Textbook page 77,78,79,80 & 81 || Class eleven and twelve || Unit Four: History ;Lesson Two Great Women || English first paper ||Line by line Bangla meaning, word meaning in Bangla meaning, mcq, short questions and summary ||
Here is the line-by-line Bangla translation of the passage:
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Virginia Woolf wrote in 1928, "A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write."
ভার্জিনিয়া উল্ফ ১৯২৮ সালে লিখেছিলেন, "একজন নারীকে লিখতে হলে তার নিজের অর্থ এবং একটি নিজস্ব কক্ষ থাকা জরুরি।" -
By 'room' she meant a private and social space for a woman where she can educate herself and develop her creativity.
এখানে 'কক্ষ' বলতে তিনি নারীর জন্য একটি ব্যক্তিগত ও সামাজিক স্থানকে বোঝাতে চেয়েছেন, যেখানে তিনি নিজেকে শিক্ষিত করতে পারেন এবং তার সৃজনশীলতা বিকাশ করতে পারেন। -
As we know, European women had to struggle to get entry to universities.
আমরা জানি, ইউরোপীয় নারীদের বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে প্রবেশাধিকার পেতে কঠোর সংগ্রাম করতে হয়েছে। -
In our country, British colonial administration first opened the doors of educational institutions to women.
আমাদের দেশে, ব্রিটিশ ঔপনিবেশিক শাসন প্রথমবারের মতো নারীদের জন্য শিক্ষাপ্রতিষ্ঠানের দ্বার উন্মুক্ত করেছিল। -
Do you feel the urge to know how Bengali women were initiated into English education?
আপনি কি জানতে আগ্রহী যে কীভাবে বাংলার নারীরা ইংরেজি শিক্ষার সূচনা করেছিলেন? -
We know of the contribution of Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain to women's education in undivided Bengal.
অবিভক্ত বাংলায় নারীদের শিক্ষার ক্ষেত্রে রোকেয়া সাখাওয়াত হোসেনের অবদানের কথা আমরা জানি। -
Rokeya also wrote in English.
রোকেয়া ইংরেজিতেও লিখেছেন। -
Her Sultana's Dream is considered the first science-fiction written by a woman.
তার লেখা সুলতানার স্বপ্ন নারীদের দ্বারা রচিত প্রথম বিজ্ঞান কল্পকাহিনি হিসেবে বিবেচিত হয়। -
Rokeya's legacy is strong among subsequent generations of women in the region, and it is important for us to explore the paths women took to take their place in the field of education.
এই অঞ্চলের পরবর্তী প্রজন্মের নারীদের মধ্যে রোকেয়ার উত্তরাধিকার শক্তিশালীভাবে বিরাজমান, এবং শিক্ষাক্ষেত্রে নারীরা যে পথ অনুসরণ করেছেন তা অন্বেষণ করা আমাদের জন্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ।
Discuss the following questions:
How do you think education and economy are related?
Do you know which was the first university established in East Bengal or the present-day Bangladesh?
Why is women's history important?
Answer of the above questions
1. How do you think education and economy are related?
Education and economy are deeply interconnected. Education equips individuals with knowledge and skills that enhance their productivity, enabling them to secure better jobs and contribute to economic growth. A well-educated population fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and efficient governance, which are essential for economic development. In particular, women’s education has a multiplier effect: it not only empowers individuals but also improves family income, health outcomes, and societal progress. When women receive education, they participate more actively in the workforce, leading to higher household earnings and economic stability.
2. Do you know which was the first university established in East Bengal or present-day Bangladesh?
The first university established in East Bengal, now Bangladesh, was the University of Dhaka, founded in 1921 during British colonial rule. It played a crucial role in promoting higher education in the region and became a center for intellectual and political movements, including the Language Movement of 1952 and the Liberation War of 1971.
3. Why is women's history important?
Women's history is crucial because it highlights the struggles, achievements, and contributions of women, which are often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. Understanding women's history allows us to recognize the barriers they have overcome in education, employment, and politics. It also helps to challenge gender biases and create a more inclusive and equitable society. By studying women's history, we can appreciate the role of figures like Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain, who paved the way for future generations and inspired movements for gender equality.
B. Who were the first women in East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) to attend a university?
Read the following excerpts in the boxes, and develop your idea of great women in Bangladesh:
Answer Question No. B
B. Who were the first women in East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) to attend a university?
The first women to attend a university in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) were largely from educated and progressive families that valued women's education despite societal restrictions. Some of the pioneering women in higher education were:
- Leila Nagib (Leila Mazid/Nagib) (1899–1970): One of the earliest Muslim women from Bengal to obtain a university degree. She was deeply involved in women's education and social reform.
- Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880–1932): Though she did not attend a university herself, she played a crucial role in advocating for women's higher education and laid the foundation for future generations.
- Latika Basu: One of the first Hindu women in Bengal to pursue higher education.
- Sufia Kamal (1911–1999): Although she did not attend university, she was a prominent figure in women's education and rights movements in Bangladesh.
The University of Dhaka, established in 1921, was the first university in East Bengal (now Bangladesh). It later became a center for women's higher education, enabling many women to pursue degrees and professional careers.
Leela Nag: First Female Student of the Department of English, Dhaka University
In 1921, Leela Nag (also known as Leela Roy for her marriage with Anil Chandra Roy, an Indian National Congress leader) was the first woman to be admitted to the M.A in English at the University of Dhaka. Breaking patriarchal barriers, Leela Nag established the identity of the Department of English from the very beginning as a platform for progressive and liberal ideas. Although her decision to join the Department of English was initially met with resistance, she achieved her goal with a special permission from the then Vice Chancellor Philip Hartog and fulfilled her dream of graduating from the University of Dhaka. In 1923, she was the first woman to receive an M.A. from the Department of English. But Leela Nag's legacy goes beyond the confines of classrooms. While she was a student, she formed the Dhaka Women's Committee and raised funds for the 1921 Bengal flood victims. She was actively involved in the empowerment of women in society. In 1923, she founded Deepali Sangha which served as a training institute for anti-colonial activists. Between 1927 and 1928, she established the first self-defense institute for girls in Bengal. Then, at the 1928 Calcutta Congress Session, she presented a paper on the history of women's movement in Bengal as a delegate, and by 1929. Leela Nag had successfully founded 12 free primary schools for girls. Apart from her contribution to women's emancipation, Leela consistently voiced her opinions in politics as well. She had been imprisoned on several occasions. When the Subcontinent was embroiled in turmoil during the Partition, Leela Nag set up camps for victims of Noakhali riots in 1946. and for abandoned women and refugees from East Bengal in 1947. In 1946, she was the only Bengali woman elected to the Constituent Assembly of Bengal.
Leela Nag broke the glass ceiling on so many levels that it is very difficult to limit her to being only a feminist. She fulfills all the criteria of citizen, rebel, reformer, social activist and a change agent. Looking at the other women who studied in the Department of English much later, we can trace these features of social activism in them as well.
"The texts in the boxes are selected and revised from an article written by Farhanaz Rabbani, Associate Professor at the Department of English of Dhaka University, published in the EDAS (English Department Alumni Society)
Chronicle in 2022. Though the women mentioned in the texts are pioneers in the field of English education in Bangladesh. their history is hardly known to us.
Here are some important words with their meanings in Bangla, along with synonyms and antonyms:
-
Education – শিক্ষা
- Synonym: Learning
- Antonym: Ignorance
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Economy – অর্থনীতি
- Synonym: Finance
- Antonym: Poverty
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Legacy – উত্তরাধিকার
- Synonym: Heritage
- Antonym: Dispossession
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Empowerment – ক্ষমতায়ন
- Synonym: Enablement
- Antonym: Oppression
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Activist – কর্মী
- Synonym: Advocate
- Antonym: Bystander
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Emancipation – মুক্তি
- Synonym: Liberation
- Antonym: Enslavement
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Resilience – সহনশীলতা
- Synonym: Endurance
- Antonym: Weakness
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Barrier – প্রতিবন্ধকতা
- Synonym: Obstacle
- Antonym: Access
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History – ইতিহাস
- Synonym: Chronicle
- Antonym: Myth
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Revolution – বিপ্লব
- Synonym: Uprising
- Antonym: Stagnation
- Equality – সমতা
- Synonym: Parity
- Antonym: Discrimination
- Opportunity – সুযোগ
- Synonym: Prospect
- Antonym: Misfortune
- Movement – আন্দোলন
- Synonym: Campaign
- Antonym: Stasis
- Leadership – নেতৃত্ব
- Synonym: Guidance
- Antonym: Subordination
- Reform – সংস্কার
- Synonym: Improvement
- Antonym: Deterioration
- Freedom – স্বাধীনতা
- Synonym: Liberty
- Antonym: Captivity
- University – বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়
- Synonym: Institution
- Antonym: None
- Struggle – সংগ্রাম
- Synonym: Effort
- Antonym: Ease
- Achievement – অর্জন
- Synonym: Accomplishment
- Antonym: Failure
- Rebel – বিদ্রোহী
- Synonym: Revolutionary
- Antonym: Conformist
- Contribution – অবদান
- Synonym: Donation
- Antonym: Withdrawal
- Resistance – প্রতিরোধ
- Synonym: Opposition
- Antonym: Surrender
- Determination – দৃঢ়তা
- Synonym: Resolve
- Antonym: Hesitation
- Persistence – স্থায়িত্ব
- Synonym: Perseverance
- Antonym: Inconstancy
- Courage – সাহস
- Synonym: Bravery
- Antonym: Cowardice
- Pioneer – পথপ্রদর্শক
- Synonym: Trailblazer
- Antonym: Follower
- Heritage – ঐতিহ্য
- Synonym: Legacy
- Antonym: Loss
- Struggle – লড়াই
- Synonym: Battle
- Antonym: Surrender
- Influence – প্রভাব
- Synonym: Impact
- Antonym: Insignificance
- Knowledge – জ্ঞান
- Synonym: Wisdom
- Antonym: Ignorance
- Suppression – দমন
- Synonym: Oppression
- Antonym: Encouragement
- Advancement – উন্নতি
- Synonym: Progress
- Antonym: Decline
- Perseverance – অধ্যবসায়
- Synonym: Persistence
- Antonym: Laziness
- Justice – ন্যায়বিচার
- Synonym: Fairness
- Antonym: Injustice
- Inspiration – অনুপ্রেরণা
- Synonym: Motivation
- Antonym: Discouragement
.
