Asiatic Society of Bangladesh: A Legacy of Scholarship and Research
The Asiatic Society of Bangladesh stands as a cornerstone of intellectual pursuit and historical preservation in Dhaka. Its roots are deeply intertwined with the global tradition of Oriental studies, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the region's rich cultural and scientific heritage.
Origins and Foundation
The society's lineage traces back to The Asiatic Society, an institution founded by Sir William Jones in 1784. Following the Partition of India, several scholars from the original society relocated to Dhaka, the capital of East Bengal. This migration created a fertile ground for academic growth in the region.
The vision for a local chapter was championed by Ahmad Hasan Dani, a professor of history at the University of Dhaka. His proposal to establish a dedicated Asiatic Society in Dhaka received widespread support from the local scholarly community, leading to the formal creation of the institution.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Establishment and Governance
On January 3, 1952, the Asiatic Society of Pakistan (now the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh) was officially established. The founding group consisted of a distinguished assembly of intellectuals, including Ahmad Hasan Dani, Abu Mohammed Habibullah, Abdul Halim, Abdul Hamid, Itrat Husain Zuberi, J. S. Turner, Khan Bahadur Abdur Rahman Khan, Muhammad Shahidullah, Sayed Moazzem Hossain, Serajul Huq, Sheikh Sharafuddin, Syed Muhammed Taifoor, and W. H. A. Sadani.
Modeled after the prestigious Asiatic Society in Kolkata, the organization is governed by a 17-member executive committee. To ensure fresh leadership and perspective, the members of this committee serve two-year terms.
Contributions to Knowledge and Academic Integrity
The society continues to play a vital role in disseminating knowledge. In September 2013, it expanded its educational reach by publishing a junior version of Banglapedia, the national encyclopedia of Bangladesh, making complex information accessible to a younger audience.
Beyond publication, the society maintains strict standards of academic integrity—the ethical policy of ensuring honesty and originality in scholarly work. In November 2020, the society demonstrated its commitment to these standards by cancelling the grants of two professors from the University of Dhaka after evidence of plagiarism was discovered in their research.
Key Facts
- Founded: January 3, 1952.
- Inspiration: Modeled after The Asiatic Society founded by Sir William Jones in 1784.
- Key Proponent: Ahmad Hasan Dani, University of Dhaka history professor.
- Governance: Managed by a 17-member executive committee with two-year terms.
- Notable Publication: Junior version of Banglapedia (2013).
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | January 3, 1952 |
| Original Name | Asiatic Society of Pakistan |
| Headquarters | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Governance Structure | 17-member Executive Committee |
| Term Length | 2 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who proposed the establishment of the society in Dhaka?
The idea was proposed by Ahmad Hasan Dani, a professor of history at the University of Dhaka, and was widely supported by other local scholars.
When was the society officially founded?
The society was established on January 3, 1952.
How is the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh managed?
It is managed by an executive committee consisting of 17 members who serve two-year terms.
What is the relationship between this society and the one founded by Sir William Jones?
The Asiatic Society of Bangladesh traces its origins to The Asiatic Society founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 and was modeled after the Kolkata institution.
What action did the society take regarding plagiarism in 2020?
In November 2020, the society cancelled the grants of two University of Dhaka professors after finding evidence of plagiarism in their work.