The New Nation - Internet Edition

M Nurul Haque

There are a few literary persons who think literature as weapon of life struggle. They are by born revolutionist.Their literary works is not for joy and well being, rather its main purpose is for implementation of their revolutionary consciousness .. Such a litterateur was Ismail Hossain Siraji. He faced two problems in his acting life. One was achievement of India's independence, another was prosperity of Muslim nation who was in much backward position. He combined these two problems and came forward in struggle for solution. Another problem perturbed him. That was unity of Muslim community.

Syed Ismail Hossain Siraji was born on I-5th July 1880 in Sirajganj. Since he was born in Sirajganj the word 'Siraji' was added with his name. He was born in a poor family; so he did not get the chance of higher education. He acquired much knowledge at his own endeavour which we realise reading his books. His first book of poem 'Anal 'Probaha' was published in 1900 AD. He was admitted in Pathshala in 1886 at his grand mother's house. Later on he was admitted in Minor school and had started to write , poems.

When he was a student of class seven in Bonuarilal High school he read the life of Jamaluddin Afgani. He realised that perfect knowledge cannot be acquired only from books and school. He took determination to go to Turkey. His another book of poem 'Udbodhan' was published in 1907. In 1908 his 'Anal Probah was modified, enlarged and published again. He felt the deplorable condition of the Muslim in outburst of emotion and expressed grudge against the English ruler. Bengal Govt. had proscribed that book. When Siraji was engaged in preaching works in North Bengal, warrant was issued against him for anti-govt' activities. He surrendered to Calcutta Court. He was convicted for two years, RI. for anti-state activities.

He could not appeal to High Court for want of money. He was released from jail on 14th May 1912 undergoing two years term. He had written a book 'Kara Kahini' (jail story) which was published serially in monthly paper 'Sadhana' but was not published as book.

In 1912 Russia attacked Turkey. Red Crescent Society was organised and decision was taken to send Medical Mission to Turkey to help them in such disaster. As representative of that mission from Bengal Ismail Hossain Siraji had started from Sirajganj to go there. He availed of ship from Bombay and reached Constantinople, the capital of Turkey On 31st December 1912 via Alexandria. He extended his best cooperation to Turkish people in different ways and achieved such fame that Sultan of Turkey was pleased to adorn him in title of' 'Gazi.' and a valuable 'Khilat' was awarded to him. While he received the 'Khilat' from Royal Court he expressed his gratitude through a short speech in Turkish language. Royal staff were highly pleased to hear it and embraced him. He came back to homeland on 15th July 1913 and had published two books named 'Turaska Bhraman' ( Turkey Travel) and 'Turki Nari Jiban' (Life of Turkish women). His renowned book 'Spen Bijay' was published in 1914. Poet Abdul Kader said that the book is similar to Meghnadbadh Kabya. He had written some other books for emancipation of the Muslim-both man and woman. He had written three novels of which "Roy Nandini" is the best.

Ismail Hossain was a Muslim in heart and soul. He took it as vow to stir up the slept Muslim Community and to educate that neglected group. He performed that austerly endeavour in speech and pen throughout his life.

One day he said to poet Jasim Uddin t. ' Jasim, you are a poet. I knew that poets can realise and see far distant furure of the country. Can you say, will my austere endeavour be successful on any day? I do not want honour or resources. I want that the sleeping nation should awake and flourish.

Let them shout in roar of lion. I want such a Muslim society, independent fresh Muslim nation who will never be less in education, literature, bravery and self-sacrifice than others. They will stand against all falsehood and blind superstition. They will not confine the womankind within boundary of four walls and retard their progress. Tell me Jasim, . will I be able to see it ?

We feel pain to think that desire of Siraji now has come to reality which he could not see in his life. He spent his life in struggle for progress of nation. The extra ordinary orator, guide of national liberation, pioneer of Muslim Nationality, undaunted organiser and strong writer Syed Ismail Hossain Siraji died on 17ili July 1931 at the age of 51 years.

After his death his son Asaduddoulah talked with poet Jasim Uddin. In tearful eyes Asaduddoulah said .. "When daddy died, we had not a single taka in our house. We borrowed money from Mahajan against ornament and met funeral expenses." In a painful heart poet Jasim Uddin said 'My chest was being burst in crying of Asad. Was there not any rich Muslim in Sirajganj town who could come forward to help Asad financially? Could they not help Janab Siraji for his treatment, food and sick-diet to mitigate his sufferings during the last days of his life?'

Ismail Hossain Siraji is no more with us, but he is alive in his ideology and activities. We remember him with deep respect.

The writer is a Retired A G M Janata Bank and Life Member, Bangla Academy.