Lalon Academy and Museum

On 21st February, a rally of students were coming towards Dhaka Medical College during the Language Movement in 1952. The police shoot towards the rally and instantly some of the protesters of the first line were killed immediately. One of them was Shahid Abul Barkat (1927-1952). Few days after, the Central Shaheed Minar was built in here and from 2000, UNESCO declared 21 February as the Mother Language Day.

Previous History: In 1947, Pakistan got independence from India. There was two parts of Pakistan- the east and the west. Eastern Pakistan was green by the bless of river God and populated with a lot of people and on the other hand, the western Pakistan was nothing but a desert, population was also low. Demographic, social and economical lifestyle of these two parts of land were completely different, language was different too. But the capital was established in the west and the rulers ruled the entire country living in the west. From 1947, Urdu was the only state language of Pakistan whereas the students of Dhaka university always wanted to make Bengali as a secondary language. Finally in 1952, after some students were killed in the language movement, the government decided to make Bengali as a second language. Later, the eastern part of Pakistan became an independent country by the liberation war in 1971 named Bangladesh.

Early Life of Abul Barkat: Abul Barkat was a student who came to Dhaka for his higher studies. He was born at Murshidabad, West Bengal (now India). He stayed at his maternal uncle's home during his stay in Dhaka. He was a student of Masters level while he is being killed by the police open fire on 21 February, 1952 (aged 24).

The Language martyr Abul Barkat was honored with the "Ekushee Padak" (the highest non military achievement in Bangladesh) by the Governmnet of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh in 2000. His grave is situated in Azimpur Graveyard in Dhaka.

In Khulna, there is a memorial complex by the name of Rabindranath Tagore. It was his ancestors place in Bangladesh. At that time they were known as "Kushari" instead of Tagore. By and by, the family name became Thakur. However, some descendant of the bloodline still lives here and grow their own business.

A very brief History of Rabindra Tagore’s ancestors:

A descendant of the Kushari Family went near Kolkata (India) to spread his business. At that time in that place he was the only person from the “Brahman” class. That means his family members can do Hindu rituals. During that period, the Brahman class was called “Thakur” by the general people. In course of time, Thakur became their family title.

In that bloodline, the famous noble laurite Rabindranath Tagore was born. On the other hand, the root bloodline of Kushari family remain living in the greater Khulna area.

Kushari: Etymology

It is believed that, Five person came to spread Hinduism in the particular part of Khulna. Their descendants lately became the ruler of “Kush” village and the word Kushari became their family name.

Pithavoge Kushari bari:

After the demolition of the old house, the government of the people’s republic of Bangladesh established a one storied memorial complex in 2007 at Pithavoge where a bust of Tagore is established. There are a lot of photos of historical moments of Rabindranath Tagore to display. The unique thing is, Rabindranath drew a few artworks which are also displayed in here. The most mentionable is the self portrait of Rabindranath Tagore drew by himself.

Ethnological Museum is a unique treasure house, consisting of variety of tribal culture and heritage of Bangladesh. The Ethnological Museum of Chittagong was established in the first half of nineteen sixties. Inside the museum, there are 4 galleries and a small hall. This is considered as the only ethnology museum in Bangladesh which displays the lifestyles and heritage of 37 ethnic groups and four foreign countries.

The Bangladeshi ethnic groups includes Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Chak, Tanchangya, Murong, Khumi, Garo, Bawm, Pankho, Lusai, Khyang, Monipuri, Khashia, Oraon, Hajong, Mandai, Dalue, Hodi, Bona, Polia, Koch, Rajbangshi, Santal, Munda, Ho and many more. This museum not only preserving the past, but also growing and developing in line with the growth and development of the country, and therefore documenting the present for future generations to look back on its reflection.

In Fultala Union, Khulna there is a Rabindra Memorial Complex built in memory of the Great Poet Rabindranath Tagore. It was the  house of Rabindranath Tagore's in-laws, which was converted into a memorial complex after renovation.

At age 22, Rabindranath got married to a girl named "Vabatarini". Later she was introduced as Mrinalini Devi. It is assumed that the father of Mrinalini was involved in supervising the business of the Tagore family. Before his marriage, all of Rabindranaths kith and kin came to Pithavoge and stayed here. Then they went to Fulpur (Daksmindihi) to visit the bride. After that the marriage took placce at Kolkata.

Now the two storied building has been decorated and renovated after receiving a government fund and was turned into a museum and photo gallery. Some rare photos of Rabindranath Tagore is showcased here. Some important documents about Tagore's publications are also displayed here. A bust of Rabindranath Tagore is also there. Every year on 25-27 Baishakh (after the Bengali New Year Celebration), cultural programs are held here which lasts for three days.