Line by line Bangla meaning of the passage
Leela Nag: First Female Student of the Department of English, Dhaka University
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In 1921, Leela Nag (also known as Leela Roy for her marriage with Anil Chandra Roy, an Indian National Congress leader) was the first woman to be admitted to the M.A in English at the University of Dhaka.
১৯২১ সালে, লীলা নাগ (বিবাহের পর যিনি লীলা রায় নামে পরিচিত হন, কারণ তিনি ভারতীয় জাতীয় কংগ্রেসের নেতা অনিল চন্দ্র রায়ের সঙ্গে বিবাহ বন্ধনে আবদ্ধ হন) ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের ইংরেজি বিভাগের এম.এ প্রোগ্রামে ভর্তি হওয়া প্রথম নারী ছিলেন। -
Breaking patriarchal barriers, Leela Nag established the identity of the Department of English from the very beginning as a platform for progressive and liberal ideas.
পিতৃতান্ত্রিক বাধা অতিক্রম করে, লীলা নাগ শুরু থেকেই ইংরেজি বিভাগের পরিচিতি একটি প্রগতিশীল ও উদার মতবাদের প্ল্যাটফর্ম হিসেবে প্রতিষ্ঠা করেন। -
Although her decision to join the Department of English was initially met with resistance, she achieved her goal with a special permission from the then Vice Chancellor Philip Hartog and fulfilled her dream of graduating from the University of Dhaka.
যদিও ইংরেজি বিভাগে ভর্তি হওয়ার সিদ্ধান্তটি প্রথমে প্রতিরোধের সম্মুখীন হয়, তিনি তখনকার উপাচার্য ফিলিপ হার্টগের বিশেষ অনুমতির মাধ্যমে তার লক্ষ্য অর্জন করেন এবং ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় থেকে স্নাতক সম্পন্ন করার স্বপ্ন পূরণ করেন। -
In 1923, she was the first woman to receive an M.A. from the Department of English.
১৯২৩ সালে, তিনি ইংরেজি বিভাগ থেকে এম.এ. ডিগ্রি অর্জনকারী প্রথম নারী হন। -
But Leela Nag's legacy goes beyond the confines of classrooms.
তবে লীলা নাগের অবদান কেবল শ্রেণিকক্ষের মধ্যেই সীমাবদ্ধ ছিল না। -
While she was a student, she formed the Dhaka Women's Committee and raised funds for the 1921 Bengal flood victims.
তিনি যখন শিক্ষার্থী ছিলেন, তখন তিনি ঢাকা উইমেনস কমিটি গঠন করেন এবং ১৯২১ সালের বাংলার বন্যা দুর্গতদের জন্য তহবিল সংগ্রহ করেন। -
She was actively involved in the empowerment of women in society.
তিনি সমাজে নারীদের ক্ষমতায়নে সক্রিয়ভাবে জড়িত ছিলেন। -
In 1923, she founded Deepali Sangha which served as a training institute for anti-colonial activists.
১৯২৩ সালে, তিনি দীপালি সংঘ প্রতিষ্ঠা করেন, যা ঔপনিবেশিক বিরোধী কর্মীদের জন্য একটি প্রশিক্ষণ কেন্দ্র হিসেবে কাজ করত। -
Between 1927 and 1928, she established the first self-defense institute for girls in Bengal.
১৯২৭ থেকে ১৯২৮ সালের মধ্যে, তিনি বাংলায় প্রথম মেয়েদের আত্মরক্ষার প্রশিক্ষণ কেন্দ্র প্রতিষ্ঠা করেন। -
Then, at the 1928 Calcutta Congress Session, she presented a paper on the history of women's movement in Bengal as a delegate, and by 1929, Leela Nag had successfully founded 12 free primary schools for girls.
