Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts

On the north bank of the Buriganga River at Waiz Ghat in Old Dhaka, an imposing two-storey white building amid green trees welcomes any visitor. The building houses the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, a pioneering institution in the country’s cultural arena. A large, framed photo of legendary dancer Bulbul Chowdhury _ after whom the Academy is named _ adorns the central auditorium. The main office of the institution is situated on the left side of the building.

Better known as BAFA, the Academy was established in 1955 with the purpose of promoting pure music and culture among the residents of Dhaka. This week, The Weekend Independent talks to officials, teachers, students and guardians regarding its historical journey, present activities and future plans.

Recalling the life and works of Bulbul Chowdhury, guitar guru Hasanur Rahman, who is the present president of BAFA, said: “In Bangladesh, the revolution of dance started with Bulbul Chowdhury, who was born on January 1, 1919, at Chunti village in Satkania, Chittagong. He is a pioneer of modern dance in this country. He was also good in writing and paintings. His full name is Rashid Ahmed Chowdhury, his nickname was Tunu. His father, Mohammad Azam Ullah Chowdhury, was an inspector of Bengal Police Service (during British colonial times). His mother was Mahfuja Khatun.”

“After passing matriculation, he completed his higher secondary from Presidency College and graduated from Scottish Church College in Kolkata (India). That was a milestone in his life. He took part as a dancer at a cultural function at Baker Hostel of Calcutta, where he met noted personalities like Fazlul Haque, Sarat Chandra Bose, Narayan Gangopadhyay and Narendranath Mitra. While living in Kolkata, he got together with the famous sarod player, Santosh Chandra, and noted dancers, Uday Shankar and Sadhana Bose. His love for dance became stronger in their company. At that time, he adopted the stage name Bulbul Chowdhury, to avoid stigma in a conservative Muslim society,” Rahman said.

“In 1936, he got the opportunity to appear on stage for the first time, and he performed a Tagore dance drama with Sadhana Bose. He came to Dhaka with his cultural troupe to perform at a programme on January 1, 1940, when World War II was going on. He then returned to Kolkata. Later, he went back to his home district of Chittagong and started working with various institutions from 1943 to 1947. In 1949, he was given the status of Nrityacharya, or ‘National Dance Artiste’. His reputation spread home and abroad. Several articles were published on his achievements in various newspapers,” he added.

“He performed dance at different places from 1950 to 1952 in Pakistan. The following year, he went to different countries, including Great Britain, Ireland, Holland, Belgium and France, to perform with his troupe. He had been suffering from stomach aches, but continued to dance in that condition. Later on, it was discovered that he had cancer. When his physical condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital in Kolkata. He took his last breath on May 17, 1954, at the age of only 35 years,” Rahman continued.

“Dancer Bulbul Chowdhury had a dream of establishing an academy to practise contemporary Bengali culture. But he could not see his dream become a reality in his lifetime. On May 28, 1954, a meeting was held in his memory at Curzon Hall of Dhaka University, chaired by noted writer and politician Abul Mansur Ahmed. In that meeting, it was decided to set up a cultural institution in his memory and continue the work of the talented cultural exponent. A 40-member committee was formed under Mahmud Nurul Huda to implement the decision. Huda, a political and cultural activist, played a leading role in implementing his dream. Bulbul Chowdhury’s widow, Afroza Bulbul, founded BAFA, which was the first institution for teaching dance and music in then East Bengal (later East Pakistan and now Bangladesh). In the context of the 1960s, it was difficult to practise dance because the conservative Muslim Bengali society of that time did not approve of it. So, the Academy had to face great difficulties from the very beginning,” the BAFA chairman said.

“An English indigo businessman named James Wise (Waiz) constructed this building in the 19th Century. The building had been lying abandoned for a long time. When the Academy was established, the then district authorities allotted the building to it. Since then, Bulbul Academy has been here. Now, the main building is in dilapidated condition and requires urgent renovation,” he added.

