adhunika blog

Join us paying homage to our war heroes and in celebrating Independence Day of Bangladesh.

March 26 - the day Independence of Bangladesh was formally declared on the eve of a 9 month long war of Independence with Pakistan that led to the emergence of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation. After many years of exploitation, both politically and economically, the Bengali national sentiments led to the massive victory of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Awami League in the Pakistan National Elections of 1970. The ruling oligarchs in the then West Pakistan balked at having to give up the reigns of power to East Pakistanis. They stalled the installation of the newly elected parliament, and on the dark night of March 25, 1971 embarked on a genocidal reign of terror aimed at extinguishing all signs of Bengali nationalism. In the face of this, the inevitable declaration of independence was proclaimed, and the fight was on for the people of Bangladesh to achieve independence, at a terrible price of 3 million people killed by the marauding armies of Pakistan.  (Source: http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/history/)

Photo: Begum Sufia Kamal, by Mufti Munir for Adhunika

From our archive

Few days ago I was talking to my friend Nadia, who is a Resource Teacher by Profession and has a background in Early Childhood Education about how to teach my toddler Bangla in a multilingual environment. She gave me some excellent tips and I thought why don’t I ask Nadia to tell us in her own words, so here it goes:
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What language should I speak at home with my child?

It’s a common question I get asked as a teacher. There many things expert will say. I will like to share my experience.

I was born in Bangladesh. At age two we moved to Venezuela. In Venezuela, the primary language spoken is Spanish. English was taught but not until 5^th and 6^th grades.

When I was four years old we started preschool. I remember going to school and not understanding much but slowly picked up the language (Spanish).

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All across the world, International Women’s Day was celebrated on the 8^th of March for the economic, political and social achievements of women. In the midst of all the celebrations, we should remember the decades of struggle for equality and justice that women all around the world have undergone to participate on an equal footing with men in society-to be able to vote, be able to work, hold public office, end gender based discrimination.

While the new millennium has witnessed a significant shift in both women’s and society’s thoughts about women’s equality, we should remember that even today the struggle for equality continues. Female infanticide is a frightening reality in too many parts of the world. Baby girls are being intentionally killed because of society’s preference for male babies, and because of the low value associated with the birth of a girl-child. This is a real concern in many countries including India and China (Gendercide Watch). (more…)

The government of Bangladesh retreated from a policy that would have given women equal property rights. Last week, the military backed government introduced a policy that would give women equal rights to inherit property. However, Agence France Presse (AFP) reports that Muslim clerics protested the policy, claiming it violates sharia law. (more…)

From our participant Rebecca Khan, Enjoy!

It has been a good few weeks since I returned from my most recent trip to Dhaka and Bangkok and I cannot seem to shake off feeling down and out about being back to cold, dreary Canada.  I knew that besides the sappy grin on my husband’s face, it was the snow-covered ground and sub-zero temperature that would await me.

I wonder why my depression from being back this time is more intensified than others? Is it because of all the fun-filled days leading up to my cousin’s wedding extravaganza, the days and nights spent at their house with all our other relatives, watching them rehearse for the “gaya holud” song and dance numbers, helping wrap the mishti to be sent to the girls’ home, assisting in other little ways, whatever it was, it was always a communal effort, amidst the fun, jesting, and above all lots of laughter, boy was their laughter! There were myriads of people coming and going in rotation at the “biye bari”  - nanis, dadis, khalas, chachis, cousins, phuppis, friends, other hosts of relatives and of course the ever present house staff, who can forget about them? Those days of family fun brings a smile on my face when I sit in silence at home alone when my husband is off to work. I thought I would take it slow and easy before looking for my next consulting assignment but now I’m thinking I’ll speed up the process! (more…)

We wish everyone an inspiring International Women’s Day. Today is also a significant day for adhunika as we turn six this year. In 2002 few of us took baby-steps on-line, and formed adhunika, and six years later that number has grown into hundreds. We would like to thank every volunteers, friends and well-wishers for your continuous support.

On this special occasion we like to know if today means anything special for you as a woman.

“I would have died in peace if I could have left behind a Bangladesh that was non-communal, democratic, happy, and, prosperous”: Language freedom fighter Protibha Mutshuddi is still dreaming of that Bangladesh.

Although originally from Chittagong; Protibha Mutshuddi is better known as the dear friend of the people of Mirzapur. In 1963, she started working at the prestigious Bharoteshwari Homes as a lecturer of Economics. Starting in 1965, she was the acting principal of Homes for the next two years. From 1967 to 1998 she was the principal of Bharoteshwari Homes and retired after that. She received the prestigious ‘Ekhushay Podok’ in 2002 for her contributions in the educational field. Currently, she serves as an Educational Advisor for the Kumudini Trust Foundation. Aside from the ‘Ekhushay Podok’, she is the recipient of numerous other prestigious awards. Some of those are- Annanya top 10 Award, Lion Nazrul Islam Award, Rotary Foundation Award, Buddhist Academy Award, and, Chittagong Lions Club Award in 1995 and Bishudananda Gold Medal in 2006. (more…)