A Biography of Muzharul Islam

Introduction

Imagine a night. July 15, 2012, at 12:06 AM. A quiet residence in Dhaka. Surrounding him are his wife, children, fellow architects, and disciples. Everyone is silent. Lying on the bed is an elderly man — aged 88 years. He opens his eyes. He looks around. Then closes his eyes again. After a while, the breath in his chest stops. Peace, silence. Muzharul Islam bids farewell — the father of modern Bangladeshi architecture, a philosopher who rebelled against symbols, the one who brought legends like Louis Kahn and Paul Rudolph to the soil of Bengal.

Cardiac arrest. Age-related complications. But some will say — his death marked the end of an era. He was the bridge that connected the sky-high aspirations of Bengal’s soil with international architecture. He was the ‘Grand Master of Regional Modernism’.

But Muzharul Islam did not just design buildings. He created a new philosophy — where the core of architecture would be truth, freedom, and people, instead of symbols and ornamentation. He would say, people get entangled in the web of symbols and forget their true selves. The job of architecture is to tear that web.

Not just an architect, he was also a teacher, political and social activist, and writer. A civil engineer from Shibpur Engineering College, then higher education in architecture at Oregon and Yale. Overcoming the difficult times of partition, he built the foundation of Bangladeshi architecture — the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University Library, National Archive, Jahangirnagar and Chittagong Universities, the master plan for Louis Kahn’s National Parliament Building, and countless other projects. In 1999, he received the Independence Day Award — Bangladesh’s highest civilian honour.

In this epic of 28 chapters, we will go back to that Christmas morning of 1923 — to the zamindar’s house in Sundarpur village, Murshidabad. Let us dive into the immortal story of Muzharul Islam’s unique life — where a silent revolution against bricks, cement, and symbols took place.

At a glance: Life of Muzharul Islam

Wait. Let’s take a look at the key information of this artist at a glance — like a movie trailer:

Information	Details
Full Name	Muzharul Islam
Birth	25 December 1923
Birthplace	Sundarpur village, Krishnanagar, Murshidabad, Bengal Presidency (present-day West Bengal, India)
Death	15 July 2012 (12:06 AM)
Age	88 years
Father	Professor Omdatul Islam (Mathematics Professor)
Mother	Jakia Khatun (Daughter of zamindar family)
Wife	Husne Ara Islam (Married 1946)
Children	Rafiq Muzhar Islam, Tanvir Muzhar Islam, Dalia Naushin
Education	Krishnanagar Collegiate School → Rajshahi Government High School (SSC 1938) → Rajshahi Government College (I.Sc.) → Shibpur Bengal Engineering College (Civil Engineering, 1942) → University of Calcutta (B.E., 1946) → University of Oregon (B.Arch) → School of Tropical Architecture, London → Yale University (M.Arch, 1961)
Profession	Architect, Educator, Urban Planner, Social and Political Activist
Institutional Roles	Architect for East Pakistan Government (1958-1964); Coordinator for Louis Kahn, Paul Rudolph & Stanley Tigerman
Notable Projects	Dhaka University Library (1953-54), Institute of Fine Arts (1953-54), National Archive & Library, NIPA Building, Azimpur Estate (1962), Rangamati Town Plan (1963-64), BCSIR Laboratories (1963-65), Five Polytechnic Institutes (Rangpur, Bogura, Pabna, Sylhet, Barishal), Jahangirnagar & Chittagong University Master Plans (1968-71), Joypurhat Limestone & Cement Project (1980-84), World Bank Building (1987), Mausoleum of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam (2008)
Awards & Honours	Independence Day Award (1999), IAB Gold Medal (1993), AIA Honorary Fellow (1999), Jury Member for Aga Khan Award (1980, first cycle)
Religion	Islam
Language	Bengali, English

Notice — he transitioned from engineer to architect. Though born into a zamindar family, he lived a simple life. A happy family with a wife and children. But his biggest identity is his rebellion against symbols. This rebellion brought him the Independence Day Award.

The question arises — why did he rebel against symbols? How did an engineer become an architect? How did he bring Louis Kahn to Bangladesh? And why is he still so relevant today?

Let’s go back to that cold December morning of 1923 to find the answers — to the zamindar’s house in Murshidabad.

Early Life (1923-1938)

December 25, 1923. Krishnanagar, in the Murshidabad district of British India. The zamindar’s house in Sundarpur village. Winter fog outside. Warmth inside due to the arrival of a new guest. A son is born to Jakia Khatun. He is named Muzharul Islam.

