PABNA — The ancestral home of Bande Ali Mia, a renowned poet and children’s writer, has fallen into disrepair. Located in Radhanagar-Narayanpur, Pabna district, the 118-year-old house is now overgrown with grass and weeds.
The once-vibrant home, set on six bighas of land, is now in a state of decay. The building’s windows and doors are damaged, and plants have overrun many parts, including the rooftops, making it uninhabitable.
Bande Ali Mia, born on January 17, 1906, in Radhanagar-Narayanpur, significantly contributed to Bengali literature with his poems, essays, rhymes, and children’s novels. Despite a challenging life of poverty, he worked for Rajshahi Betar Kendra and became known for his insightful depictions of rural Bengal.
During a recent visit, the poet’s children shared their struggles. Among his three daughters and six sons, only Ramizul Islam, 62, and two daughters, Dilruba Begum, 67, and Afroza Begum, 68, are still alive. They face financial difficulties and have attempted to sell the property online due to their financial strain.
Following the sale announcement, officials from the Archaeology Department visited the house and discussed preservation options with the family. Afroza Begum confirmed that the department has offered to preserve the house as an archaeological site, and the family has agreed.
A local committee, the “Kabi Bande Ali Mia Saran Parishad,” was established to honor the poet’s legacy. Dr. Mohammad Habibullah, the committee’s convener and a professor at Pabna Science and Technology University, emphasized the importance of preserving the poet’s heritage and ensuring that his memory remains alive.
Bande Ali Mia’s academic achievements include matriculating from Majumdar Academy in 1923 and graduating from the Calcutta Art Academy with first division honors. He was a prominent figure in Kolkata’s literary circles and maintained connections with poets Kazi Nazrul Islam and Rabindranath Tagore.
His works, including notable books like “Mainamati Char,” “Anurag,” and “Chor Jaai,” have been influential. His first poetry book was published in 1927, and he continued to write prolifically until his migration to East Pakistan after the 1947 partition. He joined Dhaka Betar in 1964 and later worked with Rajshahi Betar until his death.