এরপর, ১৯২৮ সালে কলকাতা কংগ্রেস অধিবেশনে, তিনি একজন প্রতিনিধি হিসেবে বাংলায় নারী আন্দোলনের ইতিহাস নিয়ে একটি প্রবন্ধ উপস্থাপন করেন এবং ১৯২৯ সালের মধ্যে তিনি সফলভাবে ১২টি বিনামূল্যের প্রাথমিক বিদ্যালয় প্রতিষ্ঠা করেন। -
Apart from her contribution to women's emancipation, Leela consistently voiced her opinions in politics as well.
নারীমুক্তির ক্ষেত্রে তার অবদানের পাশাপাশি, লীলা নাগ রাজনীতিতেও নিয়মিত তার মতামত প্রকাশ করতেন। -
She had been imprisoned on several occasions.
তিনি কয়েকবার কারাবরণ করেন। -
When the Subcontinent was embroiled in turmoil during the Partition, Leela Nag set up camps for victims of Noakhali riots in 1946, and for abandoned women and refugees from East Bengal in 1947.
দেশভাগের সময় যখন উপমহাদেশ অশান্তিতে নিমজ্জিত ছিল, তখন লীলা নাগ ১৯৪৬ সালে নোয়াখালির দাঙ্গার শিকারদের জন্য এবং ১৯৪৭ সালে পূর্ববঙ্গ থেকে আসা পরিত্যক্ত নারী ও শরণার্থীদের জন্য শিবির স্থাপন করেন। -
In 1946, she was the only Bengali woman elected to the Constituent Assembly of Bengal.
১৯৪৬ সালে, তিনি বাংলা প্রদেশের গণপরিষদে নির্বাচিত একমাত্র বাঙালি নারী ছিলেন। -
Leela Nag broke the glass ceiling on so many levels that it is very difficult to limit her to being only a feminist.
লীলা নাগ এত স্তরে সমাজের রুদ্ধদ্বার ভেঙেছিলেন যে, তাকে শুধুমাত্র একজন নারীবাদী হিসেবে সীমাবদ্ধ করা কঠিন। -
She fulfills all the criteria of citizen, rebel, reformer, social activist, and a change agent.
তিনি নাগরিক, বিদ্রোহী, সংস্কারক, সামাজিক কর্মী এবং পরিবর্তনের দূত—এই সব বৈশিষ্ট্য ধারণ করতেন। -
Looking at the other women who studied in the Department of English much later, we can trace these features of social activism in them as well.
পরবর্তী সময়ে ইংরেজি বিভাগে অধ্যয়ন করা অন্যান্য নারীদের দিকে তাকালে, আমরা তাদের মধ্যেও এই সামাজিক সক্রিয়তার বৈশিষ্ট্য খুঁজে পাই।
C. Now let us look at Nag's legacy in the following excerpt:
While Leela Nag made headlines during the 1947 Partition, Nadera Begum, another student of the Department of English, was making headlines in 1949. Coming from an affluent political family, Nadera Begum was a strong Marxist who was among the leading women rebels of her time. In 1949, she was expelled from the University of Dhaka for fighting for the rights of the fourth-class employees of the University. She was the only woman seen standing near Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during those protests. In Cheman Ara's article entitled "The Women who broke the barricades (published in The Daily Star, Feb 21, 2020), it is stated: "Names of Nadera Begum, Hamida Khatun, Nurjahan Murshid, Afsari Khanam, Ranu Mukherjee and Lili Haque also shine through in the history of the Language Movement." Nadera Begum was a shining example of the multigenerational feminism that was evident among the women both students and teachers of the Department of English. This is why, during the turnultuous 60s, soon after the Language Movement, we can find yet another woman as a valiant fighter against oppression. Razia Khan Amin, who joined as a faculty member of the department in 1962, showcased her activism through her writing and her cultural interests. She had completed her B.A. and M.A. in English from the Department of English, University of Dhaka and proceeded to do her M.A. in English from the University of Birmingham on a scholarship from the British Council. She was simultaneously an educationist, a theatre actor, a journalist, columnist, a poet, and a celebrated writer. Among the prestigious awards she received are the PEN Lay Writing Award (1956), the Pope Gold Medal (1957), Bangla Academy Literary Award (1975), Ekushey Padak (1997), and the Anannya Literature Award (2003).
