In Memory of National Professor and Sociologist Dr. Rangalal Sen

In origin and development of any branch of science, arts, literature, law and ethics, morals and beliefs, we usually find the contribution of some scholars as cornerstones. Although these are visibly influenced with some historical events, geographical realities, cultural transformations, political issues and social necessities, great men,in fact, play key role behind all inventions. In the case of Sociology as a branch of knowledge, German philosopher August Comte (1798-1857) first thought of a separate discipline for introduction, research and analysis of all socio-cultural phenomenon scientifically, which is considered in learned societies as the inevitable consequence of the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution.

 Later eminent scholars like Karl Marx (1818-1883), Herbert Spencer (1820-1903),Emile Durkheim (1858-1917), and Max Weber (1864-1920) adorned the discipline in achieving a competitive, effective and praiseworthy worldwide position. In Indian sub-continent, Govind Sadashiv Ghurye (1893-1983) and Binoy Kumar Sarkar (1887-1949) institutionally commenced the study of Sociology as a special branch of knowledge in the beginning of 20th century in Mumbai University and Kolkata University respectively. Under the tradition, in Bangladesh, Sociology has come to an existence institutionally in 1957 in Dhaka University with the scholarly initiative mainly by A K Nazmul Karim (1922-1982); and,until now the thinkers and researchers, who are more advanced in sociological studies and investigations in Bangladesh, a name is insuperable with Dr. Karim, he is Rangalal Sen (1933-2014).

Comes of a gentle family of  village Trailokhyabijoy of MoulvibazarSadar, Rangalal Sen started his service life as an assistant teacher in a primary school. He was very meritorious from his infancy and by dint of merit no barriers could interrupt his higher education and research. As a student of Sociology Department (1959-63) of Dhaka University, he was successful to attract attentions of his learned teachers. After obtaining his degrees (stood 1st both in Hon’s and Masters), he first joined to the BUET as a lecturer. He joined to Dhaka University just after one year and spent his whole service life with the institution except four years (1973-77) staying in the University of Sussex, UK for doing his Ph. D. program.

Except a devoted, careful and popular teacher, Dr. Sen was famous for his creative activities on sociological perspectives. His books and articles are honoured by literary societies in the country and abroad; some of his books are: Middle Class, Elites, Civil Society and other Essays, 2 vols. (2011), BangladesherMuktijuiddhe Dhaka O Kolkata BiswabidyloyerObodan (jointly, 2009), ParibartanshilSamaj: Bharat, Pakistan O Bangladesh (translation from Dr. Karim-jointly, 2008), Civil Society (2003), Bangladesh O Dhaka Biswabidyaloy (2003), Samajbijnan (translation from Samuel Koenig, 2002), Samajkathamo:Punjibad O Samajtantra (1997), Political Elites in Bangladesh- Ph. D. thesis (1986), Jyotirmoy Guhathakurta Smarakgrantha (edited jointly, 1986),  A K Nazmul Karim Smarakgrantha (edited jointly, 1984) etc.

Dr. Sen was appointed as ‘Information Officer’ in our glorious Liberation War in Shilong (Meghaloy, India) office. Here he played an important role in making inter-connections with fighters, volunteers, leaders and organizations formed to strengthen streams of Liberation War. As a distinguished scholar, he was associated with some prestigious and learned bodies with name and fame like Bangladesh Sociological Association, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Asiatic Society, Bangladesh ItihasParishad, Bangladesh College-University Teachers Association, Communist Party of Bangladesh, BangabandhuParishad, Sher-E-Bangla SmritiParishad, Jalalabad Students Welfare Foundation etc.

As a very simple and modest one, he was known to all as a ‘good man’ irrespective of ideologies and political platforms. A large number of teachers, students, officers and well-wishers including Ministers, secretaries, VC and Pro-VC of DU were present in the ‘guard of honour’to his dead body in the front of  Aporajeyo Bangla and JatiyoShahidMinar.He was a strong activist and supporter of progressive, pro-liberation and secular forces for his whole life; it is also to be mentioned in the context that Dr. Sen never changed his ideological and moral position even in some fearful and critical conditions. The Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh nominated him as a ‘National Professor’ in June, 2011.

Had been suffering from kidney disease and other old-age ailments, he passed away on the 10th February, 2014 at the age of 81. He left his wife, two daughters and one son, and a large number of professional colleagues, students, followers, relatives, well-wishers and readers.Rangalal Sen departed, but his morality and honesty shall be remembered for a long period.


Babul Chandra Sutradhar
is a human rights activist,
former student of Sociology
(1988-1994), Dhaka University.