Rajbari Correspondent

 Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury on Friday called for spreading the literary ideals, humanistic values, and non-communal spirit of iconic writer Mir Mosharraf Hossain among the new generation, noting that his works are an invaluable asset to Bengali literature.

Speaking as chief guest at a seminar and cultural program marking the 179th birth anniversary of the literary stalwart at the Mir Mosharraf Hossain Memorial Center in Padamdi of Baliakandi upazila in Rajbari, the minister emphasized the need for broader research into the author's life, philosophy, and creations.

Regretting that no large-scale initiatives had been undertaken for decades following the author’s death in 1911, Nitai Roy Chowdhury said the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is working relentlessly to preserve the memories of eminent writers and cultural figures. During the event, he announced plans to build a cultural center in Rajbari and assured all possible steps toward nationalizing the Mir Mosharraf Hossain Degree College.

Criticizing the previous authoritarian regime, the minister alleged that financial and constitutional institutions had been weakened amid a culture of disenfranchisement, enforced disappearances, killings, and repression.

The minister respectfully recalled the contributions of Begum Khaleda Zia and Rajbari’s noted educator Prof. Jahanara Begum in establishing the Mir Mosharraf Hossain Memorial Center. 

Rajbari-2 MP  Md. Harun Or Rashid and Bangla Academy Director General Prof. Mohammad Azam addressed the event as special guests, while Bangla Academy Secretary  Dr. Md. Selim Reza delivered the welcome speech.

Presenting the keynote paper, eminent educationist Prof. Abul Ahsan Chowdhury praised Bangla Academy’s role in researching Mir Mosharraf Hossain, noting that his writings bridged Bengali Muslim cultural identity with mainstream Bengali literature and that his play Zamindar Darpan stands as a vital literary document on peasant rights and anti-exploitation consciousness. Prof. Chowdhury also revealed that he is currently working on Mir Mosharraf Hossain’s unpublished diaries, which are expected to add a new dimension to scholarly research once published.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director Md. Saifur Rahman Khokon Mahmud, Mir Mosharraf Hossain Smriti Sangsad President Prof. Salam Tasir, and local BNP leaders took part in the discussion. Presided over by Rajbari Deputy Commissioner Afroza Parvin, the program drew a large gathering of students, guardians, educationists, cultural activists, and civil society members.

Following the session, the minister distributed certificates and prizes among winners of various competitions held on the occasion. Earlier in the day, he placed floral wreaths at the grave of Mir Mosharraf Hossain and visited the nearly 700-year-old Sri Sri Rajrajeshwari Temple in Hatmodapur on his way to Baliakandi, accompanied by the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, and local lawmaker Md. Harun Or Rashid.