Amin exposes the brutality of the 1971 Liberation War through stark images in her poems. In her poem, 'Argus Under Anaesthesia", she writes:
"A mother frenzied by the roar of mortars
Throttled her whining infant;
Its life for the life of millions"
In yet another poem, 'God in the Goblet', a melancholic tone addresses all the martyrs and the intellectuals who were mercilessly killed in 1971. References to "Muneer" the "playwright, pioneer". "Hyder the Tagore-scholar", "Fazle the Physician" and "the novelist Kaiser" form a tribute to the sacrifices of scholars of Bangladesh. Being a scholar herself, Amin had a unique approach to depicting the lives of women. In her poem "The Old Man and the Girl' she breaks the silence and speaks out against child marriage and sexual oppression.
Here are some important words with their meanings in Bangla, along with synonyms and antonyms:
-
Rebel – বিদ্রোহী
- Synonym: Revolutionary
- Antonym: Conformist
-
Expel – বহিষ্কার করা
- Synonym: Dismiss
- Antonym: Admit
-
Oppression – নিপীড়ন
- Synonym: Suppression
- Antonym: Liberation
-
Feminism – নারীবাদ
- Synonym: Women’s rights
- Antonym: Patriarchy
-
Activism – কর্মসূচি গ্রহণ
- Synonym: Advocacy
- Antonym: Passivity
-
Tumultuous – অশান্ত
- Synonym: Chaotic
- Antonym: Peaceful
-
Valiant – সাহসী
- Synonym: Brave
- Antonym: Cowardly
-
Oppression – দমন
- Synonym: Tyranny
- Antonym: Freedom
-
Faculty – অনুষদ
- Synonym: Department
- Antonym: Student body
-
Scholarship – বৃত্তি
- Synonym: Grant
- Antonym: Debt
- Prestigious – সম্মানজনক
- Synonym: Renowned
- Antonym: Ordinary
- Liberation – মুক্তি
- Synonym: Emancipation
- Antonym: Enslavement
- Brutality – নৃশংসতা
- Synonym: Cruelty
- Antonym: Kindness
- Frenzied – উন্মত্ত
- Synonym: Hysterical
- Antonym: Calm
- Mortar – কামান
- Synonym: Artillery
- Antonym: Shield
- Melancholic – বিষণ্ন
- Synonym: Sorrowful
- Antonym: Cheerful
- Martyr – শহীদ
- Synonym: Sacrificial hero
- Antonym: Survivor
- Intellectual – বুদ্ধিজীবী
- Synonym: Scholar
- Antonym: Ignorant
- Tribute – শ্রদ্ধাঞ্জলি
- Synonym: Homage
- Antonym: Insult
- Sacrifice – আত্মত্যাগ
- Synonym: Offering
- Antonym: Selfishness
- Depict – চিত্রিত করা
- Synonym: Portray
- Antonym: Conceal
- Silence – নীরবতা
- Synonym: Quietness
- Antonym: Noise
- Child Marriage – বাল্যবিবাহ
- Synonym: Underage wedlock
- Antonym: Adult marriage
- Oppression – নির্যাতন
- Synonym: Exploitation
- Antonym: Protection
- Poem – কবিতা
- Synonym: Verse
- Antonym: Prose
- Scholar – পণ্ডিত
- Synonym: Academic
- Antonym: Illiterate
- Justice – ন্যায়বিচার
- Synonym: Fairness
- Antonym: Injustice
- Tyranny – স্বৈরাচার
- Synonym: Dictatorship
- Antonym: Democracy
- Advocate – সমর্থক
- Synonym: Supporter
- Antonym: Opponent
- Resistance – প্রতিরোধ
- Synonym: Defiance
- Antonym: Submission
- Exile – নির্বাসন
- Synonym: Banishment
- Antonym: Homecoming
- Propaganda – প্রচার
- Synonym: Misinformation
- Antonym: Truth
- Autonomy – স্বায়ত্তশাসন
- Synonym: Independence
- Antonym: Dependence
- Freedom – স্বাধীনতা
- Synonym: Liberty
- Antonym: Captivity
- Struggle – সংগ্রাম
- Synonym: Battle
- Antonym: Surrender
Line by line Bangla meaning of the passage
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While Leela Nag made headlines during the 1947 Partition, Nadera Begum, another student of the Department of English, was making headlines in 1949.
১৯৪৭ সালের বিভাজনের সময় লীলা নাগ শিরোনামে উঠে এসেছিলেন, একইভাবে ১৯৪৯ সালে ইংরেজি বিভাগের আরেক ছাত্রী নাদেরা বেগম শিরোনাম হয়েছিলেন। -
Coming from an affluent political family, Nadera Begum was a strong Marxist who was among the leading women rebels of her time.
একটি সম্পন্ন রাজনৈতিক পরিবার থেকে আসা নাদেরা বেগম একজন দৃঢ় মার্কসবাদী ছিলেন, যিনি তাঁর সময়ের অন্যতম প্রধান নারী বিদ্রোহী ছিলেন। -
In 1949, she was expelled from the University of Dhaka for fighting for the rights of the fourth-class employees of the University.
