THE PASSING OF AN ESTEEMED SCHOLAR

Professor Salahuddin Ahmed

A celebrated scholar, humanist and a man of principles, is how many people would remember Professor Salahuddin Ahmed. I myself had the privilege of knowing him over 40 years as a friend and colleague of my father-in-law, Dr A R Mallick. Thus the news of his demise on October 19, came as a deep shock. More so, as I had only spoken to him a few days earlier regarding an article he wanted to publish. He was an ardent classical music fan, which is where our worlds overlapped. Defying his 92-years, he sounded enthusiastic when I invited him to join us at the upcoming Bengal Classical Music Festival.

Salahuddin chacha, as we would fondly call him and his graceful wife, Hamida Banu both belonged to a scholarly family. Married for over 60 years until chachi's demise a few years ago, they shared so many common interests in travelling, reading and socializing, it never failed to amaze me.

Hamida chachi, was one of the earliest Muslim graduates (I.A. and B.A.) from Bethune College Calcutta. She completed her Masters from Calcutta University, followed by a second B.A. (Hons.) from University College London. She retired as Principal of Home Economics College, Dhaka.

Prof Salahuddin was also passionate about an academic career. He completed his B.A. (Hons.) in History from Presidency College and M.A. in History from Calcutta University, followed by a second Masters at University of Pennsylvania, and his Ph.D. in History from the University of London (1961).

Paying their last respects to a mentor and scholar.

During his doctoral studies at a meeting with his supervisor and noted academic Sir C H Philips, Professor Salahuddin had noticed a thesis by Dr A R Mallick on his table. He was curious to meet the fellow Bangladeshi scholar and Professor Philips made the introductions. Although my father-in-law, Dr. Mallick, was senior to Prof Salahuddin, their friendship flourished from then on. It deepened at Rajshahi University where they worked during their early career.

Like minded people such as Prof Salauddin along with Dr FH Chowdhury, (former VC , Dhaka University), Prof Mosharraf Hossain, Dr Abu Imam, Dr Shamsul Islam, Dr Razia Khan, banker Anwarul Amin, Shamsur Rahman, DC Rajshahi would all assemble at the house of Dr Mallick and exchange ideas pertaining to the national interest, thus engaging in intellectual debate.

It was apt therefore, that four decades later it was Salahuddin chacha who took on the task of documenting and recording the oral history of my father-in law's life and career. Along with Professor Anisuzzaman they would spend hours speaking to my father-in law in his library which culminated in the publication of a prized historical book on our Liberation War titled, “Amar Jeebon Kotha O Bangladesher Mukti Sangram.”

But their association was not all work. Both chacha and chachi would frequently visit us. Chachi was highly appreciative of my mother-in-law's Mrs. RN Mallick's superb culinary delicacies while my father-in-law and chacha could talk for hours on years past, on Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy's treatments or have lively political debates. Chacha and chachi were enthusiastic travellers and would often come with stories of their trips to India or Nepal, bring souvenirs they had picked up for us from a far corner of the world. Their friendship even survived my father-in-law's demise in 1997; our families continued to be very involved in each other's lives.

Professor Salahuddin knew of my musical background and presented me several priceless thumri cassettes of Vidushi Girija Devi, Hira Devi Mishra, Shobha Gurtu  and more. They would call to express their appreciation of my Kirton or any Nazrul song that appealed to them. We enjoyed listening to chachi's experience in the music world in the early 40's. Her brother, eminent composer Abdul Ahad was also a strong influence.

Their house was a mirror image of their life. Stacked bookshelves and memorabilia spoke of well travelled and learned residents. There was always an exotic flavoured tea brewing whenever we visited.

In his career Salahuddin chacha had also reached far horizons. He was lecturer, reader, and then professor of History at Rajshahi University. He was the National Professor and Professor of History at Jahangir Nagar University and Dhaka University, from where he retired in 1984. The American Historical Association invited him as a Visiting Lecturer in South Asian History at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago in 1963. He was Chairman of the United Nations Association of Bangladesh and had participated in many international conferences and seminars.

Only very recently he had readily consented to be on the editorial board of the book, "Dr AR Mallick: Sharak Grantha", published by Bangla Academy. Noted Professor Anisuzzaman and Professor Shibly are also on the editorial panel.

Prof. Salahuddin, as the chief editor, suggested the name of noted historian Major Harrison from London to write on Dr A R Mallick. He insisted that Harrison in his late 90s would be an authentic source on Dr Mallick. When contacted over phone, Harrison was only too pleased to write on his student, and as his first guide and teacher in the year 1952, besides Sir CH Philips of the University of London.

The gentle demeanor and deep intellect left an indelible mark on everyone who knew Prof Salahuddin. His presence will be missed not only by his many friends and admirers but also by a country he had served his whole life.

The writer is Editor, Arts and Entertainment, The Daily Star.