Remembering Yusuf Ali Chowdhury
Monday, 26 November 2007
Mashiar Rahman
THE 36th death anniversary of Yusuf Ali Chowdhury (Mohan Mia) will be observed today (Monday). He was born in 1905 and died in 1971.
Khan Saheb Moizuddin Chowdhury, father of Mohan Mia breathed his last when Mohan Mia was just 18 years old. At that time, Mohan Mia was a student of class X. His elder brother Lal Mia was engaged in Congress politics. As a result, the responsibility of running Zamindari rested on him.
Mohan Mia's approach towards the aspect of education was very much pragmatic. With a view to making the society economically self-reliant, he adroitly though and conceived of starting "'Baitul Aman" was held at the suburb of Faridpur on 25th January, 1945, amidst great funfare by the Agricultural and Industrial Minister of the undivided Bengal in 1945 by one hundred and thousand people as audience which was chaired by Mohan Mia. His address of welcome on that occasion was superb and spoke eloquently of the great vision as well as realism.
Though at this tender age he had to shoulder the onerous responsibility of maintaining the big Zamindary, his pioneering role in the spread of education did not meet with a set back. It is incredulous and visionary that such a sophisticated and benevolent project could have crept in his mind as early in the year 1945 which speaks eloquently of his higher degree of perception and not the least a forward looking out look. it would be quite apt to say that he was an advanced school of though.
There were five objectives of this project (i) to inspire: and imbue thoughts of Islam and its culture (ii) to bridge and acquaint people with modern civilisation and science (iii) to evoke sense of self-respect, dutifulness and zeal of work in the people (iv) to build and mould every man with the teaching and tenets of Islam and not the least (v) to create a scope for self-uplift of the people. With these objects in view, the project envisaged proposal of setting up. (i) Residential school and Madrasha (ii) industrial School (iii) Agricultural & Dairy farm (iv) Pisciculture (v) Printing (vi) Housing facility for officer and employees of Baitul Aman (vii) Mosque (viii) Library (ix) Gymnasium (x) Guest house (xi) Rural Development (xii) Medicare and Hygiene.
Mohan Mia's name as chairman for the long 13 years (1938-1953) is remarkable for many reasons. He took active step in the construction of roads digging' of ponds, setting up of Madrashas and charitable dispensaries. The number of the tube-well learnt to be the largest amongst all the districts of the country were sunk during Mohan Mia's tenure as chairman. The present Rajbari, district previously within the Goalundo sub-division of Faridpur was a den of Malaria and Kalajar fever. Due to Mohan Mia's concerted efforts, Rajbari got rid of these menaces.
It is deemed imperative to recall that Yusuf Ali Chowdhury though played a leading role in the framing of 1956 first constitution of Pakistan, he was the only MNA in the constituent assembly who was not a signatory to it since he firmly believed that the constitution did not properly and equitably reflected the rights and hopes and aspiration of the people of the then East Pakistan. It would be certainly acknowledged and endorsed by the contemporary political personalities. National Professor Abdur Razzaque aptly passed remark," I have never seen a man like Mohan Mia more dedicated in the championing the rights of East Pakistan."
Professor, Humayan Kabir a celebrated literature, a distinguished educationist in Asia and a former Indian Cabinet Minister is quoted as saying "In the political arena Mohan Mia is a practical student of reality and his methods is scientific and experimental. Like Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar, he made large donation for public charity and his left hand never knew what his right hand spent.
There has been a wide spread misgiving that Mohan Mia was the villain in the tragic episode that was enacted in the erstwhile East Pakistan Provincial Assembly in 1958 that cost the life of late lamented Speaker Shahed Ali. To speak the truth, it was not-Mohan Mia but Rasaraj Mandal who caused grievous injury to Shahed Ali by hurling paper weight at his forehead and he succumbed to the injury after being admitted into the hospital. I am sure that contemporary legislator at that period would endorse it.
In the year 1956 the constituent Assembly of Pakistan was formed comprising eighty members with forty seats each from the two wings. Yusuf Ali Chowdhury was also inducted as a member termed MNA in the then Assembly. And with his personal initiative he helped make Hamidul Huq Chowdhury and Justice Sattar later President of Bangladesh as members of the Assembly.