১৯৪৯ সালে, ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের চতুর্থ শ্রেণির কর্মচারীদের অধিকারের জন্য লড়াই করার কারণে তাঁকে বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় থেকে বহিষ্কার করা হয়। -
She was the only woman seen standing near Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during those protests.
সেই প্রতিবাদগুলোর সময় শেখ মুজিবুর রহমানের পাশে দাঁড়ানো একমাত্র নারী ছিলেন তিনি। -
In Cheman Ara's article entitled "The Women who broke the barricades" (published in The Daily Star, Feb 21, 2020), it is stated:
চেমন আরার "দ্য উইমেন হু ব্রোক দ্য ব্যারিকেডস" শিরোনামের প্রবন্ধে (প্রকাশিত দ্য ডেইলি স্টার, ২১ ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২০) বলা হয়েছে: -
"Names of Nadera Begum, Hamida Khatun, Nurjahan Murshid, Afsari Khanam, Ranu Mukherjee, and Lili Haque also shine through in the history of the Language Movement."
"নাদেরা বেগম, হামিদা খাতুন, নূরজাহান মুরশিদ, আফসারি খানম, রাণু মুখার্জী এবং লিলি হকের নাম ভাষা আন্দোলনের ইতিহাসে উজ্জ্বল হয়ে আছে।" -
Nadera Begum was a shining example of the multigenerational feminism that was evident among the women both students and teachers of the Department of English.
নাদেরা বেগম ছিলেন বহু প্রজন্মব্যাপী নারীবাদের এক উজ্জ্বল উদাহরণ, যা ইংরেজি বিভাগের ছাত্র-শিক্ষকদের মধ্যে স্পষ্টভাবে বিদ্যমান ছিল। -
This is why, during the tumultuous 60s, soon after the Language Movement, we can find yet another woman as a valiant fighter against oppression.
এ কারণেই, ১৯৬০-এর দশকের উত্তাল সময়ে, ভাষা আন্দোলনের পরপরই, আমরা দমননীতির বিরুদ্ধে আরেকজন সাহসী নারীর সন্ধান পাই। -
Razia Khan Amin, who joined as a faculty member of the department in 1962, showcased her activism through her writing and her cultural interests.
১৯৬২ সালে বিভাগে শিক্ষক হিসেবে যোগ দেওয়া রাজিয়া খান আমিন তাঁর লেখালেখি এবং সাংস্কৃতিক আগ্রহের মাধ্যমে তাঁর সক্রিয়তা প্রকাশ করেছিলেন। -
She had completed her B.A. and M.A. in English from the Department of English, University of Dhaka, and proceeded to do her M.A. in English from the University of Birmingham on a scholarship from the British Council.
তিনি ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের ইংরেজি বিভাগ থেকে বি.এ. ও এম.এ. সম্পন্ন করেন এবং পরে ব্রিটিশ কাউন্সিলের বৃত্তিতে বার্মিংহাম বিশ্ববিদ্যালয় থেকে ইংরেজিতে এম.এ. করেন। -
She was simultaneously an educationist, a theatre actor, a journalist, columnist, a poet, and a celebrated writer.
তিনি একই সাথে একজন শিক্ষাবিদ, নাট্যশিল্পী, সাংবাদিক, কলামিস্ট, কবি এবং খ্যাতনামা লেখক ছিলেন। -
Among the prestigious awards she received are the PEN Lay Writing Award (1956), the Pope Gold Medal (1957), Bangla Academy Literary Award (1975), Ekushey Padak (1997), and the Anannya Literature Award (2003).
তিনি যে মর্যাদাপূর্ণ পুরস্কারগুলি লাভ করেছেন তার মধ্যে রয়েছে PEN লে রাইটিং অ্যাওয়ার্ড (১৯৫৬), পোপ গোল্ড মেডেল (১৯৫৭), বাংলা একাডেমি সাহিত্য পুরস্কার (১৯৭৫), একুশে পদক (১৯৯৭) এবং অনন্যা সাহিত্য পুরস্কার (২০০৩)। -
Amin exposes the brutality of the 1971 Liberation War through stark images in her poems.
আমিন তাঁর কবিতায় ১৯৭১ সালের মুক্তিযুদ্ধের নৃশংসতা তীব্র চিত্রের মাধ্যমে তুলে ধরেছেন। -
In her poem, 'Argus Under Anaesthesia", she writes:
তাঁর "আর্গাস আন্ডার অ্যানাস্থেসিয়া" কবিতায় তিনি লেখেন: -
"A mother frenzied by the roar of mortars
"মর্টারের গর্জনে উন্মত্ত এক মা -
Throttled her whining infant;
নিজের কাঁদতে থাকা শিশুটির গলা চেপে ধরেছিল; -
Its life for the life of millions."
