The Government Edward College in Pabna has removed the name of film actress Suchitra Sen from a residential hall, sparking widespread criticism.
The college authorities recently renamed three residential halls, including the Suchitra Sen Student Hall for female students, which has now been changed to July 36 Student Hall.
Additionally, Sheikh Russel Student Hall was renamed Bijoy 24 Student Hall, and Begum Fazilatunnesa Hall was renamed Aysha Siddika (R) Student Hall.
Edward College Principal Prof Md Abdul Awal Miah inaugurated the newly installed nameplates today.
Principal Abdul Awal said the decision to rename the halls was made in accordance with the demands of students and to uphold the spirit of the July movement.
"According to the demand of the students, the academic council of the college decided to rename the residential halls. So we have renamed three halls accordingly," he said.
However, the removal of Suchitra Sen's name has drawn sharp reactions from the local community and cultural figures.
"Suchitra Sen was not a political person and should not be treated as one. A hall was named after her to honour her legacy in her home district. Now her name has been removed just like political figures are removed. This is unacceptable," said Noresh Chandra Modhu, secretary of the Suchitra Sen Smrity Shangrakhkhan Parishad, Pabna.
Suchitra Sen, originally from Hem Sagore Lane in Pabna town, is a legendary figure in the Bengali film industry.
Though she left Pabna before the Partition in 1947, residents continue to regard her as one of their own.
"Even though her name has been erased from an institution, it remains alive in the hearts of the people of Pabna. We protest this decision and demand her name be reinstated," said ABM Fazlur Rahman, a veteran journalist and noted social worker in Pabna.
Principal Abdul Awal, however, denied any political interference behind the renaming.
"The hall was previously named under pressure from political leaders and a neighbouring country's high commission. There are no establishments within educational institutions in the country named after film actors or actresses," he claimed.
FP/MI
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