“Two persons connected to the establishment of the Academy are still alive. They are Ajit Sanyl and Anisuzzaman. The Academy has seven departments, including vocals (classical), Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, dance (contemporary and classical), folk song, recitation and painting. It also conducts classes on Hawaiian guitar, flute and violin. It also offers four-year courses on Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and folk music,” Rahman said. “We have six branches, including the main office at Waiz Ghat in Old Town. The other branches are at Mayakanon at Kamalapur School and College, Ali Hossain High School at Shankar in Dhanmondi, Shahid Memorial High School at No 11 Bus Stop Road in Mirpur, Holy Crescent School and College at Banasree, and Uttara Wais College in Uttara. Currently, more than 2,000 students are studying in the six branches. We arrange cultural programmes on the birth anniversary of Bulbul Chowdhury.”

Shahid Kabir, teacher of Nazrul Sangeet at the Academy, said: “After completing a four-year course from this Academy, I joined as a teacher in 2010. From then on, I have been teaching students at our Dhanmandi and Waiz ghat branches. I love this institution from the bottom of my heart.”

About promoting the Academy, Kabir said: “Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts has been doing superior work for creating talented artistes for a long since. But still, its activities are limited in the capital. I think the time has come to establish branches in all districts, so people will be able to get access to the services of this historical institution.”  

Anik Bose, a senior dance teacher at the Academy who has been teaching for 22 years, said: “Before joining this Academy, I was a student here. It was near our residence, so my parents brought me here to learn dancing. From my childhood, I had a great passion for dancing. I used to come first in any competitive cultural programme organised by the Academy. I had to wait for Fridays, as there were only two classes at the weekend. At present, many students are coming to us, despite their huge academic pressure. My students are well established at home and abroad. A few days back, along with eight of my students, I visited the USA to attend a programme at the Bangladesh Embassy there. For Bulbul Academy, I am now a popular dancer. So, I always think about improvements at the academy.”

About the interest of students, who can enrol from the age of four, to study at BAFA, radio and television artiste Krishna Acharjee, who is also vice-principal of the Academy’s Kamalapur branch, said: “I have been teaching Najrul Sangeet for 30 years at the Academy. The number of students is now 400, including all the departments, and it is increasing day by day. There are many institutions that copy the name of our Academy. But after finding the real Bulbul Academy, parents prefer to send their children to us.”

“My students are doing well in Nazrul Sangeet now. During my long teaching career, I had the opportunity to come in close contact with noted Nazrul Sangeet singers like Taslima Begum Mita, Nasir Khan and late Sudin Das. I want to continue my work with this great institution in the field of art and culture,” Acharjee added.

Aparajita Rita is a third-year student of Najrul Sangeet department at BAFA. About her experience as a student of the Academy, Rita said: “I am thankful to our teachers. They are helpful to us. I have visited other cultural academies, but the teachers there are not like ours. Bulbul Academy gives importance on written exams and the examinee must get good marks for viva voce. The Academy also arranges annual competitions at its main branch in Waiz Ghat where students get the opportunity to participate.”

Shahnaz Begum, mother of Adiba Hasan, 12, who is a student of Nazrul Sangeet at the Academy’s Mirpur branch, said: “I am very satisfied with the services of this academy. Mainly, the teachers are guiding our children properly. Moreover, the inter-branch competitions held at Waiz Ghat give our kids the chance to face challenges. My daughter has come first several times. I wish she would be with this renowned Academy for a long time.”

About plans to expand its activities in the future, Khandakar Khairuzzaman Qayyum, principal of Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, said: “Of course, we have a plan to expand our services. But for lack of qualified teachers, we are facing problems doing that. Actually, we want to maintain the quality of the Academy. If we get enough qualified teachers, we will take the initiative to establish new branches of our Academy. Now, we see there are so many institutions using the name of Bulbul. So, we request students and guardians to visit our website, www.bafabdonline.com, to get proper information.” n

Photos: Courtesy, Internet.

Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts

On the north bank of the Buriganga River at Waiz Ghat in Old Dhaka, an imposing two-storey white building amid green trees welcomes any visitor. The building houses the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, a pioneering institution in the countrys cultural arena. A large, framed photo of legendary dancer Bulbul Chowdhury _ after whom the Academy is named _ adorns the central auditorium. The main office of the institution is situated on the left side of the building. Better known as BAFA, the Academy was established in 1955 with the purpose of promoting pure music and culture among the residents of Dhaka. This week, The Weekend Independent talks to officials, teachers, students and guardians regarding its historical journey, present activities and future plans. Recalling the life and works of Bulbul Chowdhury, guitar guru Hasanur Rahman, who is the present president of BAFA, said: In Bangladesh, the revolution of dance started with Bulbul Chowdhury, who was born on January 1, 1919, at Chunti village in Satkania, Chittagong. He is a pioneer of modern dance in this country. He was also good in writing and paintings. His full name is Rashid Ahmed Chowdhury, his nickname was Tunu. His father, Mohammad Azam Ullah Chowdhury, was an inspector of Bengal Police Service (during British colonial times). His mother was Mahfuja Khatun. After passing matriculation, he completed his higher secondary from Presidency College and graduated from Scottish Church College in Kolkata (India). That was a milestone in his life. He took part as a dancer at a cultural function at Baker Hostel of Calcutta, where he met noted personalities like Fazlul Haque, Sarat Chandra Bose, Narayan Gangopadhyay and Narendranath Mitra. While living in Kolkata, he got together with the famous sarod player, Santosh Chandra, and noted dancers, Uday Shankar and Sadhana Bose. His love for dance became stronger in their company. At that time, he adopted the stage name Bulbul Chowdhury, to avoid stigma in a conservative Muslim society, Rahman said. In 1936, he got the opportunity to appear on stage for the first time, and he performed a Tagore dance drama with Sadhana Bose. He came to Dhaka with his cultural troupe to perform at a programme on January 1, 1940, when World War II was going on. He then returned to Kolkata. Later, he went back to his home district of Chittagong and started working with various institutions from 1943 to 1947. In 1949, he was given the status of Nrityacharya, or National Dance Artiste. His reputation spread home and abroad. Several articles were published on his achievements in various newspapers, he added. He performed dance at different places from 1950 to 1952 in Pakistan. The following year, he went to different countries, including Great Britain, Ireland, Holland, Belgium and France, to perform with his troupe. He had been suffering from stomach aches, but continued to dance in that condition. Later on, it was discovered that he had cancer. When his physical condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital in Kolkata. He took his last breath on May 17, 1954, at the age of only 35 years, Rahman continued. Dancer Bulbul Chowdhury had a dream of establishing an academy to practise contemporary Bengali culture. But he could not see his dream become a reality in his lifetime. On May 28, 1954, a meeting was held in his memory at Curzon Hall of Dhaka University, chaired by noted writer and politician Abul Mansur Ahmed. In that meeting, it was decided to set up a cultural institution in his memory and continue the work of the talented cultural exponent. A 40-member committee was formed under Mahmud Nurul Huda to implement the decision. Huda, a political and cultural activist, played a leading role in implementing his dream. Bulbul Chowdhurys widow, Afroza Bulbul, founded BAFA, which was the first institution for teaching dance and music in then East Bengal (later East Pakistan and now Bangladesh). In the context of the 1960s, it was difficult to practise dance because the conservative Muslim Bengali society of that time did not approve of it. So, the Academy had to face great difficulties from the very beginning, the BAFA chairman said. An English indigo businessman named James Wise (Waiz) constructed this building in the 19th Century. The building had been lying abandoned for a long time. When the Academy was established, the then district authorities allotted the building to it. Since then, Bulbul Academy has been here. Now, the main building is in dilapidated condition and requires urgent renovation, he added. Two persons connected to the establishment of the Academy are still alive. They are Ajit Sanyl