When the first sitting of the Assembly was held at Murree in West Pakistan, there was a long stalemate and impasse relating to the formation of a central government since none of the political parties got a determining majority to form a ministry. The situation was deeply plunging the country into uncertainly widening the sense of scepticism for further impasse to there on.
At this hour of great national crisis when the situation assumed the reality of a positive danger and a threat to the country' s sovereignty, there appeared a saviour and not the least a silver-lining was discernible in the dark cloud. Yusuf Ali Chowdhury with his relentless efforts, grit and manoeuvring formed an alliance in between KSP (Krishak Sramik Party) in the erstwhile East Pakistan and the Muslim League which then had majority seats in West Pakistan, leading to the formation of a central government headed by Chowdhury Mohammad Ali ( former bureaucrat) as Prime Minister with Sher-e-Bangla as the Interior Minister. He was then a proud peacock amongst the gathering of noble feathered friends.
It is deemed imperative to re-call that Yusuf Ali Chowdhury played a leading role in the framing of first constituent Assembly of Pakistan historically called 1956 constitution. Mohan Mia's role in promoting and safe-guarding the rights and privilege of the then East Pakistan was laudable and not the least historic which is still acknowledged and acclaimed by the contemporary politicians and conscientious intelligentsia.
By shattering the expectations of all and sundry in East Pakistan and defying the ardent request of governor general and the incumbent Prime Minister, Yusuf Ali Chowdhury alias Mohan Mia did not join the government as a central minister since his conviction and commitment was to influence, motivate and guide the course of political events. In fact, he had his mind the ideal like Mahatma Gandhi and Jai Prakash Narayan of India who would cite noble action without being inducted and polluted into power.
If I have some elementary knowledge in palmistry and my memory is not that short, I remember, his fate line is seen connecting the Mount of Moon with Jupitor. It is a mark of great personal magnetism which makes one a public in favourite and he takes up public career with extra- ordinary brilliance and prominence. The line of Head is marked with a trident which shows and unusual degree of intelligence and mental power. Such a mark has been found on the hands of distinguished men in the world endowed with wonderful administrative talents and organising capacity of extra-ordinary high order. Further the sign of flag in his hand interprets a great man indicating virtues of renunciation and purity and strength of character.
In work he had force of application , tenacity of purpose and strength of conviction. He always refused to be deterred by the complexity of problem insisting that if will was! there, any thing could be achieved. Whoever came in touch with him must admit that he worked throughout his life for the country and the society. During Pakistan movement the provincial Muslim League President, Maulana Akram Khan was quoted as saying "If there were 28 Mohan Mias in 28 districts, we would have reached our goal much before." The saying is quite thought-evoking.
Late Yusuf Ali Chowdhury (Mohan Mia), widely known as the "King-maker" was indeed great soul. He always placed national interest at the forefront. He was a real darling to all and sundry.
Although India was partitioned on the basis of two-nation theory in order to uphold the culture and civilisation history and tradition of the down-trodden section of the people, the successive governments of Pakistan ultimately drifted away from these lofty ideals. With this end in view, he published the daily Millat from Dhaka which always played a leading role in Muslim renaissance.
Now is surely the opportune moment to highlight the qualities of head and heart of this lion-hearted statesman to the present generation when the society and the country at large is faced with anarchy, terrorism, hypocrisy and lack of sense of direction. Otherwise, the ungrateful nation will have to pay very dearly. We can only hope that the Memorial Committee will leave no stone unturned to focus his qualities of leadership which is so essential in the present day context. Even the great Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq and Khaza Nazimuddin, the first Chief Minister in the then East Pakistan and subsequently governor general of Pakistan depended on him heavily. It so happened that his heart was bigger than his head. Undoubtedly he was very soft and kind-hearted. Above all, he was humanist of the highest order. His selfless milk of human kindness unreservedly flowed to all the needy who had come across.
The present government advised the banking sector to put more emphasis on financing agro-economy projects like poultry, dairy firm, fisheries and other small and small-sized income generating projects for generating economic activities and employment opportunities in the semi-urban and the vast rural areas. It is incredulous that Mohan Mia with his visionary outlook conceived and implemented this realism fifty years ago.
Born in a rich and aristocratic family, the well being of the poor always occupied a major part of his thoughts. The details of his long chequered political career need to be compiled for the posterity. He was so moved by the suffering of the poor that he could not rest until he redressed their grievances. He founded the "Student Home" a hostel for the poor but meritorious students of Faridpur Rajendra College. He sunk many tube-wells and established many medicare centres. To impart religious teaching, he founded "Moijuddin Madrassah" of high school standard. He also established "Halima Girls School" after the name of his mother for the education of the girls.
