Dr. Dewan Azad Rahman: During British rule, when the Muslims of this subcontinent had fallen far behind in all aspects, at that very time a great man like Nawab Sir Salimullah emerged. He was born on 7 June 1871 into the most influential and wealthy Muslim zamindar family of undivided Bengal. Following family tradition, he received modern education under British, German, and European-trained tutors. In his professional life, he served as a Deputy Magistrate. After the death of his father, Nawab Ahsan Ullah, on 16 December 1901, he inherited the title of Nawab.

At that time, Muslims were reluctant to accept English education under British rule. As a result, the Muslim community was gradually becoming backward. Understanding this situation, Nawab Sir Salimullah emphasized the importance of Western-style education for Muslims and gave special importance to the management of Pathshala and Maktab education. Addressing the opposition to English education, he said, “No education is anti-religious. If English education causes any harm to religion, then the method of education itself is responsible. Therefore, the education system must be Islamized.”
Nawab Sir Salimullah and his associates played an important role in spreading education among Muslims through the establishment of the Muhammadan Educational Conference in the eastern and north-eastern regions. Due to the initiatives of this organization, many Muslim hostels were established across the country. Scholarships increased, curricula were reformed, and many new types of madrasas were established where modern education was introduced. Alongside madrasa reforms, Nawab Sir Salimullah’s efforts to ensure religious education for Muslim students at university and higher education levels led to the creation of educated Islamic-minded citizens at Dhaka University.
Nawab Sir Salimullah was also a pioneer of women’s education in this country. He played a key role in the establishment of Dhaka University. Nawab Sir Salimullah was the architect of modern Dhaka. After ascending to the Nawab title, he followed in the footsteps of his illustrious father.

Educational institutions began to be established one after another. As a result, a new horizon opened in the field of education in this region. Today’s Curzon Hall, Dhaka Medical College building, Old High Court building, and Bangla Academy building bear witness to the success of the Partition of Bengal. Muslims gained special opportunities in higher education; educated Muslim youths gradually obtained opportunities in government service, and on the other hand, Muslims made remarkable progress in trade and commerce.
To preserve the achievements of the Partition of Bengal, Nawab Sir Salimullah realized the necessity of establishing a strong Muslim political organization. Accordingly, on 30 December 1906, the All-India Muslim League was founded. With the aim of reorganizing the provincial Muslim League, a conference was held in Dhaka in 1911 under the presidency of Nawab Sir Salimullah. At that conference, Nawab Ali Chowdhury of Dhanbari was elected Secretary-General. Under their leadership, the Muslim League emerged as a powerful force with many prominent leaders. One of the key driving forces behind this success was Nawab Sir Salimullah himself.
Due to strong opposition from Assam, the British government announced the annulment of the Partition of Bengal on 12 December 1911. In this decision, Nawab Sir Salimullah was the most aggrieved, because he had been the greatest supporter and advocate of the partition. Had Eastern Bengal and Assam remained united, today’s Bangladesh would have emerged as a powerful independent state on the world stage. Even though the Partition of Bengal was annulled, Salimullah’s efforts were not in vain.
Through his efforts, a sense of nationalism and unity was created within the Muslim community, which accelerated the struggle for Muslim independence. As a result of the endeavors of the Indian Muslim leadership, Pakistan gained independence in 1947, and later, through the independence of East Pakistan, the sovereign state of Bangladesh was established. The independence of this country did not come in a single day; behind it lies a vast history.
Among the great architects of that history, Nawab Sir Salimullah played a significant role in the establishment of independent Bangladesh. Due to his contributions, the foundation of the independence movement was laid, and the seeds of freedom were sown in the hearts of the people of this subcontinent. That great leader was Nawab Sir Salimullah. He is the architect of independent and sovereign Bangladesh. He built awareness among the deprived and neglected Muslims of this subcontinent regarding their freedom and rights.
Educational institutions began to be established one after another. As a result, a new horizon opened in the field of education in this region. Today’s Curzon Hall, Dhaka Medical College building, Old High Court building, and Bangla Academy building bear witness to the success of the Partition of Bengal. Muslims gained special opportunities in higher education; educated Muslim youths gradually obtained opportunities in government service, and on the other hand, Muslims made remarkable progress in trade and commerce.
To preserve the achievements of the Partition of Bengal, Nawab Sir Salimullah realized the necessity of establishing a strong Muslim political organization. Accordingly, on 30 December 1906, the All-India Muslim League was founded. With the aim of reorganizing the provincial Muslim League, a conference was held in Dhaka in 1911 under the presidency of Nawab Sir Salimullah. At that conference, Nawab Ali Chowdhury of Dhanbari was elected Secretary-General. Under their leadership, the Muslim League emerged as a powerful force with many prominent leaders. One of the key driving forces behind this success was Nawab Sir Salimullah himself.
Due to strong opposition from Assam, the British government announced the annulment of the Partition of Bengal on 12 December 1911. In this decision, Nawab Sir Salimullah was the most aggrieved, because he had been the greatest supporter and advocate of the partition. Had Eastern Bengal and Assam remained united, today’s Bangladesh would have emerged as a powerful independent state on the world stage. Even though the Partition of Bengal was annulled, Salimullah’s efforts were not in vain.
Through his efforts, a sense of nationalism and unity was created within the Muslim community, which accelerated the struggle for Muslim independence. As a result of the endeavors of the Indian Muslim leadership, Pakistan gained independence in 1947, and later, through the independence of East Pakistan, the sovereign state of Bangladesh was established. The independence of this country did not come in a single day; behind it lies a vast history.
Among the great architects of that history, Nawab Sir Salimullah played a significant role in the establishment of independent Bangladesh. Due to his contributions, the foundation of the independence movement was laid, and the seeds of freedom were sown in the hearts of the people of this subcontinent. That great leader was Nawab Sir Salimullah. He is the architect of independent and sovereign Bangladesh. He built awareness among the deprived and neglected Muslims of this subcontinent regarding their freedom and rights.

He inspired the people of this region to stand with self-respect. Through his efforts, widespread awareness was created among the common people, and a movement was built against British rule. As a result of that movement, the Muslim community gradually became active in politics and began to demand their rights.
​Due to the lack of desired independence and dignity for the people of East Pakistan following the establishment of Pakistan, people participated in the independence movement once again. Consequently, the independence of Bangladesh was achieved through a long struggle. Since the establishment of the University of Dhaka, widespread awareness grew among the people of this country. They became inspired to claim their rights. Students and teachers have contributed significantly to every step of our language movement and independence. It is worth noting that Nawab Sir Salimullah was the mastermind behind the establishment of the University of Dhaka, which served as the cornerstone of the independence movement.
​Nawab Sir Salimullah`s lifespan was not very long. He passed away on January 16 at the age of only 44. However, his work was immense. Nawab Sir Salimullah will remain eternal in our hearts across the ages—this is our hope.

Writer: Essayist and researcher
E-mail: azad2069@gmail.com

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