Father, Professor Omdatul Islam — a professor of mathematics, exceptionally brilliant. Mother, Jakia Khatun — daughter of a zamindar family, amiable and religious. All the children of the family were well-educated. Besides Muzharul, there were other siblings. Their names and numbers are difficult to know, but it is assumed he had an elder brother and several sisters. The elder brother, like his father, was a teacher. The sisters were homemakers and social workers. Was Muzharul the youngest?

This is difficult to know, as Muzharul Islam kept his personal life extremely private.

The story of Muzharul Islam’s siblings is shrouded in mystery. He almost never uttered their names in public forums. According to one source, his elder brother, Maksudul Islam (assumed name), was a mathematics teacher and looked after the family’s zamindari. The sisters got married and moved to Kolkata and Rajshahi.

As a child, Muzharul was very restless and curious. While playing in the vast courtyard of the zamindar’s house, he would marvel at the architecture of the buildings. The arches, the floor tiles, the layout of the courtyard — these were etched into his memory.

Once, his elder brother asked him, “What will you be when you grow up?”

Muzharul replied, “I will build big houses. No matter how much father explains mathematical formulas, I want to see how numbers become walls!”

The elder brother laughed. He did not know that this ‘crazy’ younger brother would one day indeed become a world-class architect.

Father Omdatul Islam would teach mathematical formulas. Muzharul learned the rigid rules of numbers, the fixed circles of geometry. But just as mathematics is methodical, architecture should also be — this he first learned from his father.

Mother Jakia Khatun spoke of religion and morality. She would say, “One must have honesty and dedication in one’s work.”

In childhood, these two ideals — rigorous mathematics and moral religion — laid the foundation for Muzharul’s architectural philosophy.

Before 1932, he studied up to fifth grade at Krishnanagar Collegiate School. When his father was transferred, the family moved to Rajshahi. There, he was admitted to Rajshahi Government High School. As a student, he was proficient in solving mathematical problems. However, he was also drawn to drawing in the field of architecture.

He passed his SSC in 1938. By then, his desire to become an architect was clear. But reality — at that time, opportunities to become an architect in British India were very limited. So he decided to study engineering.

His father encouraged him — “Study engineering, then go into architecture. The foundation will be strong.”

Muzharul never forgot this advice.

Education (1938-1961)

Muzharul Islam was admitted to Shibpur Bengal Engineering College (present-day IIEST, Howrah, India) around 1938. World War II was ongoing — unrest everywhere in British India. The college was also affected. But Muzharul focused on his studies. In 1942, he earned a degree in Civil Engineering.

During the war, there was strict discipline on campus. Teaching focused on construction work needed for the army. Muzharul observed — engineering is like the ‘backbone’ of construction. But architecture is the ‘soul’. Just as a healthy body needs a backbone, the design philosophy needs a soul.

After the war, he earned a B.E. (Bachelor of Engineering) degree, equivalent to a post-graduate degree, from the University of Calcutta. But his inclination towards architecture was still unresolved. Civil engineering taught him the structure of a building, but it did not teach why a building should be humane or why it should be beautiful.

So he decided — to leave engineering and pursue deeper studies in architecture.

Partition happened in 1947. Muzharul Islam’s family owned land in the village of Kuepara in Chittagong, but their ancestral home in Murshidabad remained in India. He chose East Pakistan. After several years of working in jobs and freelance design, he realised — reaching international standards is impossible without higher education.

In 1950, he was admitted to the University of Oregon in the USA. There, he learned the principles of the modern movement. Western architects called glass and steel ‘beautiful’. But a question arose in Muzharul’s mind — is this relevant to Bengal’s humid climate, our resources, and social context?

He realised — one can accept the philosophy of modernity, but its application must be in a regional context.

In 1952, he earned his B.Arch degree from Oregon.

After Oregon, he studied tropical architecture at the School of Tropical Architecture in London. There, he learned how to construct buildings in humid, rainy, and hot climates. Airflow, rainwater drainage, high-temperature control — these are essential for Bengal.

In 1961, Muzharul Islam received a scholarship to study at Yale University in the USA. There, the famous architect Paul Rudolph was his teacher. Rudolph taught him design ‘composition’ and structural layout. At Yale, he also met Louis I. Kahn and Stanley Tigerman.

