The New Nation - Internet Edition

Abdus Sattar

The contribution of Principal Ebrahim Khan's legendary and epoch-making works in the fields of education, literature, social. work and philanthropy is unthinkable, unconceivable. He will ever be remembered like a dazzling star in the horizon of mundane illiterate and backward society and miseries of the hapless. He never thought of his own pleasures and comfort but most the time he used to ponder over the fates of the have-nots in the grass-root's level and he refused lucrative government offers to serve in the missions abroad least that debar him from working for the illiterate and poor rural folks especially the Muslims who were all the more subjugated by the colonial rulers and their puppets.

He was also interested in politics though he did not dither the onerous path of honesty and patriotism unlike those of the present-day hullaballo for which the present government have been working with a renaissance zest with reforms packages to correct the malady. He was so honest that he had given up the legal profession least that compels him in committing corrupt means unawares.

But as ill luck would have it the Principal-the-nomenture which has become a part of his name not merely a professional title as he is known all over the globe as the Principal Ebrahim Khan and he has no partner, competitor in this realm. He was real Principal with principles in auguring not only literature but also humanity.

Principal Ebrahim Khan valued the proper use of time in working for the hapless millions, sending money orders to students, teachers, writers alike regularly, never made any distinction between the rich and down trodden who prayed to him from the purest vintage of his heart.

His lone life-long disciple Farhad Khan bears testimony along with the contributions of about 100 books of quality, worth.

His illustrious daughter; Khaleda Habib, former MP, Parliamentary Secretary and Educationist has been auguring the reminiscence strides through heading Principal Ebrahim Khan Foundation that regularly offers seminars discussion sessions, feeding the destitutes and holding of milad mahfils for the salvation the great soul. The Foundation also offers stipends to the poor and meritorious students of school, colleges and madrasahs.

He is known as the great founder Principal of the Govt. Saadat University College, Karatia, Tangail known as the Aligarh of the East. Students from the far-flung areas of Bangladesh got the scope for acquiring knowledge-degree that has ultimately enlightened the region.

He worked with a missionary zest to arrange lodging for most of them. This write up commemorates his 30th death anniversary he breathed his last on 29th March 1978 A.D. He was buried in the field of Bhuapur College which he founded as the result his orchestrated efforts for the rejuvenation of the illiterate millions for the sophisticated livening. He reared the secular and progressive view. He treated all similarly irrespective of colour, creed and race or caste.

No superstition could dither him from his modern concept as all welcomed him, enthralled him and also prayed for him. He laid more importance on the service of humanity than the ritualistic festivals of religion.

This secular and pragmatic view of the late Principal created a lasting influence upon the life and thought of the people of the region, a good number of people are regularly playing their active part in art and literacy work.

No hooliganism and extortion could spread their cruel paws in this enlightened area of the continent.

At the present melancholy state of affairs needing reforms or renaissance the presence of the value-oriented roles, schemes and literary works of the great Principal are badly needed. Myself a Principal by profession establishing three colleges feel proud to recognise me as the merited student of Saadat College, founded by him and linking my name with the great soul, while most of the self sacrificing followers are on the verge of passing away. In this present juncture, recultivation and adoption of the philosophy propounded by the great Principal Ebrahim Khan have no alternative and the light at the end of the tunnel as shown by towering personality is the need of the hour.

We should uphold the glorious and unparalleled dedicated sacrifices he made by his untiring and adventurous deeds in the multifarious fields of education art and culture, social, political and religious reforms throughout his life span. There is hardly any corner of social arena which has not been illuminated by his loving, magical and dutiful touch. It is for this he has been shinning as the dazzling star in the dark sky. The journey for the alleviation of illiteracy, poverty was perilous in the then educationally backward region of the country.

The great Principal Ebrahim Khan was adorned with the coveted Ekushey Padak and the Bangla Acadamy Prize for his matchless contributions in education and social work. But this is a travesty of history that he was not inducted in the cabinet though he deserved.

The colonial legacy misconstrued his selfless services and dedication: but the illumination set forth by his work and values will continue to pray heavily for the salvation of his soul and happiness in the vast world herein after.