Khan, Khan Bahadur Abdur Rahman1

Khan, Khan Bahadur Abdur Rahman1 (1878-1939) educationist. He was born on 22 Kartik 1285 BS (1878 AD) at his maternal uncle's house at village Dumur in Sirajganj district. His father was Ebarat Ali Khan and mother Rahimunessa. The paternal home of Abdur Rahman Khan was at village Mugbelai in Sirajganj district.

Abdur Rahman Khan passed Entrance Examination from Natore Maharaja Jagadindranath High School in 1897 and achieved the Haji Muhammad Mohsin scholarship. He passed FA Examination in 1899 and obtained his graduation in 1902 from Rajshahi College. Though Abdur Rahman Khan attained famous 'Gilchrest' scholarship, his educational career stopped at the death of his grandfather.

Abdur Rahman Khan joined Rajshahi Collegiate School as an assistant teacher in 1902. In 1907 he joined as Deputy Inspector in the department of Provincial Education and was posted in Bakerganj. In 1932 he was promoted to the post of District Inspector of Schools, and later as Divisional Inspector of Schools. As Divisional Inspector of Schools he was in charge of Rajshahi and Chittagong division. He retired from his service in 1934. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the field of educational administration, the British Government conferred upon him the title of 'Khan Bahadur' in 1932.

Abdur Rahman Khan was associated with a number of social organisations. He established Mugbelai Lutfia High School at his own village Mugbelai. He was connected with venture for establishing educational institutions in different parts of Rajshahi, Pabna, and Chittagong districts. He was the commissioner of Rajshahi Municipality and the president of Rajshahi Rinshalishi Board. Abdur Rahman Khan died on 18 July 1939 in Rajshahi. [Saifuddin Chowdhury]