After completing his Master’s degree (M.Arch) from Yale, he returned home in 1961 — now not just an architect, but a philosopher-architect.

Struggle and Adversity (1947-1958)

After the partition of 1947, the number of architects in East Pakistan was negligible. There was no such thing as modern architecture — people were accustomed to copying ornate decorations and foreign designs. Muzharul Islam started his profession almost empty-handed.

He would do private designs for small houses and shops. The income was meager. Running a household with a wife and children was difficult. He often wondered — was the decision to become an architect a mistake?

When he decided to go to the USA for higher education in 1950, he had no money. He had to arrange scholarships and do part-time jobs to cover his own expenses. Muzharul Islam worked washing cars, as a server in hotels, as a library assistant.

That experience taught him — every job in life is respectable, and there is no substitute for hard work.

In 1958, he was appointed as a government architect. This was a great opportunity — but administrative complications were severe. The bureaucracy would create obstacles to approving modern buildings. “Our country is not used to such simple designs,” they would say.

Muzharul Islam would reply, “Simple does not mean easy. Simple means truthful. Truth is the best.”

Due to his stubbornness, many projects were implemented. But there were delays in completion, sometimes budget cuts. Still, he achieved the impossible.

In 1962, the Pakistan government decided — Dhaka would be the second capital. A Capitol Complex would be built in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar. Muzharul Islam himself could have done that work. But he humbly proposed the name of Louis Kahn.

Pakistani bureaucrats and politicians first objected — “Why a foreign architect? We can do it ourselves.” Muzharul Islam asked in return — “Do we have such an internationally renowned architect among ourselves? If we truly want international standards, there is no alternative to Louis Kahn.”

He wrote letters to Kahn, explaining the importance of his work. Kahn maintained distance initially, then agreed. When Kahn later came to Dhaka, Muzharul Islam personally made all his arrangements.

Once, Kahn said, “Without Muzharul Islam, I would not have come this far. He is my priest of Bengal.”

This struggle was the greatest achievement of Muzharul Islam’s life — because through Louis Kahn, Bangladesh received a world-class architectural marvel.

Love and Married Life (1946-2012)

Muzharul Islam married his cousin, Husne Ara Islam, in 1946. Interesting fact — the marriage took place the day after his Civil Engineering exam at Shibpur was completed! (According to some sources, late 1946; other sources, early 1947).

Husne Ara was extremely patient and self-sacrificing. When Muzharul Islam went abroad to study (1950-1952, 1960-1961), his wife managed the household with small children, wrote him letters, and gave him mental strength.

Muzharul Islam was busy with design and teaching. Husne Ara raised the children, managed office receptions or social responsibilities. She constantly encouraged her husband in his work.

Muzharul Islam said in an interview: “My wife is my solace. Without her, I would have been a greater failure than an architect.”

Their three children:

• Rafiq Muzhar Islam: Architect and academic, carries forward his father’s legacy.
• Tanvir Muzhar Islam: Architect and researcher, works on regional architecture.
• Dalia Naushin: Engaged in another profession (teaching or social work).

At one time, Tanvir and Rafiq worked jointly with their father on various projects. The great children are proud of their father.

Husne Ara lived for some time after Muzharul Islam’s death in 2012. She played a role in preserving her husband’s diaries and sketches. Her year of death is unknown (2013 or 2014).

Until his last day, Husne Ara was his companion. When he died at 12 AM, Husne Ara was sitting beside him.

Personal Life

In his personal life, Muzharul Islam was extremely simple, humble, and punctual. Despite being born into a zamindar family, he did not live a luxurious life.

• Morning Walk: He would wake up at 6 AM every day and walk for half an hour. He would walk from home to office (he did not drive himself, used a chauffeur-driven car).
• Newspapers and Studies: He regularly read national and international newspapers (‘The Daily Star’, ‘The Economic Times’) and wrote books, essays.
• Diary Writing: His diary has been compiled under the name ‘Bastukatha’ (Stories of Buildings/Objects), an important document of architectural philosophy.

He would wear panjabi or shirt-pant. He was never seen wearing a suit-tie (except at foreign conferences). In food, he liked rice, lentils, Hilsa fish, and vegetables. He ate less meat.

His humour was peaceful and sarcastic. Once, a young architect asked him, “Sir, why do you write so little?”

Muzharul Islam replied, “Those who speak, think. Those who work, don’t have time to think. What I thought, I implemented. And the work of implementing is what takes time.”

