were delivered by poet Monjil Murad Lovlu.

Among those present were cultural figure Professor Mohammad Shah Alam, Principal Fakhrul Anam Benju, teacher Shirina Khatun, Additional DIG Abdur Razzaq, Sunil Sarkar and other distinguished guests from various fields.

The discussion was organised by Atmasabha with support from the youth intellectual organisation Atmapath and the research-based publication Nagarik.