The goal of his life was to serve humanity at large which he cherished till he breathed his last. We have many things to learn from the life of this great man.
When the great communal riot started at Calcutta in 1946 and further spread over to Bihar, Noakhali and almost all the districts of Bengal and in a sense gripped the whole nation Mohan Mia with his grit, determination and unbound command and sagacity did not allow this ominous frenzy to take place in Faridpur district. In early 1964 when communal frenzy started at Dhaka as a sequel to Muslim massacre at Calcutta he did a great job along with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ataur Rahman Khan, Shah Azizur Rahman and others to put an end to this heinous and barbarous act of human demeanour. He even sheltered hundreds of Hindu families at his Mahuttuli residence, Armanitola.
He set up a branch of Anjuman-e-Mafidul Islam which did a pioneering job for the burial and cremation of Muslims and Hindus alike. To say the least, Mohan Mia ranks most distinguished amongst the great men who did not bow down his head in the face of any resistance, intimidation and position. Hence, it is not to bewail at his denies from this transitory earth world.
To evaluate it realistically, death itself is insignificant since it is deemed as an invariable process when none as the law of nature can escape from its icy hand.
Mausoleum? whose mausoleum will be erected and in which place? Mohan Mia's Mausoleum will forever stand out with the brilliance of a sunshine in the eternal evaluation of time. In fact, every house in Bangladesh and not notably in Faridpur is his mausoleum and his sacred memory will remain always enshrined in the heart of every Bengalee.
Mohan Mia, whom I used to call "Mejochasa" is no more today.
My heart bleeds for him. Every thing with which I have been so far and so long identified myself seems to be defeated being swept a side in a deluge of events. Open during these days I find myself wondering over and over again the contrast of good and evil, the phenomenal human frailty and vulnerability to torture, infliction and pain and that every man has his breaking point. Notwithstanding the proverbial truth that time is a great healer, I, in my anguish and loneliness find the days ahead and terrible to bear and the night more nightmarish.
The author is a former senior executive of a bank
THE 36th death anniversary of Yusuf Ali Chowdhury (Mohan Mia) will be observed today (Monday). He was born in 1905 and died in 1971.
Khan Saheb Moizuddin Chowdhury, father of Mohan Mia breathed his last when Mohan Mia was just 18 years old. At that time, Mohan Mia was a student of class X. His elder brother Lal Mia was engaged in Congress politics. As a result, the responsibility of running Zamindari rested on him.
Mohan Mia's approach towards the aspect of education was very much pragmatic. With a view to making the society economically self-reliant, he adroitly though and conceived of starting "'Baitul Aman" was held at the suburb of Faridpur on 25th January, 1945, amidst great funfare by the Agricultural and Industrial Minister of the undivided Bengal in 1945 by one hundred and thousand people as audience which was chaired by Mohan Mia. His address of welcome on that occasion was superb and spoke eloquently of the great vision as well as realism.
Though at this tender age he had to shoulder the onerous responsibility of maintaining the big Zamindary, his pioneering role in the spread of education did not meet with a set back. It is incredulous and visionary that such a sophisticated and benevolent project could have crept in his mind as early in the year 1945 which speaks eloquently of his higher degree of perception and not the least a forward looking out look. it would be quite apt to say that he was an advanced school of though.
There were five objectives of this project (i) to inspire: and imbue thoughts of Islam and its culture (ii) to bridge and acquaint people with modern civilisation and science (iii) to evoke sense of self-respect, dutifulness and zeal of work in the people (iv) to build and mould every man with the teaching and tenets of Islam and not the least (v) to create a scope for self-uplift of the people. With these objects in view, the project envisaged proposal of setting up. (i) Residential school and Madrasha (ii) industrial School (iii) Agricultural & Dairy farm (iv) Pisciculture (v) Printing (vi) Housing facility for officer and employees of Baitul Aman (vii) Mosque (viii) Library (ix) Gymnasium (x) Guest house (xi) Rural Development (xii) Medicare and Hygiene.
