Unit Five: Youthful Achievers

Lesson 1: Sheikh Kamal: Life of an Achiever

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A. Look at the photograph below and note down what you know about the person except what is written in the right column. Then work in pairs/groups and share the information.

 

Sheikh Kamal’s biography:

• Born: 5 August 1949
• Died: 15 August 1975
• Father: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
• Mother: Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib
• Siblings:
  • Sheikh Hasina
  • Sheikh Jamal
  • Sheikh Rehana
  • Sheikh Russel
• Spouse: Sultana Kamal

 

Answer: 

 

Additional Information to Note:

• Sheikh Kamal was the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh.
• He was a prominent figure in the sports and cultural arenas of Bangladesh.
• Sheikh Kamal was involved in various initiatives such as founding Dhaka Theatre, Spondon Shilpi Gosthi, and Abahani Krira Chakra.
• He played a significant role in the Bangladesh Liberation War, serving as the ADC of General Ataul Goni Osmani.
• He was known for his involvement in sports like basketball and cricket and was also a passionate musician.

This additional information highlights his contributions to both cultural and political life in Bangladesh.

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B. Read the text on Sheikh Kamal highlighting different aspects of his life. Then answer the questions that follow.

 

Sheikh Kamal, the eldest son of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Fazilatunnesa Mujib, was born in Tungipara in Gopalganj district. He spent his childhood there. Kamal received his secondary education at Dhaka’s BAF Shaheen School, from where he passed his SSC examination. He was then admitted to Dhaka College, and after his HSC examination, he became a student at the Department of Sociology of Dhaka University.

Kamal had a colorful life marked by liveliness and creativity. Besides his academic studies, he also pursued his passion for sports and cultural activities. He was a first division basketball and cricket player as well as a sports organizer. He was also interested in classical music and became a student of Chhayanaut to learn the Sitar under the tutelage of Ustad Ful Mohammad. Apart from the Sitar, Kamal had a passion for the Piano. He had a good collection of musical instruments on the second floor of their house at Dhanmondi, Road no. 32.

It is well known to his friends that Sheikh Kamal used to begin his day practicing the Sitar and during the day played basketball, football, or cricket. In the evening, he was often seen on stage rehearsing a play. He took part in the stage performance of “Kabar,” written by prominent playwright Shaheed Munir Chowdhury. Kamal was one of the founders of Dhaka Theatre. He was also a founder of Spondon Shilpi Gosthi—a cultural organization. And who doesn’t know that Sheikh Kamal was the founder of Abahani Krira Chakra, which introduced modern football in our country?

There are interesting traits in Kamal’s character. He was the eldest son of a Prime Minister and later of a President, yet his life was very simple. He didn’t take any advantage of his father’s name and office. As he loved to spend time with his friends at Tungipara in his childhood, he loved to do the same during his college and university days. Watching good movies with them in Madhumita, Naz, or Balaka cinema hall was also something that he really liked.

Sheikh Kamal knew that there is no shortcut to success. He groomed himself up as a young man who earned success by dint of perseverance and commitment. When the Pakistan military began its genocide in Bangladesh, he joined the liberation war and received military training at Camp Murtee, located at the Himalayan foothills in India. This tall young man, who carried himself with dignity and possessed remarkable traits of leadership, became the ADC of General Ataul Goni Osmani, the Commander in Chief of Bangladesh Armed Forces during the liberation war.

After independence, Sheikh Kamal could have easily remained in the Bangladesh Army and led a secure life, but he preferred to engage himself in nation-building and organizing the youth for that purpose. Journalist Syed Ishtiaq Reza, in one of his columns “Ekjon Sheikh Kamal” in Bangla Tribune, rightly says that the unique qualities of Sheikh Kamal’s character, especially his wholehearted involvement in sports and culture, are never seen in any son or daughter of any President, Prime Minister, or high officials in Bangladesh.

It is unfortunate that just after 10 days of his 26th birthday and only a month after his marriage with Sultana Kamal, a Dhaka University Blue in athletics, his life was cut short by a group of cowardly killers. Both he and his wife, along with Bangabandhu, Bangamata, and most members of their family, were assassinated.

Answer the following questions:

1. Make a list of Sheikh Kamal’s involvement in sports and culture.
2. What traits of youth spirit do you find in Sheikh Kamal’s character?
3. What qualities of Sheikh Kamal’s character does journalist Syed Ishtiaq Reza mention in his article?
4. How did Sheikh Kamal become an inseparable part of our liberation war?