লক্ষ লক্ষ মানুষের জীবনের বিনিময়ে তার জীবন।" -
In yet another poem, 'God in the Goblet', a melancholic tone addresses all the martyrs and the intellectuals who were mercilessly killed in 1971.
আরেকটি কবিতা 'গড ইন দ্য গবলেট'-এ বিষণ্ণ সুরে ১৯৭১ সালে নির্মমভাবে নিহত শহীদ এবং বুদ্ধিজীবীদের প্রতি শ্রদ্ধা জানানো হয়েছে। -
References to "Muneer" the "playwright, pioneer", "Hyder the Tagore-scholar", "Fazle the Physician" and "the novelist Kaiser" form a tribute to the sacrifices of scholars of Bangladesh.
"মুনীর" যিনি "নাট্যকার, পথপ্রদর্শক", "হায়দার" যিনি "রবীন্দ্র-গবেষক", "ফজলে" যিনি "চিকিৎসক" এবং "ঔপন্যাসিক কায়সার"-এর উল্লেখ বাংলাদেশের বিদ্বানদের আত্মত্যাগের প্রতি শ্রদ্ধা নিবেদন করে। -
Being a scholar herself, Amin had a unique approach to depicting the lives of women.
নিজেও একজন শিক্ষাবিদ হিসেবে, আমিন নারীদের জীবনচিত্র তুলে ধরতে এক অনন্য দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি গ্রহণ করেছিলেন। -
In her poem "The Old Man and the Girl" she breaks the silence and speaks out against child marriage and sexual oppression.
তাঁর "দ্য ওল্ড ম্যান অ্যান্ড দ্য গার্ল" কবিতায় তিনি নীরবতা ভেঙে শিশু বিবাহ ও যৌন নিপীড়নের বিরুদ্ধে সরব হয়েছেন।
E. Answer the following questions with the help of online references:
a. What do you mean by linear development?
b. What is feminism?
c. What is female psyche?
d. Do you think there is any difference between the male and female psyche?
Answer Question No. E
Here are the answers to the questions:
a. What do you mean by linear development?
Linear development refers to a structured, step-by-step progression where a process follows a predefined sequence of stages. In economic and social development theories, it often implies that societies or economies must pass through specific phases to achieve growth. For example, W.W. Rostow's model outlines five stages of economic growth, starting from a traditional society and ending with high mass consumption. This perspective assumes a predictable and sequential pathway to development (Linear and Non Linear Paradigms to development - Paradigms and theories go hand in hand to explain - Studocu) (Linear growth theories).
b. What is feminism?
Feminism is a social, political, and philosophical movement that advocates for gender equality and the rights of women. It challenges systemic discrimination, seeks to dismantle patriarchal structures, and promotes equal opportunities in all aspects of life, including education, work, and politics. Feminism has evolved through different waves, each addressing various social issues such as suffrage, reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, and intersectionality.
c. What is female psyche?
The female psyche refers to the psychological and emotional characteristics commonly associated with women. It is influenced by biological, social, and cultural factors. Some theories suggest that the female psyche tends to be more empathetic, nurturing, and community-oriented due to evolutionary and societal conditioning. However, modern psychology emphasizes that these traits are not exclusive to women and can vary widely among individuals.
d. Do you think there is any difference between the male and female psyche?
Yes, there are some differences, but they are shaped by both biological and societal influences. Studies suggest that male and female brains may function differently in areas like emotional processing, risk-taking, and communication. For instance, women often exhibit higher emotional intelligence and stronger social bonding tendencies, while men may be more prone to risk-taking behavior. However, these differences are not absolute and are greatly influenced by cultural norms, upbringing, and personal experiences. Many psychologists argue that gender differences in psychology are not rigid and should not be used to stereotype individuals.
Answer Question No. F
Here are the meanings of the given words:
- Activism: Active efforts or campaigns to bring about social, political, or environmental change.
- Affluent: Having a lot of wealth, property, or resources.
- Anti-colonial: Opposed to colonial rule or influence.
- Celebrated: Widely praised or honored for achievements.
- Change agent: A person who actively promotes and drives change in an organization or society.
- Citizen: A legally recognized member of a state or nation with rights and duties.
- Colonial: Relating to the period or system of control by one country over others, often involving exploitation.
- Columnist: A writer who regularly contributes articles or commentary to a publication.
- Confines: The boundaries or limits of a space or situation.
- Delegate: A person chosen or appointed to represent others in a meeting or event.
- Dynamic: Energetic, full of life, and constantly changing.
- Embroiled: Involved deeply in a conflict or difficult situation.