Mohan Mia's name as chairman for the long 13 years (1938-1953) is remarkable for many reasons. He took active step in the construction of roads digging' of ponds, setting up of Madrashas and charitable dispensaries. The number of the tube-well learnt to be the largest amongst all the districts of the country were sunk during Mohan Mia's tenure as chairman. The present Rajbari, district previously within the Goalundo sub-division of Faridpur was a den of Malaria and Kalajar fever. Due to Mohan Mia's concerted efforts, Rajbari got rid of these menaces.
It is deemed imperative to recall that Yusuf Ali Chowdhury though played a leading role in the framing of 1956 first constitution of Pakistan, he was the only MNA in the constituent assembly who was not a signatory to it since he firmly believed that the constitution did not properly and equitably reflected the rights and hopes and aspiration of the people of the then East Pakistan. It would be certainly acknowledged and endorsed by the contemporary political personalities. National Professor Abdur Razzaque aptly passed remark," I have never seen a man like Mohan Mia more dedicated in the championing the rights of East Pakistan."
Professor, Humayan Kabir a celebrated literature, a distinguished educationist in Asia and a former Indian Cabinet Minister is quoted as saying "In the political arena Mohan Mia is a practical student of reality and his methods is scientific and experimental. Like Pandit Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar, he made large donation for public charity and his left hand never knew what his right hand spent.
There has been a wide spread misgiving that Mohan Mia was the villain in the tragic episode that was enacted in the erstwhile East Pakistan Provincial Assembly in 1958 that cost the life of late lamented Speaker Shahed Ali. To speak the truth, it was not-Mohan Mia but Rasaraj Mandal who caused grievous injury to Shahed Ali by hurling paper weight at his forehead and he succumbed to the injury after being admitted into the hospital. I am sure that contemporary legislator at that period would endorse it.
In the year 1956 the constituent Assembly of Pakistan was formed comprising eighty members with forty seats each from the two wings. Yusuf Ali Chowdhury was also inducted as a member termed MNA in the then Assembly. And with his personal initiative he helped make Hamidul Huq Chowdhury and Justice Sattar later President of Bangladesh as members of the Assembly.
When the first sitting of the Assembly was held at Murree in West Pakistan, there was a long stalemate and impasse relating to the formation of a central government since none of the political parties got a determining majority to form a ministry. The situation was deeply plunging the country into uncertainly widening the sense of scepticism for further impasse to there on.
At this hour of great national crisis when the situation assumed the reality of a positive danger and a threat to the country' s sovereignty, there appeared a saviour and not the least a silver-lining was discernible in the dark cloud. Yusuf Ali Chowdhury with his relentless efforts, grit and manoeuvring formed an alliance in between KSP (Krishak Sramik Party) in the erstwhile East Pakistan and the Muslim League which then had majority seats in West Pakistan, leading to the formation of a central government headed by Chowdhury Mohammad Ali ( former bureaucrat) as Prime Minister with Sher-e-Bangla as the Interior Minister. He was then a proud peacock amongst the gathering of noble feathered friends.
It is deemed imperative to re-call that Yusuf Ali Chowdhury played a leading role in the framing of first constituent Assembly of Pakistan historically called 1956 constitution. Mohan Mia's role in promoting and safe-guarding the rights and privilege of the then East Pakistan was laudable and not the least historic which is still acknowledged and acclaimed by the contemporary politicians and conscientious intelligentsia.
By shattering the expectations of all and sundry in East Pakistan and defying the ardent request of governor general and the incumbent Prime Minister, Yusuf Ali Chowdhury alias Mohan Mia did not join the government as a central minister since his conviction and commitment was to influence, motivate and guide the course of political events. In fact, he had his mind the ideal like Mahatma Gandhi and Jai Prakash Narayan of India who would cite noble action without being inducted and polluted into power.
If I have some elementary knowledge in palmistry and my memory is not that short, I remember, his fate line is seen connecting the Mount of Moon with Jupitor. It is a mark of great personal magnetism which makes one a public in favourite and he takes up public career with extra- ordinary brilliance and prominence. The line of Head is marked with a trident which shows and unusual degree of intelligence and mental power. Such a mark has been found on the hands of distinguished men in the world endowed with wonderful administrative talents and organising capacity of extra-ordinary high order. Further the sign of flag in his hand interprets a great man indicating virtues of renunciation and purity and strength of character.
