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The historic Carmichael College, known as the Oxford of the northern region, has stepped into its 110th year today. A festive atmosphere prevails at this century-old institution, renowned as a factory for spreading the light of education and producing qualified leadership imbued with human values.**
A uniquely joyous environment is present in this educational hub, which is the center of educational expansion in North Bengal, with the presence of current and former teachers and students. The entire campus has been decorated to mark the anniversary. Historic buildings are glittering with illumination, and the entire premises have taken on a fresh, clean look.
To mark the 110th anniversary of its glorious journey, the first part of the celebration began in the morning with a colorful procession, followed by a discussion meeting, reminiscence, and cake-cutting ceremony at the G.L. Hostel ground. Prior to this, the daylong official events commenced at 10:00 AM with the hoisting of the national and college flags.
Rangpur Development Authority Chairman and Metropolitan BNP Convener Shamsuzzaman Samu, along with District Council Administrator and District BNP Convener Saiful Islam, among other dignitaries, were present on the occasion. The event was presided over by Carmichael College Principal Professor Dr. Md. Abul Hossain Mondal.
In the afternoon, cultural performances by various cultural organizations of the college and a band music concert were organized at the same ground.
Celebration Committee Convener Professor Dr. Md. Abu Sayem said that Carmichael College is a living witness to the history of British rule, Pakistani oppression, and the Bangladesh Liberation War. The century-old glory and achievements of this institution are unique.
He mentioned that the entire campus has resonated with the reunion of current and former teachers and students.
History of Carmichael College's Establishment:
On November 10, 1916, Lord Thomas David Baron Carmichael, the then-Governor of undivided Bengal, laid the foundation stone of this college, which was subsequently named after him. In July 1917, the University of Calcutta granted permission to open Intermediate of Arts (IA) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) classes here. Initially, classes were conducted at the Rangpur District Council building for nearly two years. The main building was inaugurated on February 12, 1918. German national Dr. Watkin served as the first principal of the college.
The people of Rangpur long dreamed of establishing a quality college. Following the establishment of Rangpur Zila School in 1832, interest in education grew, but students had to travel to Cooch Behar in India for higher education. When Governor Baron Carmichael visited Rangpur in 1913, a demand for establishing a college was raised at a reception. This educational institution was built on 900 acres of land donated and funded by landlords and education enthusiasts.
Located five kilometers away from Rangpur city and affiliated with the National University, Carmichael College currently has about 35,000 students enrolled across 21 departments. Although two acts were passed in 2001 and 2006 to elevate this premier educational institution of undivided Bengal into a university, they remain unimplemented to this day.
Scenic Campus and Architecture:
Situated in a lush green natural environment, this college is a unique specimen of zamindari architecture. Built in the Indo-Saracenic style, the 601-foot-long and 60-foot-wide main building's domes and carvings evoke memories of Mughal architecture. As one of Rangpur's notable sights, it attracts both domestic and foreign tourists.
Upon entering, to the left are the teachers' residential quarters and the dormitory known as 'White House', alongside a health center and Q.A. Memorial Primary School. Opposite stands a century-old, nearly extinct Kaffir lime (Kajelia) tree brought from Africa. Cultivated around this tree is the cultural organization 'Carmichael Kajelia Shikkha-Sanskriti Sangshad (Kakashis)'. Further ahead is the intersection known as Zero Point.
Read nextBanned Awami League Leader Masud Rana Arrested in Sherpur Under Special Powers ActThe campus features century-old buildings, a mosque, an examination control center, a girls' rest house, various departmental buildings, and a canteen. Residential halls include Taposhi Rabeya Hall, Begum Rokeya Hall, Jahanara Imam Hall, G.L., Osmani, C.M., and K.B. Halls. A new student dormitory has been constructed, while the C.M. Hall has been declared abandoned.
Additionally, there is a sub-post office, a modern auditorium, BNCC and Scout buildings, student rest houses, a police outpost, an administrative building, and four playgrounds. In front of the main building, the Liberation War-based sculpture 'Projonmo' adds an aesthetic dimension. To the south are the Shahid Minar, a three-story science building, arts and commerce buildings, chemistry building, and flower-filled gardens. The library, housing nearly 70,000 books, began with a mere 250 books. In the middle of the main building lies the 'Anandamohan Hall'.
The 'Bangla Manch' at the northwest corner is known as the epicenter of cultural activities. Students regularly host creative events on the Litchitala cultural stage. The campus is home to various literary, cultural, and volunteer organizations including Spandan, Kanasas, Debate Council, Kakashis, Abritti Sangshad, Badhan, BNCC, and Rover Scouts. A Rabindra-Nazrul stage has newly been built under the banyan tree. The lively campus is surrounded by Rangpur Cadet College, Begum Rokeya University, the railway station, and student lodgings.
Pride of Accomplished Alumni:
Carmichael College is not only a beacon of education but also a traditional center for political practice, holding memories of the golden days of millions of students' lives. Countless notable figures have studied here, including Jahanara Imam, leader of the movement against the killers and collaborators of '71; former President Hussain Muhammad Ershad; former Army Chief Major General Mustafizur Rahman; and fiction writer Anisul Haque.
Others who studied here include martyred student leader Raufun Basunia, poet and journalist Abdul Hai Sikdar, former Deputy Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, the first Speaker of the National Parliament Shah Abdul Hamid, satirist Rafiqul Huq, and former Mayor of Hindburn City in the UK Altafur Rahman.
Alumni also include M. Abdur Rahim, a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee; journalist Monajatuddin; Abu Sadat Mohammad Sayem, the first Chief Justice and sixth President of Bangladesh; and freedom fighter Moni Krishna Sen. The contributions of this college's teachers and students to every movement from British rule to the Liberation War remain a proud part of history.
Campus Resonating with 110 Years of Tradition:
While everyday scenes at this century-old institution typically feature students gathering in groups for chats, laughter, and lighthearted banter, today the entire campus felt flooded with both current and former students. Embarking on 110 years of tradition, the campus remains as vibrant as ever with the footsteps of enthusiastic students.
Speaking with some students, Shakila Zaman, a third-year student of the Accounting Department, said, "Carmichael College is our place of pride. One day we will have to leave this campus. I hope our beloved campus will remain as festive as ever in the future."
Sakib Mahmud, a third-year student of the Finance Department, said, "I want to graduate from this century-old traditional institution as a good person. I want to dream of building the country and inspire others to dream as well."
College Principal Professor Dr. Abul Hossain Mondal is himself an alumnus of this institution and feels proud to serve as its principal.
He stated, "I am proud to serve as principal in my own institution. In the continuity of history, Carmichael College is history itself. The reputation of this college is spread far and wide across the country and abroad. Many students have studied here and achieved nationwide renown."
Student Union Inactive for 36 Years:
The last student union election at Carmichael College was held in 1990. No elections have taken place since then, leaving nearly 10 million taka idle in the Kaksu fund. While elections have been held at various universities across the country, Carmichael College has lagged behind, causing frustration among students.
Students of this college have played significant roles in independence and democratic movements. Generation after generation, they have learned leadership, social service, and political awareness. However, students feel that the absence of elections for 36 years has hampered leadership development and democratic practice. Ahead of this anniversary, general students and student organizations have renewed their demands to reactivate the student union.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Rangpur Bureau • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
