– Prof. Dr. Humayun Kabir Majumder
Interview by Kazi Gias
During the period of British rule, Edward College deserved the prestigious position in the field of education and science. Professor Dr. Humayun Kabir Majumder expressed it in an exclusive interview with The Guardian.
In this regard, he informed us that before the partition of Bengal, Edward College was the centre of education in this part of the sub-continent. Renowned Edward College is playing an important role in spreading education among students. Since then the college has also been playing a vital role to develop thought and ideas of its people related to higher education, literature, culture and spirit of life in Bangladesh.
The college administration is determined to take rapid action to incorporate any educative discipline, strategies and objectives of the Government of Bangladesh. So, the college administration is doing its part to implement the digital concept of Bangladesh in 2021 planned by the honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Accordingly the vice-principal informed that Edward College has ensured its learners with internet facilities some years ago. The college has its IT Centre where learners can learn IT related lessons so that they can compete to the competitive examination nationally and internationally. Even teachers can search internet in the college website so as to develop their skills in the field of education, science and technology.
As results, students will be benefited by their skills because teachers are using digital contents in the classroom activities through multimedia projectors. Admission and form fill-up programmes have been digitalized to ensure transparency accountability as well as to strengthen official activities and financial transactions through online. The vice-principal further informed informed us that computer education is imparted to students through ICT Unit under the supervision of National University.
Prof. Majumder said that education policy 2009 is an epoch making step in education system in Bangladesh. He thanks the honorable Prime Minister for tframing this policy. He expressed deep gratitude to honorable Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid for introducing this timely and practical education policy, which reflects the expectation of the entire nation.
In an exclusive interview, he replied to a number of questions. His replies reveal important information about Edward College, which are also very interesting and educative as well. The excerpts of his valuable interview are produced here for The Guardian readers at home and abroad:
The Guardian: Please discuss what multidimensional role Edward College playing in larger perspective of higher education in Bangladesh?
Vice-Principal: From the beginning of the foundation of Edward College, it is playing a very vital role in spreading education. Govt. Edward College is such type of educational institution which accumulates a galley of intellectuals from its very beginning till now.
Covering British rule, Pak occupation and emergency of independent Bangladesh, Govt. Edward College retains the story as an iconic educational institution in this subcontinent.
The Guardian: World you agree that your institution is the pathfinder of female education of the northern belt of the country?
Vice-Principal: I must mention Begum Rokya is the lady with the light when our women were kept in dark-world such as kitchen management and child breeding and management of household chores with the emergence of this institution. The women did not lay behind; day by day they were coming to the frontline. From language movement of 1952 to the liberation movement of 1971, a splendid role was initiated by the woman students.
Still our female students achieve notable position in sports, music, drama and various type of cultural activities. Only bookish knowledge can’t confirm them. They are getting good position in job field. Our best products are renowned doctors, engineers and civil service officers. They are working at home and abroad.
The Guardian: Please discuss the scenario of digital activities at your college under present administrative system.
Vice-Principal: Really it is a very responsible and calculative business of any administrator with the trend of digitalization programmed by our honorable Prime Minister. Even our class rooms are oriented by multimedia systems. A group of trained teachers is running this programme very skillfully. Students are facilitated by the digital orientation. At present Edward College has gained a notable position for its improvisation of digital revolution. So, I can proudly say that Edward College is playing an important role in making Bangladesh digitalized.
The Guardian: what is your final expectation from your renowned institution?
Vice-Principal: As this college had played its dynamic role in the glorious past, it is still running very strongly and will play a very optimistic role in nation building and making sensible and good citizens.
The Guardian: Would you mention the names and tenures of the vice-principals of Govt. Edward College till to date?
Vice -Principal: Of course, here are their names and tenures.
Profile of Vice-Principal Dr. Majumder
Professor Dr. Humayun Kabir Majumder, son of a valiant freedom fighter, is currently serving at Govt. Edward College as 23rd Vice-Principal from the 21st of January 2015. He was born in Chandpur district in 1965. He passed SSC Examination in 1981 from Cantonment Board High School under Dhaka Education Board in 1983. He passed HSC Examination from Dhaka College under Dhaka Education Board.
Later, he got admitted in Dhaka University to study Economics. Dr. Majumder obtained BSS (Hons) and MSS in Economics respectively in 1986 and 1987 with excellent results. After the completion of his education, he joined the BCS Education cadre in 1993. Prior to working as a teacher, he worked as a research officer in Academy for Planning and Development. He also served BIWTA as Assistant Director. He completed PGD from APD, Dhaka under the Ministry of Industries. He also had another PGD from BMDC under the Ministry of Planning.
Prof. Majumder had his PhD titled ‘The Role of Grameen Bank as a Micro-Credit institution: A Critical Evaluation of Some Selected Areas in Rajshahi Zone’. He has keen interest in fundamental research. His work encompasses education, micro-credit and development.
Prof. Majumder is married. His wife, Nazneen Sultana, is the Head of the Sociology Department at Govt. Rajshahi College. The couple is blessed with one daughter and one son. Their daughter, Nilanjana Kaderi alias Bristy is a student in English Literature at Rajshahi University and son, Nazmul Kabir Majumder, is an Intermediate student.