In work he had force of application , tenacity of purpose and strength of conviction. He always refused to be deterred by the complexity of problem insisting that if will was! there, any thing could be achieved. Whoever came in touch with him must admit that he worked throughout his life for the country and the society. During Pakistan movement the provincial Muslim League President, Maulana Akram Khan was quoted as saying "If there were 28 Mohan Mias in 28 districts, we would have reached our goal much before." The saying is quite thought-evoking.
Late Yusuf Ali Chowdhury (Mohan Mia), widely known as the "King-maker" was indeed great soul. He always placed national interest at the forefront. He was a real darling to all and sundry.
Although India was partitioned on the basis of two-nation theory in order to uphold the culture and civilisation history and tradition of the down-trodden section of the people, the successive governments of Pakistan ultimately drifted away from these lofty ideals. With this end in view, he published the daily Millat from Dhaka which always played a leading role in Muslim renaissance.
Now is surely the opportune moment to highlight the qualities of head and heart of this lion-hearted statesman to the present generation when the society and the country at large is faced with anarchy, terrorism, hypocrisy and lack of sense of direction. Otherwise, the ungrateful nation will have to pay very dearly. We can only hope that the Memorial Committee will leave no stone unturned to focus his qualities of leadership which is so essential in the present day context. Even the great Sher-e-Bangla A. K. Fazlul Huq and Khaza Nazimuddin, the first Chief Minister in the then East Pakistan and subsequently governor general of Pakistan depended on him heavily. It so happened that his heart was bigger than his head. Undoubtedly he was very soft and kind-hearted. Above all, he was humanist of the highest order. His selfless milk of human kindness unreservedly flowed to all the needy who had come across.
The present government advised the banking sector to put more emphasis on financing agro-economy projects like poultry, dairy firm, fisheries and other small and small-sized income generating projects for generating economic activities and employment opportunities in the semi-urban and the vast rural areas. It is incredulous that Mohan Mia with his visionary outlook conceived and implemented this realism fifty years ago.
Born in a rich and aristocratic family, the well being of the poor always occupied a major part of his thoughts. The details of his long chequered political career need to be compiled for the posterity. He was so moved by the suffering of the poor that he could not rest until he redressed their grievances. He founded the "Student Home" a hostel for the poor but meritorious students of Faridpur Rajendra College. He sunk many tube-wells and established many medicare centres. To impart religious teaching, he founded "Moijuddin Madrassah" of high school standard. He also established "Halima Girls School" after the name of his mother for the education of the girls.
The goal of his life was to serve humanity at large which he cherished till he breathed his last. We have many things to learn from the life of this great man.
When the great communal riot started at Calcutta in 1946 and further spread over to Bihar, Noakhali and almost all the districts of Bengal and in a sense gripped the whole nation Mohan Mia with his grit, determination and unbound command and sagacity did not allow this ominous frenzy to take place in Faridpur district. In early 1964 when communal frenzy started at Dhaka as a sequel to Muslim massacre at Calcutta he did a great job along with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Ataur Rahman Khan, Shah Azizur Rahman and others to put an end to this heinous and barbarous act of human demeanour. He even sheltered hundreds of Hindu families at his Mahuttuli residence, Armanitola.
He set up a branch of Anjuman-e-Mafidul Islam which did a pioneering job for the burial and cremation of Muslims and Hindus alike. To say the least, Mohan Mia ranks most distinguished amongst the great men who did not bow down his head in the face of any resistance, intimidation and position. Hence, it is not to bewail at his denies from this transitory earth world.
To evaluate it realistically, death itself is insignificant since it is deemed as an invariable process when none as the law of nature can escape from its icy hand.
Mausoleum? whose mausoleum will be erected and in which place? Mohan Mia's Mausoleum will forever stand out with the brilliance of a sunshine in the eternal evaluation of time. In fact, every house in Bangladesh and not notably in Faridpur is his mausoleum and his sacred memory will remain always enshrined in the heart of every Bengalee.
Mohan Mia, whom I used to call "Mejochasa" is no more today.
My heart bleeds for him. Every thing with which I have been so far and so long identified myself seems to be defeated being swept a side in a deluge of events. Open during these days I find myself wondering over and over again the contrast of good and evil, the phenomenal human frailty and vulnerability to torture, infliction and pain and that every man has his breaking point. Notwithstanding the proverbial truth that time is a great healer, I, in my anguish and loneliness find the days ahead and terrible to bear and the night more nightmarish.
The author is a former senior executive of a bank