Fathers, Daughters, and the Green Legacy of Srimangal

Srimangal, the tea capital of Bangladesh, stands as a town unlike any other—an exquisite fusion of nature, culture, and history. Carpeted in endless shades of green, its rolling tea gardens, rivers, lakes, forests, and wetlands have long captivated the senses. Yet Srimangal is more than a picturesque upazila (sub-district); in spirit and in promise, it rivals many of Bangladesh’s divisional cities. Administratively, however, it remains bound within the limits of an upazila—an oversight that surely deserves reconsideration.

Amid its lush hills and tranquil landscapes lie hidden narratives—stories of legacy, love, and humanity. Recently, two such tales have resurfaced, revealing something deeply moving: the profound, almost sacred affection daughters so often hold for their fathers.

Two of Srimangal’s most distinguished sons—educationist, philanthropist and political figure Khirad Bihari Dev Chowdhury, and former Member of Parliament and Mayor of Srimangal Municipality Mohammad Ahad Miah—each left indelible marks on the region’s history. Khirad Bihari Dev Chowdhury was active from the British colonial period through the eras of Pakistan and Bangladesh, passing away in the 1990s. Mohammad Ahad Miah, a popular leader of the post-independence generation, rose to prominence in the 1980s and passed away in the early years of the 21st century.

Their names might have faded with time, were it not for the devotion of their daughters.

Uttama Dev Chowdhury, daughter of Khirad Bihari Dev Chowdhury, and Dr Nahar Tani, youngest daughter of Mohammad Ahad Miah, have both undertaken remarkable efforts to preserve their fathers’ memories. Through careful documentation and heartfelt recollections, they have revived their legacies. In their voices, gestures, and expressions, one finds not merely filial love, but reverence—a bond as much spiritual as familial.

During the British period, Radhanath Dev Chowdhury was a prominent zamindar and astute entrepreneur of Srimangal. His estates extended across Bhubirbag in Nabiganj, and he famously purchased 178 bighas of hilly land in Dolucherra, where he established a new settlement—later named Radhanagar.

Today, Radhanagar has evolved into a thriving economic hub, far beyond what its founder could have envisioned. Though much of the ancestral land was sold or lost over time, the name Radhanagar endures—carrying with it the legacy of Radhanath’s vision, enterprise, and foresight, now recognised even at an international level.

Radhanath Dev Chowdhury’s business interests stretched from Kolkata to Britain. With 57 agency houses under his control, he was among the highest taxpayers in Assam and Bengal during the colonial period. His commercial ventures extended throughout Srimangal, Tripura and Assam, while his philanthropy brought education and welfare to countless lives. He passed away on 1 February 1958.

His son, Khirad Bihari Dev Chowdhury, followed in his father’s footsteps, dedicating his life to social reform, education, and public welfare. He served as an elected representative of Srimangal Municipality and contributed generously to the development of local schools and civic institutions. The land on which the Radhanath Cinema Hall now stands—near the Deowan Brothers area of Srimangal—was purchased by him. He passed away on 10 September 1995.

Both father and son were instrumental in shaping the educational landscape of the region. Radhanath established Chandranath Primary School and Dinmoyee Girls’ High School (now Srimangal Girls’ High School) in memory of his parents. His son, Khirad Bihari, founded Radhanath Primary School—now Birampur Primary School—to honour his father’s legacy.

Regrettably, many of these historic names have since been altered—victims of narrow-minded decisions that betray a lack of respect for history and gratitude.

In the British era, Zamindar Radhanath Dev Chowdhury’s purchase of 178 bighas of land in Dolucherra laid the foundation of Radhanagar. As the feudal system gave way to enterprise, the area flourished economically, aided by family expansion and trade networks reaching Assam, Tripura, and Bengal.

Under the stewardship of his son, Khirad Bihari Dev Chowdhury, the legacy deepened—education, philanthropy, and civic engagement turned Radhanagar into a model of progress. Today, Radhanagar stands as the commercial heart of Srimangal, a vibrant confluence of heritage and modernity—a symbol of what thoughtful leadership can achieve.

Former Mayor and Member of Parliament Mohammad Ahad Miah was a self-made man—a rare example of a leader who rose through sheer integrity and dedication. From ward commissioner to MP to municipal mayor, his career embodied both democratic trust and administrative skill. A successful businessman as well, his influence extended far beyond politics into the socio-economic life of Srimangal.

Born into modest circumstances, he earned the love and loyalty of the people through honesty and tireless service. His landslide victory in the 1990s national elections remains testament to his popularity. Later, as Mayor, he reaffirmed that a leader’s greatest strength lies in the confidence of the people he serves.

His wife, Mrs Ahad, came from an educated and cultured family. Her father was a teacher, and her brother, Sarowar Ahmed, a noted journalist in Moulvibazar. Surrounded by such intellectual influences, she was deeply committed to her children’s education and moral development. Inspired by her husband’s ideals, she devoted herself to nurturing her family with discipline and integrity.

Mohammad Ahad Miah passed away on 8 November 2021.

His youngest daughter, Dr Nahar Tani, now residing in England, has meticulously preserved her father’s legacy—his birth records, photographs, and political archives. Her voice often trembles with emotion when she says: “My father was not only mine; he was the guardian of the people of Srimangal.”

The stories of these two daughters converge upon a universal truth: daughters often love their fathers with a depth that defies time and distance. To them, the father is not merely a protector, but a source of inspiration—an enduring symbol of strength and compassion. Through memory and remembrance, they keep their fathers alive—just as Srimangal keeps alive its beauty, humanity, and soul.

The stories of these two families are not merely local histories—they are reflections of a timeless emotional truth. The love between father and daughter transcends generations, geography, and circumstance.

In preserving their fathers’ names and ideals, Uttama Dev Chowdhury and Dr Nahar Tani have rekindled more than family memory—they have revived a vital part of Srimangal’s cultural identity.

And as Srimangal continues to flourish—ever green, ever gracious—it carries forward the enduring legacies of Khirad Bihari Dev Chowdhury, Radhanath Dev Chowdhury, and Mohammad Ahad Miah: men whose vision, philanthropy, and leadership continue to inspire the heart of this remarkable town.