Binod Bihari Chowdhury: Tribute to a revolutionary and a true patriot
Skip to main content
  • Home
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • World+Biz
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Book Review
    • Brands
    • Earth
    • Explorer
    • Fact Check
    • Family
    • Food
    • Game Reviews
    • Good Practices
    • Habitat
    • Humour
    • In Focus
    • Luxury
    • Mode
    • Panorama
    • Pursuit
    • Wealth
    • Wellbeing
    • Wheels
  • Epaper
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Videos
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • COVID-19
    • Games
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Podcast
    • Quiz
    • Tech
    • Trial By Trivia
    • Magazine
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Friday
February 03, 2023

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Economy
    • Aviation
    • Bazaar
    • Budget
    • Industry
    • NBR
    • RMG
    • Corporates
  • Stocks
  • Analysis
  • World+Biz
  • Sports
  • Features
    • Book Review
    • Brands
    • Earth
    • Explorer
    • Fact Check
    • Family
    • Food
    • Game Reviews
    • Good Practices
    • Habitat
    • Humour
    • In Focus
    • Luxury
    • Mode
    • Panorama
    • Pursuit
    • Wealth
    • Wellbeing
    • Wheels
  • Epaper
  • More
    • Subscribe
    • Videos
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • COVID-19
    • Games
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Podcast
    • Quiz
    • Tech
    • Trial By Trivia
    • Magazine
  • বাংলা
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2023
Binod Bihari Chowdhury: Tribute to a revolutionary and a true patriot

Panorama

Uday Sankar Das
10 April, 2020, 02:20 pm
Last modified: 10 April, 2020, 03:53 pm

Related News

  • Somoy TV journo files complaint against BNP activists for assaulting him while covering Jan 16 rally
  • Journalist hacked to death in B’baria
  • Senior journalist Abdur Rahman Khan passes away
  • Restrictions on journalists hinder fair elections: SHUJAN
  • Mexico, the deadliest country for journalists in 2022: Watchdog

Binod Bihari Chowdhury: Tribute to a revolutionary and a true patriot

After beginning his career as a journalist, he also at the same time joined the Chattogram Bar. But neither of these professions attracted him, and he never felt at ease in them. He later joined the Indian National Congress, and during the Quit India movement was again sent to prison for various terms.

Uday Sankar Das
10 April, 2020, 02:20 pm
Last modified: 10 April, 2020, 03:53 pm
Binod Bihari Chowdhury: Tribute to a revolutionary and a true patriot

As we observe the 7th death anniversary of Binod Bihari Chowdhury (Binod Dadu, as we used to call him), one of the legendary icons of the anti-British independence struggle, we remember him not only as an out-and-out revolutionary till his last day but also as the epitome of a true patriot.
Binod Bihari Chowdhury was born in North Bhurshi under Boalkhali upazila in Chattogram on January 10, 1911. Son of Kamini Kumar Chowdhury, who was a lawyer, and Rama Chowdhury, he joined Jugantor, an underground revolutionary organisation when he was only 16, and came in contact with great revolutionary leaders like Masterda Surjya Sen, Tarakeswar Dastidar and Madhusudan Dutt.
Binod Dadu became a close associate of Masterda Surya Sen and took part in a number of movements and raids in the anti-British youth revolution in 1930. Under the leadership of Ananta Singh and Ganesh Ghosh, he took part in the famous armoury raid in the Chattogram Police Line.

He was a valiant fighter in the Battle of Jalalabad against the British, when for four days the young fighters had kept Chattogram isolated and liberated from the rest of British India. On April 22, 1930, the British launched an all-out attack and many revolutionaries were killed and wounded. Binod Dadu was wounded as well. Binod Dadu was at the time on the wanted list of the British, and in order to escape their wrath he had gone underground; and after moving from one place to another, he finally took refuge in Dhaka.

When the police got information about his whereabouts, he returned to Chattogram but was arrested, and after a trial in 1932, was sent to a detention camp in Rajputana. Although he served a jail sentence from 1933 to 1938, he passed his graduation examinations with distinction. In 1939, he completed his Masters in English and had also obtained a degree in Law.

After beginning his career as a journalist, he also at the same time joined the Chattogram Bar. But neither of these professions attracted him, and he never felt at ease in them. He later joined the Indian National Congress, and during the Quit India movement was again sent to prison for various terms.

After the partition of India in 1947, many of Dadu's co-fighters opted to leave the country but, being the true patriot that he was, Dadu was totally committed to his birthplace and thus he strengthened his roots in Chattogram further. In erstwhile Pakistan, he was active in the Language Movement in 1952 along with various other political struggles; including the Mass Movement against the Pakistani regime in 1969.

Binod Dadu had always remained a man true to his ideals. He left his professions in journalism and law, and found more pleasure and contentment in teaching students at his home. He was eloquent and articulate in both English and Bangla. His task, as he put it, was "to create an enlightened youth."

My youngest brother, Kaushik, being a student of his, often mentioned how Dadu would tell them many stories about his association with Masterda ─ their meetings, their operations and so on. The students would listen to him in pin-drop silence at his house in Kadam Mubarak in Chattogram. Didimoni would come and tell him off for such distractions, but his students would rather listen to Dadu's stories than learn Bangla grammar.

Dadu used to narrate how Masterda was very reluctant to recruit him in his group. He was a bright young student and Masterda wanted Dadu to pursue his studies. Dadu used to go to Masterda every day and Masterda used to sit with him and try to explain to him that the activities that the revolutionary group was involved in was not something for Dadu to get associated with. One day, Dadu told Masterda that if he could not join his group, he would join some other group that he read about in newspapers. Masterda then asked Dadu to join his group.
Binod Dadu's ideal was human welfare. He was a patriot in all senses of the term, and that is why whenever there had been an issue involving common people he was seen taking his place in the front row.

