PABNA, May 22: Names of four residential halls of Pabna Government Edward College have been renamed by removing names of heroine Suchitra Sen and members of Sheikh Hasina's family.
College's Principal Professor Md Abdul Awal Mia unveiled the new nameplates on Tuesday.
The halls are: Sheikh Russell Hostel, named Bijoy 24 Hostel, Begum Fazilatunnesa Hostel, and Ayesha Siddika (R.A.) Hostel, and Suchitra Sen Hostel, renamed 'July 36' Hostel.
College's Vice-Principal Professor Moha. Abdul Khalek, Secretary of Teachers' Council Professor Lutfar Rahman, Joint Secretary Rafiqul Islam, heads of various departments, hall supers, assistant supers, and student organization representatives were present at the opening function of the renamed halls.
Coordinator was Professor Md. Abdullah Al Mamun, Convener of the nameplate creation and inauguration committee.
When asked, Principal Professor Md Abdul Awal Mia said, 'In the context of the post-July Revolution, given the demands of the students and with the approval of the Academic Council, the names of the halls have been changed.'
Inspired by the spirit of the July Revolution, he called for dedication to honesty, patriotism and increasing efficiency.
Journalists, cultural activists, civil society representatives, and her fans of Pabna District have expressed their condemnation and anger over the change in the name of Suchitra Sen Student Dormitory. Many have also protested on the social media platform Facebook.
Former president of Pabna Drama Circle and American expatriate cultural organization, Gopal Sanyal, wrote on his Facebook page, 'I strongly condemn and protest the change in the name of "Suchitra Sen Student Dormitory" of Pabna Edward College. We believe that the culture-loving people of Pabna will reject this decision.'
Legendary actress Suchitra Sen's ancestral home is in Pabna. Suchitra Sen's fans have expressed their anger over the name change of the dormitory. Many have also protested on the social media platform Facebook.
Naresh Madhu, General Secretary of Suchitra Sen Memorial Preservation Council, said, 'Suchitra Sen is not a political figure. She did not take any political advantage. She is a person of our passion, feelings, and love. Deleting her name is in no way acceptable. We strongly condemn and protest it. At the same time, we demand the restoration of the dormitory's name.'
Gopal Sanyal, former president of Pabna Drama Circle and an American expatriate cultural organization, wrote on his Facebook page, 'I strongly condemn and protest against the change of name of "Suchitra Sen Dormitory" of Pabna Edward College. We believe that the culture-loving people of Pabna will reject this decision.'
Zakir Hossain, President of the Suchitra Sen Film Society and Cultural Organizer, said, 'Suchitra Sen is the legendary heroine of Bengali cinema. Even now, Bengali women imitate and follow her. She has many fans and admirers worldwide. There is nothing political thinking about her. I strongly condemn the change of her name.'
