74th foundation day of Asiatic Society of Bangladesh celebrated

 
City Desk :

The Bangladesh Asiatic Society celebrated its 74th founding day with a special lecture session at its premises on Friday.

The eminent scholars, researchers, and academics were present in the programme. The event kicked off with the national anthem, followed by the hoisting of the national flag and the society’s flag.

Pigeons and balloons were released to formally inaugurate the programme.

At 10:20 am, the main proceedings began in the society’s auditorium. The session opened with tributes to departed members, including former President Professor Mahfuza Khanam, Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and Osman Hadi. A minute of silence was observed paying tribute to their memory, says a press release.

General Secretary Professor Dr Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman Khan welcomed the guests, highlighting the society’s research initiatives, new projects, and its contributions to education.

The keynote address, titled “Poverty in Bengal as Depicted in the Dufferin Report (1888),” was delivered by renowned economist and former professor of development studies at Dhaka University, Dr Mahbub Ullah.
He presented a historical analysis of Bengal’s economic context in the late 19th century, the depth of rural poverty, and insights from contemporary administrative reports.

Society Vice-President Professor Dr Shajahan Miah chaired the event. In his remarks, he traced the society’s journey since its establishment in 1952, crediting the tireless dedication of its members, past and present for transforming it into Bangladesh’s leading research institution.

He expressed deep gratitude to all contributors.

The programme was attended by prominent writers, educators, researchers, society fellows, council members, and a large number of members. It concluded with the presentation of a commemorative volume to the guest speaker from the society, followed by a vote of thanks from the general secretary.