Answer:

• Make a list of Sheikh Kamal’s involvement in sports and culture:
  • Sports:
    • Played basketball and cricket at a first-division level.
    • Was a sports organizer and founder of Abahani Krira Chakra, which introduced modern football in Bangladesh.
  • Culture:
    • Was a student of classical music and learned Sitar under Ustad Ful Mohammad.
    • Had a passion for Piano and collected musical instruments.
    • Participated in stage performances, including a play called “Kabar” by Shaheed Munir Chowdhury.
    • Was a founder of Dhaka Theatre and Spondon Shilpi Gosthi, cultural organizations promoting arts and theatre.
• What traits of youth spirit do you find in Sheikh Kamal’s character?
  • Creativity and Passion: Sheikh Kamal was involved in various creative activities, including music, theatre, and sports, showcasing his vibrant and creative spirit.
  • Leadership and Dedication: His role in founding cultural organizations and his dedication to sports and arts reflect his leadership qualities and commitment to improving his community.
  • Perseverance: Despite being the son of a prominent leader, he pursued his interests and contributed significantly to cultural and sports fields.
• What qualities of Sheikh Kamal’s character does journalist Syed Ishtiaq Reza mention in his article?
  • Whole-Hearted Involvement: Syed Ishtiaq Reza notes Sheikh Kamal’s unique qualities, particularly his full engagement in sports and culture, which were not commonly seen in the children of high officials or leaders in Bangladesh.
  • Simplicity and Integrity: Kamal’s life was marked by simplicity and he did not exploit his father’s position for personal gain. His character was described as dignified and genuine.
• How did Sheikh Kamal become an inseparable part of our liberation war?
  • Military Training and Leadership Role: Sheikh Kamal joined the liberation war and received military training at Camp Murtee in India. He served as the ADC (Aide-de-camp) to General Ataul Goni Osmani, the Commander in Chief of the Bangladesh Armed Forces.
  • Commitment to the Cause: His involvement in the liberation war demonstrated his commitment to the independence of Bangladesh and his readiness to contribute significantly to the country’s struggle for freedom.

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D. Make a timeline of Sheikh Kamal’s achievements in life.

 

Answer:

Timeline of Sheikh Kamal’s Achievements

1. 5 August 1949: Birth
   • Born in Tangipara, Gopalganj district, Bangladesh, to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib.
2. 1960s: Early Education and Interests
   • Primary and Secondary Education: Attended local schools in Tangipara and later Dhaka’s BAF Shaheen School.
   • Secondary Education: Passed SSC examination with notable performance.
   • Higher Secondary Education: Enrolled at Dhaka College, where he excelled in his studies and extracurricular activities.
3. 1968: University Education
   • Enrollment at Dhaka University: Joined the Department of Sociology at Dhaka University.
   • Cultural Activities: Pursued interests in music and drama; became a student of classical music, learning Sitar under Ustad Ful Mohammad. Developed a strong passion for both music and theatre.
4. Late 1960s – Early 1970s: Sports and Cultural Contributions
   • Sports: Excelled as a first-division player in basketball and cricket. Organized and promoted sports activities and events.
   • Cultural Contributions:
     • Participated in stage performances, including the play “Kabar” by Shaheed Munir Chowdhury.
     • Co-founded Dhaka Theatre and Spondon Shilpi Gosthi, contributing significantly to the cultural and artistic landscape of Bangladesh.
     • Established Abahani Krira Chakra, which played a key role in modernizing football in Bangladesh.
5. March 1971: Involvement in Liberation War
   • Military Training: Joined the liberation war against Pakistani forces. Received training at Camp Murtee, located in the Himalayan foothills in India.
   • Leadership Role: Appointed as the ADC (Aide-de-camp) to General Ataul Goni Osmani, the Commander in Chief of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, showcasing his leadership and commitment to the liberation cause.
6. 1971 – 1975: Post-Independence Activities
   • Nation Building: Focused on contributing to the nation-building process post-independence. Despite opportunities for a secure life in the Bangladesh Army, he chose to engage actively in the development of the country and its youth.
7. 15 August 1975: Assassination
   • Tragic Death: Sheikh Kamal, along with his wife Sultana Kamal and most members of his family, was assassinated by a group of coup plotters. His death occurred just 10 days after his 26th birthday and a month after his marriage.

Summary

Sheikh Kamal’s life was characterized by a blend of academic excellence, active participation in sports and cultural activities, and a deep commitment to the liberation and development of Bangladesh. His achievements reflect a legacy of leadership, creativity, and dedication that had a profound impact on his country.

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D. If you had a chance to interview Sheikh Kamal, what question would you have asked him?

 

Answer: