A Monumental Work at Risk: Why Mobasher Ali, Chief editor of the History of Comilla District Must Be Preserved

"A nation that forgets its history has no future." Let us preserve Greater Cumilla’s legacy for generations to come.

Reviving the Legacy of History of Comilla District: A Call for Reprintings an emerging wake up call. The book History of Comilla District, chief editor was Mobasher Ali, is a monumental joint research work that meticulously documents the historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage of Greater Cumilla, including the districts of Chandpur and Brahmanbaria. The book History of Comilla District stands as a enormous research work that meticulously documents the historical, archaeological, and cultural heritage of Greater Cumilla, encompassing the districts of Chandpur and Brahmanbaria. More than just a collection of facts and narratives, this book serves as a testament to the region's extraordinary civilizational legacy, which spans ancient trade empires, medieval prosperity, colonial-era banking revolutions, and post-independence rural development miracles. It captures how Greater Cumilla emerged as a vibrant cultural and economic hub throughout various historical epochs.

A Rich Tapestry of History

An Ancient Economic Powerhouse

The excavations at Mainamati reveal Cumilla's pivotal role as a 7th to 12th century CE Buddhist commercial hub. This area was a vital link in the network of trade routes connecting Bengal to Southeast Asia. Shalban Vihara, with its magnificent stupas and monastic architecture, functioned not only as a spiritual center but also as an economic node in the Silk Road network. Artifacts uncovered during excavations show evidence of trade in textiles, spices, and precious stones, establishing Cumilla as an integral part of ancient economic exchanges.

Medieval Center of Learning & Governance

During the reign of the Chandra dynasty, Cumilla served as a capital fostering groundbreaking advances in Nath literature. This period saw the flourishing of scholarship, with numerous texts being produced that would shape regional literature and philosophy. Furthermore, Mughal-era revenue records highlight Cumilla’s agrarian surplus, which significantly contributed to Bengal's overall economy. The region's governance structures during this time were instrumental in maintaining order and ensuring prosperity, laying the groundwork for future administrative systems.

Colonial Banking Pioneer

The book intricately details how 19th-century Cumilla became the birthplace of indigenous banking. The establishment of the first rural credit systems marked a significant transformation in financial practices, allowing farmers to access funds for cultivation and trade. This tradition directly inspired BARD (Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development) and its revolutionary creditfinance models under Dr. Akhter Hameed Khan, which proved that grassroots financial solutions could empower communities and foster sustainable development.

Textile & Trade Epicenter

From the anti-colonial resistance of the Khadi movement to the dominance of jute trade in the East Pakistan era, Cumilla's handlooms and agricultural markets have driven regional prosperity. The Khadi movement not only symbolized resistance against colonial oppression but also laid the foundation for a sustainable fashion industry that is increasingly relevant today. The intertwining of historical narratives with contemporary economic models can inspire future generations to innovate while honoring their heritage.

Modern Rural Development Laboratory

BARD's Comilla Model transformed global development theory, demonstrating how cooperative farming, local governance through Thana Training Centers, and women's empowerment could lift entire regions out of poverty. This model serves as a blueprint for modern development initiatives, providing lessons that are desperately needed today in various contexts worldwide.

Why This Reprint Matters Now More Than Ever

Economic Revival

Reprinting this monumental work is not merely an act of cultural preservation; it is an investment in the economic revival of the region. The book's documentation of Cumilla's historic economic models could inspire:

Revival of Khadi: The sustainable fashion industry can find its roots in the revival of the Khadi movement, creating jobs and promoting ethical practices.

Archaeological Tourism: With Mainamati as a focal point, a well-developed archaeological tourism sector could generate over 5,000 jobs, boosting local economies.

Agri-Tech Startups: The cooperative principles established by BARD can be applied to modern agri-tech startups, fostering innovation and sustainability.

Social Cohesion

By reclaiming narratives of Hindu-Buddhist-Muslim syncretism found in Nath literature and shared sacrifices during the liberation war, the reprint can play a crucial role in countering radicalization. It can foster social cohesion and unity among the diverse communities within Greater Cumilla.

Policy Roadmap

The success of the Comilla Model in rural banking, local governance, and agricultural extension services provides a viable policy roadmap for modern governance. The principles established within the book can guide future policymakers in addressing contemporary issues.

Intergenerational Justice

Failure to reprint this book risks the permanent loss of valuable oral histories, particularly from veterans of the Language Movement. Additionally, the commercial exploitation of archaeological sites without proper context could distort Cumilla's role in Bangladesh's creation and heritage. This would be an injustice not only to those who fought for the region’s history but also to future generations who deserve to inherit a complete understanding of their past.

A 5-Point Action Plan for Legacy Revival

1. Immediate Digital Archiving

Partner with Dhaka University's History Department to create a searchable online edition of the book. This would make the content accessible to a broader audience, ensuring that its insights are not lost to time.

2. Curriculum Integration

By embedding this knowledge into educational curricula particularly in the region, future generations can learn about their rich heritage.

3. Living History Projects

BARD can establish a "Comilla Model Museum" that utilizes the book's content to create engaging exhibits. Additionally, workshops for historic loom locations, connecting the past to present practices.

4. International Collaboration

Work towards UNESCO recognition for the Mainamati-Shalban area as an extended heritage zone. Collaborate with the World Bank to fund archaeological preservation projects that ensure these sites are protected for future study.

5. Posthumous Honors

Advocate for the Independence Award to be conferred posthumously to Mobasher Ali for his lifetime of contributions. Consider renaming restarting Comilla Airport as "Mobasher Ali History Terminal" to honor his legacy.

Call to Leadership

We challenge various stakeholders to act:

Government: Declare this initiative a "National Priority Publication" to emphasize its importance.

Bangladesh Bank: Allocate CSR funds from all scheduled banks to support the reprinting effort.

Expatriates: Encourage Cumilla expatriates in the Middle east, USA and UK to match government funding, thereby strengthening ties with the diasporic community.

This is not just about printing pages; it's about reclaiming the economic philosophies, governance wisdom, and cultural confidence that once made Greater Cumilla the standard-bearer for Bengal's prosperity. The time to act is now, before living memory fades and bulldozers erase the last physical traces of our golden age.

"History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul." Let Mobasher Ali's work relight Cumilla's path to glory.

Key Stakeholders for Reprinting History of Comilla District

Stakeholder Entity	Primary Role	Specific Actions Required
Deputy Commissioner, Cumilla	Lead Implementation Authority	- Form steering committee - Coordinate inter-departmental efforts - Monitor progress
Ministry of Cultural Affairs	National Funding & Policy Support	- Allocate special heritage preservation fund - Recommend for Independence Award
Bangla Academy	Academic Reprint & Distribution	- Quality control of reprinted edition - National library distribution network
Shilpakala Academy	Cultural Outreach	- Organize launch events - Exhibition integration
Cumilla Zilla Parishad	Local Budget Allocation	- Approve 20% of project cost - Municipal library procurement
Corporate Sponsors (PRAN, Square)	CSR Funding Partners	- Minimum 50,000 copy sponsorship - Employee awareness programs
Comilla University	Academic Validation	- Curriculum integration - Research symposiums
Cumilla Press Club	Media Advocacy	- Monthly progress coverage - Investigative reports on heritage neglect
Cumilla Foundation	Grassroots Mobilization	- Youth volunteer teams - Crowdfunding campaigns
Archaeology Department	Content Verification	- Validate Mainamati/Shalban data - Site preservation recommendations
Post & Telecommunications	Special Edition Stamps	- Commemorative stamp series - Postal distribution network
Bangladesh Bank	Historical Banking Legacy	- Finance Khadi revival projects - Sponsor economic history chapters

Enhanced Call to Action with Timeline

1. Immediate (0-3 Months)
   • DC Office to form Cumilla Heritage Preservation Taskforce
   • Ministry to issue preliminary funding sanction
2. Short-Term (3-6 Months)
   • Corporate sponsors to sign MOUs
   • Bangla Academy to begin proofreading
3. Mid-Term (6-12 Months)
   • First reprinted edition launch
   • Posthumous award process initiated
4. Long-Term (1-3 Years)
   • 100% school/library penetration
   • Cumilla Airport memorial installation

"The pillars of tomorrow's prosperity are built with the stones of yesterday's wisdom."

Writer: Professor, Department of Economics, Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, Corresponding author