Baker hostel in Kolkata: The place where 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman envisioned Bangladesh
Times of India | 7 August 2024
NEW DELHI: In the midst of chaos in Bangladesh, which saw the downfall of Sheikh Hasina's government, statues of the country's founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, were destroyed and a museum dedicated to him was set ablaze.
However, just across the border in Kolkata, West Bengal, a 114-year-old hostel quietly preserves the memory of his deep connection with India.
According to TOI archive story, Baker Hostel, at Maulana Azad College (formerly Islamia College), holds a special place in history as the room where Sheikh Mujibur Rahman once stayed from 1945 to 1946.
It was here that he was elected general secretary of the college union, and a year later, he played a key role in protecting Muslims during the communal riots in Kolkata.
His journey at Islamia College began in 1942 when he enrolled for his intermediate studies, later pursuing a BA degree.
Room number 24 became his base, where he started laying the groundwork for what would eventually lead to Bangladesh's independence.
Mujib's leadership in the independence movement earned him the title "Bangabandhu" (Friend of Bengal) and he became a revered figure worldwide.
Responding to a request from the Bangladesh government, the West Bengal government converted rooms 23 and 24 into a museum in 1998.
Visitors can explore the space and pay their respects to Mujib. The room was refurbished and a small library with books on Mujib was set up, though hostel residents have expressed frustration over limited access to these resources.
While Mujib's connection with Kolkata faded during the 50's and 60's, as he became deeply involved in the struggle for justice for the people of East Pakistan, his bond with the city remained significant.
He didn't return to Kolkata between 1947 and 1972 but after his victory in the 1970 elections, he reached out to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, seeking a safe haven in Kolkata if the Pakistani government blocked his political activities.
He finally returned to Kolkata in 1972 for a historic victory celebration rally at the Maidan months after Bangladesh was born.