Abul Mansur Ahmad (1898–1979) was a Bengali politician, journalist and writer. He participated in the Pakistan Movement and later played a leading role in the struggle for East Pakistan’s political autonomy. The essay featured in this episode was written by Ahmad in August 1967, in the aftermath of the controversial Radio Pakistan ban on Rabindranath Tagore’s music. Historians sometimes describe — and at other times overstate — this controversy as one of the turning points in the turbulent history of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). In the essay, Ahmad examines the claim that Tagore is essential to East Bengali culture from the standpoint of a staunch Muslim nationalist who, while acknowledging Tagore’s genius, rejects his idea of India and Indian nationalism—ideas that, in Ahmad’s view, leave no room for a distinct Bengali Muslim culture and identity.
Featured music:1. Aji Bangladesher Hridoy Hote2. Amar Sonar Bangla – Poriborton Foundation