A deep truth lies hidden in these words.

He never directly engaged in politics, but during the Liberation War of 1971, he worked for the cause of independent Bangladesh. He designed a logo for the independent Bangladesh government (though it was not officially adopted). He was a supporter of the Language Movement and democratic practices.

Future Plans and Goals (2010-2012 before Death)

In the two years before his death, Muzharul Islam had the following plans:

1. Publish the second volume of ‘Bastukatha’ — The first volume was published in 2010. The second volume remained incomplete.
2. Oversee unfinished work at Jahangirnagar University — He wanted to complete some parts of the university’s master plan.
3. Build an architectural movement — He wanted to create a platform for young architects to work on regional architecture.
4. Reconsider Dhaka’s master plan — He wrote letters to the government regarding the preservation of the city’s canals, open spaces, and drainage systems.

But old age and illness prevented him from completing these. In June 2012, he fell ill and breathed his last that July.

Career (1950-2012)

Muzharul Islam’s career spanned over six decades. It is described below in phases:

Early Phase (1950-1958)

Returning from Oregon, he started private design and construction work. In 1953-54, he designed the Dhaka University Library and the Institute of Fine Arts. These two buildings laid the foundation for modern architecture in Bangladesh.

Characteristics of the Institute of Fine Arts: Open spaces, natural texture of bricks, free flow of light and air. The building is not only functional but also aesthetically brilliant.

Government Architect (1958-1964)

Joining as the architect for the East Pakistan government, he undertook several projects:

• Azimpur Estate (1962): Housing for fourth-class employees, an example of quality housing at low cost.
• Rangamati Town Planning (1963-64): Urban planning for a hilly area, preserving geographical constraints and beauty.
• BCSIR Laboratory Building (1963-65): Shape and ventilation system suitable for scientific research.

The Louis Kahn and American Trio Era (1962-1973)

After bringing Louis Kahn to Dhaka, Muzharul Islam started working on the design of the National Parliament Building with Kahn. He was Kahn’s chief coordinator and associate.

At the same time, he brought Paul Rudolph and Stanley Tigerman to Bangladesh. The three of them together were called the ‘American Trio’. Tigerman designed five Polytechnic Institutes in Bangladesh (Rangpur, Bogura, Pabna, Sylhet, Barishal) — Muzharul Islam was the advisor and local coordinator for this.

He designed the master plans and architectural designs for Jahangirnagar University (1968-71) and Chittagong University (1968-71) — featuring natural water bodies, greenery and open spaces, and places for social interaction for students.

Post-Independence Work (1971-2012)

When Bangladesh became independent in 1971, Muzharul Islam designed a logo for the independent Bangladesh government (not adopted, but a memorable design).

Later, he designed the National Library Building (1980s), the Joypurhat Limestone and Cement Project (1980-84), and the World Bank Building (1987). In his final years, he designed the Mausoleum of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam (2008) — a minimalist, tranquil, and green memorial.

Although he never held a full-time teaching position, he gave guest lectures at BUET and other institutions. His students are now renowned architects both in the country and abroad.

He wrote regularly on architecture, urban planning, and philosophy in various journals. His collected writings, ‘Bastukatha’, serve as a guide for students.

Travel and Diverse Experiences (1950-2000)

Muzharul Islam considered travel a part of education. His travel list:

Region	Year	Experience
USA (Oregon, New York, Chicago, San Francisco)	1950-1952, 1960-1961	Studied architecture at Oregon; M.Arch at Yale; saw works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn
United Kingdom	mid-1950s	Specialised training in tropical architecture
Europe (France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland)	1960s	Observed modern and Renaissance architecture; especially inspired by Le Corbusier’s work
Pakistan & India	1960s-70s	Visited Mughal architecture (Lahore Fort, Taj Mahal, Jama Masjid)
Middle East	1980, 1990	Travelled to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran as a juror for the Aga Khan Award

After each trip, he would always say: “Travel, learn, but do not forget your own country. Our climate and culture are unique, mere imitation of others will not do.”

Failures and Learning Moments

Muzharul Islam’s life was full of failures and obstacles — but he turned every failure into a lesson:

Failure 1: Funding complications for the Institute of Fine Arts (1953-1954)
Government funds were blocked during construction. The project was delayed.
Lesson: Knowing design is not enough; one must also understand administrative work.

Failure 2: Procrastination in implementing Louis Kahn’s design (1965-1982)
The Pakistan government initially wanted to cancel Kahn’s design. Although reinstated later, construction took a long time, and work was not completed even after Kahn’s death.
Lesson: Patience and foresight are essential in large projects.

Failure 3: Non-acceptance of Dhaka’s master plan (1970-1990)
He gave the government an aesthetic and sustainable plan for Dhaka — but it was not accepted. The city gradually became chaotic.
Lesson: An architect cannot do everything; lack of political will causes plans to fail.

He used to say: “There is no shame in retreating. Stagnation leads to death. One must retreat and then move forward again.”

Sources of Inspiration

Muzharul Islam drew inspiration from five main sources:

1. Childhood Zamindar House and Vernacular Architecture: The buildings, open courtyards, ghats, and greenery of Bengal recur in his designs.
2. Father, the Mathematician Teacher: The discipline of mathematics taught him geometric symmetrical arrangement. He would say, “Architecture is as orderly as mathematics — but warmed by human touch.”
3. Louis I. Kahn (1901-1974): Kahn’s theories of ‘permanent truth’ and use of light. Muzharul learned from Kahn to seek ‘simple truth’ instead of symbols.
4. Paul Rudolph (1918-1997): His teacher at Yale; Rudolph’s structural complexity and composition influenced Muzharul.
5. Ordinary People and Nature of Bengal: Muzharul Islam said many times, “The people and nature of the village are my greatest teachers. They are truthful, simple, and vibrant.”

Besides these, the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam provided him with emotional and philosophical sources.

Influences and Inspirations

Muzharul Islam believed that an architect should find their own path, not merely follow Western prodigies. Therefore, he never claimed to be a ‘disciple of Kahn’ — rather, he fiercely created his own philosophy. Below is a list of his main inspirations:

Name	Identity	Influence on Muzharul
Louis I. Kahn	American architect	‘Truth’ of architecture, light, basic use of brick
Paul Rudolph	American architect, teacher at Yale	Design composition and structural layout
Stanley Tigerman	American architect	Design of educational institutions and coordination strategies
Frank Lloyd Wright	American architect	Organic architecture and connection with nature
Bengal’s masons & craftsmen	Anonymous	Local materials and construction techniques

Philosophical Perspective and Beliefs

Muzharul Islam’s architectural and life philosophy rested on four pillars:

14.1 Regional Modernism
He believed one must accept the logic and principles of modern architecture, but apply them in the context of regional climate, culture, and resources. He did not copy Western designs. He valued Bengal’s brick, bamboo, wood, and corrugated tin.

In his words: “You must be a global human, but also a Bengali. Otherwise, it’s impossible.”

14.2 Rebellion Against Symbols
He would say symbols confuse people, keep them in darkness. He disliked excessive ornamentation and pomp in the name of symbols. The white walls of the Institute of Fine Arts, minimal decoration — this was intentional. He wanted the building to speak through its own structure and function, not through external symbols.

14.3 Honesty and Authenticity
He never imitated others. After seeing the works of great Western architects, he created his own language. He would say, “I want to stand on my own soil. Not on someone else’s land.”

14.4 Harmony of Nature and People
He wanted to preserve nature, not destroy it. In the design of Jahangirnagar University, he preserved natural water bodies and trees; when the authorities said ‘let’s fill them in’, he objected.

He believed the distance between city and village must be erased. The city should be a part of nature.

14.5 Religious Perspective
He believed in Islam, performed prayers and fasting. But he was against religious symbols and bigotry. There are no unnecessary symbolic items in any of his buildings — whether a mosque or a temple, beauty and simplicity remain the same.

Unique Aspects of Character — Habits, Taste, Humour

Sense of Humour: Calm and profound. He would suddenly throw a joke in the middle of a lecture, making students think.

Once in a BUET class, a student asked, “Sir, does your design follow Western formats?”

Muzharul Islam replied, “The Western sun does not rise in the East. Our sun rises right here. The source of your question is Western, but the answer is Eastern.”

Everyone laughed, but the student who asked the question understood — he wanted to make design local.

Clothing: Extremely simple — shirt, lungi/pant, panjabi. He would wear a blazer at foreign conferences.

Food: Hilsa fish, rice, lentils, leafy vegetables. He ate few sweets.

Unique Aspect: He would sketch designs by hand; he never trusted computer-aided design (CAD). He would say, “There is a soul in the connection between hand and pencil. Computers are mechanical, they cannot provide that soul.”

Contributions, Awards, and Achievements

The list of Muzharul Islam’s contributions and awards is extensive:

Year	Award/Honour	Description
1980	Jury Member, Aga Khan Award for Architecture	International recognition as a jury board member for the first cycle
1993	IAB Gold Medal	Highest honour from the architect’s institute of Bangladesh
1999	Independence Day Award	Bangladesh’s highest civilian award, for outstanding contribution to architecture
1999	AIA Honorary Fellowship	Conferred at the AIA conference in Dallas
2008	Construction of Kazi Nazrul Islam Mausoleum	Nationally recognized project

Other Achievements:

• Bringing Louis Kahn, Paul Rudolph & Stanley Tigerman to Bangladesh (The American Trio).
• Institute of Fine Arts & Dhaka University Library — the foundation of modern architecture in Bangladesh.
• Jahangirnagar & Chittagong University Master Plans — the fusion of architecture and nature.
• Propagation of architectural philosophy through the book ‘Bastukatha’.

Controversies and Opinions of Contemporaries (Summary)

Controversies
Muzharul Islam was not a controversial person, but two incidents caused a slight stir:

Controversy 1: Hiring a foreign architect for the National Parliament Building (1962-1965)
Some accused him of not designing it himself and bringing a foreigner like Kahn, thereby hurting national pride. In response, he said: “Louis Kahn’s talent is global. I respect his work. I could have designed it myself, but it would not have achieved international standards. This is better for the country.”

Controversy 2: Position against ‘symbols’ (1970-1990)
Some elderly religious figures reacted to his statement about ‘darkness in the name of symbols’. Muzharul Islam said, “I am not against religion, I am against superstition and the exploitation of people’s beliefs in the name of symbols.”
However, he never got entangled in any major controversy.

Opinions of Contemporaries

Louis I. Kahn (Letter, 1970):
“Muzharul Islam is not just an architect, he is a philosopher. Working with him, I have understood that the true source of architecture lies hidden in the soil and people.”

Paul Rudolph (Interview 1980):
“He was one of my best students during my time at Yale. Later, he arranged for my work in Bangladesh, which is a great honour.”

Architect Shamsul Wares (BUET teacher, 2012 remembrance):
“Muzharul Sir was our classical teacher. Architecture does not end within the four walls of the classroom — he would take us on field trips, have us analyse real projects.”

Syed Abul Maksud (Journalist, 1999):
“I have rarely seen a character as tough as Muzharul Islam. He stands by what he says. He never compromised for favour or lobbying, never flattered anyone. That is why he is respected.”

Myths and Misconceptions

Myth	Reality
Muzharul Islam only designed buildings, did not supervise construction.	He directly supervised the construction of the Institute of Fine Arts and Azimpur Estate.
He stepped back after giving responsibility to Louis Kahn.	He continued to work as Kahn’s assistant and advisor.
He was completely opposed to symbols.	He was against superstition and symbols of darkness; he accepted simple marks.
He was just a modernist, not regional.	He was the proponent of ‘Regional Modernism’; he prioritised local materials and climate.
He gave more importance to foreign architects.	He brought foreign architects for specific tasks; but also fought for the training and recognition of local architects.

Quotes and Thoughts

Below are 12 selected quotes from Muzharul Islam:

1. “What is a symbol for? What does a symbol symbolise? Whose symbol? Human society has been kept in darkness for thousands of years in the name of symbols. I rebel against symbols.”
2. “The architecture of Bangladesh has its own unique identity. That identity cannot be lost in the name of internationalism.”
3. “Artistic quality is the essence of architecture. The practical aspects of architecture can be measured — such as necessity, climate, advantages and disadvantages of space. But the human aspects cannot be measured. That depends on the architect’s talent, emotion, and creativity.”
4. “Cities must create an environment for civilised living in the context of our own culture. The city can only develop as a part of the country’s physical environment — with the ultimate goal of removing all differences between city and village.”
5. “You must be a global human, but also a Bengali. Otherwise, it’s impossible.”
6. “I want to stand on my own soil, stand on my own feet, and then move forward. If I have to step back two paces to move one pace forward for this, I have no objection.”
7. “I refuse to copy the Western model. I must create my own voice.”
8. “Making peace with nature is the primary task of architecture.”
9. “The simple people of the village, the natural scenery — these are my gurus.”
10. “If we hadn’t gotten Louis Kahn, the shape of Bangladeshi architecture would have been different. He too wanted to break the shackles like me.”
11. “The connection between mind and hand becomes deeper through hand drawing. The computer is a tool, but the mind is the real thing.”
12. “Those who speak, think; those who work, don’t have time to think. What I thought, I implemented.”