- Emancipation: The process of being freed from restrictions or oppression.
- Empowerment: Granting the power or authority to act and make decisions, especially for marginalized groups.
- Evident: Clearly seen or understood; obvious.
- Feminism: A movement or belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the genders, especially advocating for women’s rights.
- Frenzied: Wild, uncontrolled, or frantically intense in action or emotion.
- Goblet: A type of cup or glass, typically with a stem, used for drinking.
- Identity: The characteristics, traits, or qualities that define an individual or group.
- Liberal: Open to new behaviors or opinions, advocating for political or social reform and the protection of individual rights.
- Linear: Relating to or resembling a straight line; following a clear sequence or pattern.
- Melancholic: Expressing or feeling sadness or sorrow, often in a reflective or wistful way.
- Martyrs: Individuals who suffer or die for a cause, often religious or political.
- Mortars: Weapons used to fire shells at a high angle, or explosive shells fired by such weapons.
- Multigenerational: Involving or relating to more than one generation, often referring to family or societal structures.
- Oppression: The unjust or cruel treatment or control of people, often based on race, gender, or social class.
- Partition: The action of dividing a country or territory into separate parts, especially the division of British India into India and Pakistan in 1947.
- Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and dominate in roles of leadership, moral authority, and control of property.
- Prestigious: Respected or regarded with high esteem, often because of success or importance.
- Progressive: Advocating or favoring change, improvement, or reform, especially in social or political contexts.
- Protest: A public demonstration or action expressing strong disagreement or objection to something.
- Psyche: The human mind, including thoughts, feelings, and consciousness.
- Rebel: A person who resists authority or control, often through revolt or protest.
- Reformer: A person who seeks to improve society by making changes to its systems or laws.
- Resistance: The act of opposing or fighting against something, such as authority or change.
- Showcase: To display or present something in an attractive or prominent way.
- Stark: Severe or sharp in appearance, character, or contrast.
- Subcontinent: A large, distinct landmass that is part of a continent, often used to refer to the Indian subcontinent.
- Tumultuous: Involving a lot of disorder, confusion, or noise, often due to political or social unrest.
- Turmoil: A state of great confusion, disturbance, or uncertainty.
- Whining: Complaining in a high-pitched, annoying manner, often without a real reason.
- Throttled: To choke or suppress, often referring to control over something by force or restriction.
- Victims: People who suffer harm, loss, or injury due to others' actions or circumstances beyond their control.
G. Group work: Can you use any of the ten words from the list above to create a conversation between two students of Bangladesh? Present the conversation in the classroom after writing it.
Answer Question No. G
Certainly! Here's a classroom conversation between two students in Bangladesh using some of the words from the list:
Student 1:
"Hey, did you read the article about Nadera Begum? Her legacy is so powerful! She was one of the first women to challenge the establishment and fight for the rights of the fourth-class employees at the University of Dhaka."
Student 2:
"Yes, I did! It's amazing how she stood up for justice even when she knew it could cost her. She was expelled for her activism, but she never gave up. Her influence on the Language Movement was huge, too."
Student 1:
"Absolutely! It's people like her who inspire generations. It reminds me of Leela Nag, who also broke barriers in the 1920s by being the first woman in her department at Dhaka University. She wasn't just a student; she was a rebel and a reformer who fought for women’s rights, which paved the way for later activists."
Student 2:
"Right! Leela Nag’s leadership in the women’s movement made her a significant figure in the history of feminism in Bangladesh. It’s incredible how these women were both involved in education and social activism. By fighting for equality, they left a legacy that still resonates today."
Student 1:
"Exactly! And then you have someone like Razia Khan Amin, who, in the 60s and 70s, took activism to another level through her writings. Her poems from the Liberation War era expose the brutal oppression that took place. Her literary contributions still speak to the struggles of women and society."
Student 2:
"I know! Amin’s poem 'God in the Goblet' still haunts me. It’s such a powerful tribute to the martyrs and intellectuals who were killed during the war. Her work not only tackles social issues but also speaks out against the oppression of women, like in 'The Old Man and the Girl,' where she addresses child marriage and sexual abuse."
Student 1:
"Razia Khan Amin really showcased the intersection of literature and activism. I think that's why these women’s contributions are so important—they combined education with activism to create real change."
Student 2:
"Yes, and they laid the foundation for future generations. If we don't learn from their struggles, we can never truly appreciate the freedoms we have today. Their legacy is something we must keep alive."
Student 1:
"Absolutely! These women were all shining examples of resilience and courage. We should continue their work in our own ways."
This conversation uses the words legacy, influence, justice, activism, leadership, equality, oppression, education, reformer, and resilience to show the impact of women like Leela Nag, Nadera Begum, and Razia Khan Amin on the history of Bangladesh.
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