Even when he was in his eighties, Dadu's voice had the power and boldness of youth. There was no mincing of words and he was true to his beliefs.

I had the rare honour and privilege to do an extensive interview of his for the Bangla section of BBC World Service Radio. I still remember introducing him as "a young man who has now entered his 80s."
He never believed in luxury and lived his life in a tin-roofed house in a narrow alley off Momin Road in Chattogram. Despite winning many awards, including the Swadhinata Padak in 2000, he never changed his way of life. He remained steadfast to his ideals and beliefs throughout.

A glaring example of his love for his birthplace should also be mentioned: When his health was failing and he was being taken to Kolkata for treatment, he told his relatives that his last rites should be held in his hometown, Chattogram. Binod Bihari Chowdhury breathed his last at a hospital in Kolkata on April 10, 2013. In accordance with his wish, his body was brought back to Chattogram and people from all walks of life in their tens of thousands came to pay their last respects to this great son-of-the-soil. I consider myself lucky to be present in Chattogram that day to say goodbye to Dadu. How befitting that this true patriot's last wish had been fulfilled with full national honours.

Binod Dadu has left us all, but his ideals, thoughts and way of life will always remain as true examples to be followed by generations to come.
Very few people conquer death and live on, inspiring us with their ideals. Binod Dadu was certainly one of those few who have done exactly that, and any tribute to such a legend and a true patriot is timeless.
Binod Dadu, our salutations to you. We shall never forget you.

The writer is a senior journalist, a political commentator and a sports analyst

 

Top News

Binod Bihari Chowdhury / journalist / Politician / social worker

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • International Monetary Fund logo : AP via UNB
    IMF sets time-bound reform agenda as it releases first tranche of loan
  • Shipped Bhola gas to cost higher, yet cheaper than spot LNG
    Shipped Bhola gas to cost higher, yet cheaper than spot LNG
  • January exports rise nearly 6% riding on high-value RMG items
    January exports rise nearly 6% riding on high-value RMG items

MOST VIEWED

  • While the Padma bridge in operation is changing the lives of millions in the south for the better, passenger rush to Shimulia ghat died down. Photo: Masum Billah
    How are the Shimulia ghat businesses faring after Padma bridge?
  • After so many investments going embarrassingly wrong, as was the case with Sam Bankman-Fried, perhaps tech investors’ preference for less experience will wane. Photo: Bloomberg
    Are you the next Steve Jobs? Good luck raising money in 2023
  • Infographic: TBS
    How to redirect inward remittances to formal channels
  • An elderly couple's lonely battle to save Dhaka's trees
    An elderly couple's lonely battle to save Dhaka's trees
  • Photo: Bloomberg
    How the 'madoffs of Manhattan' can unravel Gautam Adani's empire
  • Leepu realised his love for cars from a young age and for the last 40 years, he has transformed, designed and customised hundreds of cars. Photo: Collected
    'I am not crazy about cars anymore': Nizamuddin Awlia Leepu

Related News

  • Somoy TV journo files complaint against BNP activists for assaulting him while covering Jan 16 rally
  • Journalist hacked to death in B’baria
  • Senior journalist Abdur Rahman Khan passes away
  • Restrictions on journalists hinder fair elections: SHUJAN
  • Mexico, the deadliest country for journalists in 2022: Watchdog

Features

Six Jeep Wranglers and a special XJ Jeep Cherokee set out into the depths of Lalakhal, Sylhet for an experience of a lifetime. Photo: Ahbaar Mohammad

Jeep Life Bangladesh: A club for Jeep owners to harness the power of their vehicles

18h | Wheels
While the Padma bridge in operation is changing the lives of millions in the south for the better, passenger rush to Shimulia ghat died down. Photo: Masum Billah

How are the Shimulia ghat businesses faring after Padma bridge?

20h | Panorama
After so many investments going embarrassingly wrong, as was the case with Sam Bankman-Fried, perhaps tech investors’ preference for less experience will wane. Photo: Bloomberg

Are you the next Steve Jobs? Good luck raising money in 2023

20h | Panorama
An elderly couple's lonely battle to save Dhaka's trees

An elderly couple's lonely battle to save Dhaka's trees

1d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

A proper price formula can help investors to plan big

A proper price formula can help investors to plan big

10h | TBS Round Table
Rumors about Sarika that everyone thinks are true

Rumors about Sarika that everyone thinks are true

8h | TBS Entertainment
Mugging rife in Tejgaon, murder in Wari

Mugging rife in Tejgaon, murder in Wari

11h | TBS Current Affairs
What secrets are hidden behind Adani's wealth?

What secrets are hidden behind Adani's wealth?

9h | TBS Stories

Most Read

1
Bapex calls candidates for job test 9 years after advert!
Bangladesh

Bapex calls candidates for job test 9 years after advert!

2
Leepu realised his love for cars from a young age and for the last 40 years, he has transformed, designed and customised hundreds of cars. Photo: Collected
Panorama

'I am not crazy about cars anymore': Nizamuddin Awlia Leepu

3
Photo: Collected
Energy

8 Ctg power plants out of production

4
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington, U.S., September 4, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo
Economy

IMF approves $4.7 billion loan for Bangladesh, calls for ambitious reforms

5
Photo: Collected
Court

Japanese mother gets guardianship of daughters, free to leave country

6
Fund cut as Dhaka's fast-track transit projects on slow spending lane
Infrastructure

Fund cut as Dhaka's fast-track transit projects on slow spending lane

EMAIL US
[email protected]
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2023
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - [email protected]

For advertisement- [email protected]