Beacon Dims: Dr. Anupam Sen’s step down emerges a dark era for Bangladesh’s intellectuals

Sanjoy Kumar Barua

Within the symphony of a nation’s soul, certain voices soar above the cacophony, articulating its deepest aspirations with clarity and conviction.

Among them stands Dr. Anupam Sen, a towering intellectual, an unwavering advocate for justice, and an indomitable guardian of secular ideals in Bangladesh.

His life, a harmonious blend of scholarly brilliance and unshakable moral fortitude, reflects the enduring dream of a nation once envisioned as a beacon of unity amid its vibrant diversity.

His recent resignation as Vice-Chancellor of Premier University, Chattogram, amidst a whirlwind of student protests and political machinations, has sparked national debate about governance, minority rights, and the future of secular ideals in Bangladesh.

Dr. Sen’s resignation came against the backdrop of allegations of mismanagement and favoritism.

The protests were reportedly led by activists with ties to Jamaat-e-Islami’s student wing, Islami Chhatra Shibir.

While the demonstrators claimed to fight against discrimination, their vague demands and ideological motives have cast doubt on their intentions.

Yet, Dr. Sen, citing personal reasons and age, stepped down, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to fairness and transparency.

His departure, however, transcends the specifics of this episode.

It signals the growing challenges faced by intellectuals and educators in a society increasingly fractured by religious intolerance and political extremism.

Anupam Sen’s journey from a young sociology scholar to one of Bangladesh’s most respected public intellectuals is a story of perseverance and purpose.

Born into a middle-class Hindu family, he pursued sociology at Dhaka University, completing his studies in the early 1960s.

Later, at Canada’s McMaster University, he honed his academic acumen, earning his PhD in 1979.

In 1982, his seminal book The State, Industrialization, and Class Formation in India gained international acclaim, finding a place in the curricula of prestigious universities such as the University of Toronto, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and the University of Delhi.

This work, among others, solidified his reputation as a leading sociologist and thinker.

However, Dr. Sen’s influence extended far beyond academia.

As an educator, he was instrumental in developing sociology departments at Chittagong University and later Premier University.

As a public intellectual, he championed social justice, democracy, and secularism—values enshrined in the original Constitution of Bangladesh.

Dr. Sen’s vision of Bangladesh is rooted in the ideals of its Liberation War.

In October 2021, during a protest rally in Chittagong, he reiterated his belief in a truly secular constitution.

He argued passionately against the state religion provision introduced in 1988 under General Ershad’s regime, stating, “If Islam remains the state religion, others become second-class citizens. If everyone is equal, there can be no state religion.”

These words reflect a bold commitment to the original Constitution of 1972, a document anchored in four pillars: nationalism, socialism, democracy, and secularism.

Dr. Sen believes that restoring these principles is essential for fostering unity and equality in a nation increasingly plagued by polarization.

Dr. Sen’s resignation as Vice-Chancellor highlights the fragility of academic institutions in Bangladesh, where political interference often undermines governance.

The protests that precipitated his departure reveal the dangerous intersection of student activism and ideological extremism.

Allegations against Dr. Sen, a revered intellectual beacon, lay bare the precarious reality of minority communities in a nation torn between its founding secular vision and the relentless rise of conservatism.

Amidst this storm, Dr. Sen’s resignation became not just an act of departure, but a profound statement of grace, unyielding integrity, and unwavering commitment to ideals that transcend the tumult of the moment.

In his parting statement, he reaffirmed his commitment to equity and transparency, portraying himself not as a failure but as a victim of systemic dysfunction.

Dr. Sen’s legacy is one of intellectual brilliance and moral courage.

His contributions to sociology, including works like The Political Elites of Pakistan and Bangladesh: State and Society, have enriched the understanding of South Asian politics and society.

His leadership at Premier University transformed it into a respected institution for higher learning, earning him the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2014.

Yet, perhaps his most enduring legacy is his steadfast belief in a secular and inclusive Bangladesh.

He envisions a nation where no citizen feels marginalized, where the principles of justice and equality prevail over religious and political divides.

Dr. Sen’s resignation is a reminder of the critical need to protect academic freedom and secular ideals in Bangladesh.

As political extremism and intolerance gain ground, the country risks losing the vision that inspired its independence.

The fight for secularism, equity, and justice—values championed by Dr. Sen—must continue.

It is not just a fight for the Constitution; it is a fight for the soul of Bangladesh. His life and work remain a guiding light for those who dare to dream of a nation true to its founding ideals, where diversity is celebrated, and unity is cherished.

As Bangladesh navigates these turbulent times, figures like Dr. Anupam Sen remind us that the pursuit of justice and equality is a journey worth undertaking, no matter the odds.

In the aftermath of the Sheikh Hasina-led government’s fall on August 5, Bangladesh’s education sector has been plunged into chaos.

At least 180 teachers from institutions nationwide have been compelled to resign under intense pressure, raising alarm over the safety, dignity, and independence of educators in a politically charged environment.