Islam, Mustafa Nur-Ul
Islam, Mustafa Nur-Ul (1927-2018) Language Movement activist, eminent educationist and National Professor. He was born at the village Chingashpur adjacent to Mahasthangarh of Bogra district on 1 May 1927. His father’s name is Sadat Ali Akhanda and mother’s is Rabeya Khatun. His father was a noted writer. At the age of five, he took his first lesson at the hands of Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Nur-Ul Islam had his graduation from Calcutta University, post-graduation from Dhaka University and PhD degree from London University. While he was doing PhD in London University in 1971, he played a role in moulding public opinion in support of the Liberation War of Bangladesh. From his childhood he was associated with literary and cultural activities, was involved in left student politics and an active participant in the Language Movement. All these events left lasting impact on his thoughts and activities. His life was full of diversity.
Mustafa Nur-Ul Islam started his professional life with journalism in 1951. He was associated with the Daily Sangbad from its first issue as Assistant Editor. He also worked in the Daily Millat. He taught at Saint Gregory’s College, Pabna Edward College and Jahangirnagar University. He served as founder Director General of Shilpakala Academy, Director General of Bangla Academy and President of National Museum. He was in the University of Karachi for some time as a teacher. The Department of Bengali was introduced by him at the University of Karachi.
His books stand at nearly fifty which cover areas ranging from essays, memoirs, translation to edited volumes. Among his works, ‘Shamakale Nazrul Islam’, ‘Shamaik Patre Jiban o Janamat’, ‘Amar Bangla’, and ‘Bangalir Atta Parichai’ deserve special mention. He was associated with three important magazines such as ‘Purbamegh’, ‘Agatta’, ‘Shundaram’ as editor. During the riot in 1950, one of his groundbreaking publications was ‘Dangar Pachti Galpa’ jointly edited with Alauddin Al Azad. Besides teaching and research, he added a special dimension to his career by his TV anchoring. He conducted several programs namely ‘Muktadhara’, ‘Kothamala’, ‘Bangalir Bangla’ covering themes on the country, culture, tradition and literature. He was very popular for his TV anchoring. He anchored the program titled ‘Muktadhara’ for 15 years at a stretch. He received the ‘Ekushey Padak’ in 1981. He was conferred ‘Independence Day’ award in 2010. He was appointed National Professor in 2011.
Mustafa Nur-Ul Islam died on 9 May 2018. He is the father of two sons and two daughters. [Sabbir Ahmed]