and Anisuzzaman. The Academy has seven departments, including vocals (classical), Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, dance (contemporary and classical), folk song, recitation and painting. It also conducts classes on Hawaiian guitar, flute and violin. It also offers four-year courses on Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and folk music, Rahman said. We have six branches, including the main office at Waiz Ghat in Old Town. The other branches are at Mayakanon at Kamalapur School and College, Ali Hossain High School at Shankar in Dhanmondi, Shahid Memorial High School at No 11 Bus Stop Road in Mirpur, Holy Crescent School and College at Banasree, and Uttara Wais College in Uttara. Currently, more than 2,000 students are studying in the six branches. We arrange cultural programmes on the birth anniversary of Bulbul Chowdhury. Shahid Kabir, teacher of Nazrul Sangeet at the Academy, said: After completing a four-year course from this Academy, I joined as a teacher in 2010. From then on, I have been teaching students at our Dhanmandi and Waiz ghat branches. I love this institution from the bottom of my heart. About promoting the Academy, Kabir said: Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts has been doing superior work for creating talented artistes for a long since. But still, its activities are limited in the capital. I think the time has come to establish branches in all districts, so people will be able to get access to the services of this historical institution. Anik Bose, a senior dance teacher at the Academy who has been teaching for 22 years, said: Before joining this Academy, I was a student here. It was near our residence, so my parents brought me here to learn dancing. From my childhood, I had a great passion for dancing. I used to come first in any competitive cultural programme organised by the Academy. I had to wait for Fridays, as there were only two classes at the weekend. At present, many students are coming to us, despite their huge academic pressure. My students are well established at home and abroad. A few days back, along with eight of my students, I visited the USA to attend a programme at the Bangladesh Embassy there. For Bulbul Academy, I am now a popular dancer. So, I always think about improvements at the academy. About the interest of students, who can enrol from the age of four, to study at BAFA, radio and television artiste Krishna Acharjee, who is also vice-principal of the Academys Kamalapur branch, said: I have been teaching Najrul Sangeet for 30 years at the Academy. The number of students is now 400, including all the departments, and it is increasing day by day. There are many institutions that copy the name of our Academy. But after finding the real Bulbul Academy, parents prefer to send their children to us. My students are doing well in Nazrul Sangeet now. During my long teaching career, I had the opportunity to come in close contact with noted Nazrul Sangeet singers like Taslima Begum Mita, Nasir Khan and late Sudin Das. I want to continue my work with this great institution in the field of art and culture, Acharjee added. Aparajita Rita is a third-year student of Najrul Sangeet department at BAFA. About her experience as a student of the Academy, Rita said: I am thankful to our teachers. They are helpful to us. I have visited other cultural academies, but the teachers there are not like ours. Bulbul Academy gives importance on written exams and the examinee must get good marks for viva voce. The Academy also arranges annual competitions at its main branch in Waiz Ghat where students get the opportunity to participate. Shahnaz Begum, mother of Adiba Hasan, 12, who is a student of Nazrul Sangeet at the Academys Mirpur branch, said: I am very satisfied with the services of this academy. Mainly, the teachers are guiding our children properly. Moreover, the inter-branch competitions held at Waiz Ghat give our kids the chance to face challenges. My daughter has come first several times. I wish she would be with this renowned Academy for a long time. About plans to expand its activities in the future, Khandakar Khairuzzaman Qayyum, principal of Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, said: Of course, we have a plan to expand our services. But for lack of qualified teachers, we are facing problems doing that. Actually, we want to maintain the quality of the Academy. If we get enough qualified teachers, we will take the initiative to establish new branches of our Academy. Now, we see there are so many institutions using the name of Bulbul. So, we request students and guardians to visit our website, www.bafabdonline.com, to get proper information. n Photos: Courtesy, Internet.