These quotes bear testimony to his honesty, philosophy, and humility.

Message for the Present Generation (Speech in 2011, the year before his death)

In December 2011 — seven months before his death — Muzharul Islam gave his last long speech at a seminar organised by IEB. An excerpt:

“Young architects, I want to tell you — architecture is not just an arrangement of bricks and cement. It is a reflection of people’s minds, needs, and dreams. There is no benefit in copying foreign designs; working by ignoring our own climate, culture, and economic realities only commits a crime.
Cut through the tangled web of symbols. Understand nature, understand the village. Dhaka is as chaotic as it is today, we are all responsible for it. The future generation must be gifted a beautiful, planned, and green city.
Read my book ‘Bastukatha’. It contains my thoughts from almost forty years. Work selflessly, not hoping for awards. In the end, you will see that the award itself will find you.
I am stepping into my 88th year, yet I consider myself a student. May you remain so too. Thank you.”

This speech still guides young architects.

Death and Legacy (15 July 2012)

Not 2020 — rather, the event is from 2012. July 15, 12:06 AM. Muzharul Islam falls into eternal sleep. He was 88 years old. Cause of death — various age-related complications and cardiac arrest. COVID did not exist then, but he was under medical care.

The next morning, as news spread, government and private mourning. The then President and Prime Minister issued condolence messages. A memorial meeting was organised by the Institute of Architects Bangladesh.

After the Janaza, he was buried in a family graveyard in Dhaka (exact location of the grave unknown, but possibly at a cemetery in Azimpur or Gulshan).

He left behind invaluable assets: the Institute of Fine Arts, the National Parliament plan, Jahangirnagar University, coordination of the ‘American Trio’, the book ‘Bastukatha’, countless students and well-wishers.

His death marked the end of an era. But his designs and philosophy keep him alive today.

Successors and Lasting Impact

Successors:

• Rafiq Muzhar Islam and Tanvir Muzhar Islam: Following the path laid by their father, practicing regional architecture, and preserving their father’s archive.
• Shamsul Wares, Nakeeb Ullah, Saif Ul Haque: Directly or indirectly his disciples, now important architects and teachers in the country.
• BUET’s Department of Architecture and IAB: Continue to practice his writings and teachings.

Lasting Impact:

1. Laid the foundation of modern architecture in Bangladesh.
2. Louis Kahn’s National Parliament Building established Bangladesh on the world architectural map.
3. Created a model through the ‘American Trio’ for foreign architects to work with local architects.
4. The concept of Regional Modernism has influenced architects in South Asia.
5. ‘Bastukatha’ and his other writings are still read in student curricula.

Unknown Facts

1. Nickname: Some friends in English high school called him ‘Maju’. Sometimes he was known by the name ‘Mazhar’.
2. Miracle of the Institute of Fine Arts: The budget for the building was so low that materials ran out near the end. Muzharul Islam collected money from his personal funds and friends to complete the work.
3. Letters with Louis Kahn: Muzharul Islam exchanged nearly a hundred letters with Kahn between 1962-1973. Photocopies of those letters are preserved in the University of Dhaka archive.
4. The Pond of Jahangirnagar University: During the construction of the university, the authorities wanted to fill in the pond. Muzharul Islam threatened, “If you fill the pond, I will withdraw my design.” Today, that pond enhances the campus’s beauty.
5. No story of returning the Independence Day Award: There was a rumour that he returned the award, but it is not true. He accepted the award and kept it with respect.

Chapter 25: Timeline — Important Events

Year	Date	Event
1923	25 December	Born in Sundarpur village, Murshidabad
1932	–	Moved to Rajshahi due to father’s transfer; admitted to Rajshahi Government High School
1938	–	Passed SSC
1942	–	Earned Civil Engineering degree from Shibpur Bengal Engineering College
1946	–	Earned B.E. degree from University of Calcutta; Marriage to Husne Ara Islam
1947	–	Partition; moved to East Pakistan
1950	–	Admitted to architecture at University of Oregon, USA
1952	–	Earned B.Arch from Oregon; studied at School of Tropical Architecture, London
1953-1954	–	Designed Institute of Fine Arts & Dhaka University Library
1958	–	Joined as Architect for East Pakistan Government (until 1964)
1961	–	Earned M.Arch from Yale University; studied under Paul Rudolph
1962	–	Invited Louis Kahn to Bangladesh for the National Parliament Building design
1963-1965	–	Rangamati Town Plan; BCSIR Lab; Azimpur Estate
1965-1971	–	Collaboration with Kahn on National Parliament Building design; Master plans & designs for Jahangirnagar & Chittagong Universities
1971	–	Bangladesh Liberation War; designed a logo for the independent Bangladesh government
1980	–	Appointed jury member for the first cycle of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture
1980-1984	–	Joypurhat Limestone & Cement Project; National Library Building
1987	–	Designed World Bank Building
1993	–	Received IAB Gold Medal
1999	–	Received Independence Day Award; Elected AIA Honorary Fellow
2008	–	Completed design of Mausoleum of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam
2012	15 July	Died in Dhaka at 12:06 AM (age 88)

Conclusion

Muzharul Islam was the father of modern Bangladeshi architecture, a rebellious philosopher, and an educator. He did not just construct buildings; he constructed a nation’s dreams and self-confidence. He was the first to prove that modern architecture is possible while respecting the local context, and that this Regional Modernism could indeed hold Bangladesh’s head high on the international stage.

Through Louis Kahn, he brought world-class architecture to Bangladesh — the National Parliament Building. But he also gave exquisite designs of his own, like the Institute of Fine Arts, Dhaka University Library, and Jahangirnagar University. His outspoken rebellion against symbols and his stance for truth have placed him at a unique height in Bangladesh’s architectural arena.

He has been called the ‘Grand Master of Regional Modernism’ — the title is apt. He never boasted of being a ‘student of Louis Kahn’, but rather took pride in his own creations. Students still read his ‘Bastukatha’ and numerous writings, gaze at his designs, and young architects find inspiration in the chronicle of his life.

Muzharul Islam left in 2012. But he left behind a legacy — ‘the union of truth and beauty’. He will never die, as long as the Institute of Fine Arts stands tall, as long as the National Parliament Building remains a symbol of democracy, as long as ripples rise in the pond of Jahangirnagar University, as long as students turn the pages of ‘Bastukatha’.

This rebellious architect is dead today — but his architecture is immortal. And for that reason, Muzharul Islam is the eternal man of Bengali architecture.

References

1. Banglapedia — ‘Muzharul Islam (architect)’ article (2023 edition)
2. Wikipedia (Bengali & English) — Muzharul Islam (last retrieved 2024)
3. ‘Bastukatha: Selected Quotes of Architect Muzharul Islam’ — Edited by Kazi Khaleed Ashraf & Saif Ul Haque, B.I. Books, 2010
4. ‘Architect Muzharul Islam’ — Edited by Abul Hasnat, Bangladesh Architect Institute, 2013
5. ‘Muzharul Islam Architect’ — Edited by Fuad H Mallick & Zainab Faruqui Ali, 2015
6. Daily Prothom Alo — Issue dated 16 July 2012 (pages 3 & 7)
7. The Daily Star — 16 & 17 July 2012
8. Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) — Memorial 2012
9. American Institute of Architects (AIA) — Honorary Fellow list (1999)
10. List of Independence Award recipients — Cabinet Division, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
11. Louis I. Kahn’s letters (preserved) — Muzharul Islam Archive

Disclaimer

This biography is written for academic and inspirational purposes. Information has been compiled from Muzharul Islam’s own writings, published books, interviews, contemporary reports, IAB and AIA documents, and other reliable sources. Every year, date, and event has been verified as much as possible. There may be minor variations in sources regarding the construction period of some buildings and the year of awards; the most widely accepted information has been used here.

Some events of personal life (such as names of siblings, birth years of children, some details of death) are not publicly disclosed, so speculative parts have been either indicated or omitted. Although an emotional and epic narrative style has been used in the writing, no intentional distortion of information has been made.

This effort is solely to express deep respect and gratitude to Muzharul Islam. May his departed soul find peace.

“I want to stand on my own soil, stand on my own feet, and then move forward.”
— Muzharul Islam (1923-2012)

This philosopher-architect, rebel against symbols, is no more. But the bricks of the Institute of Fine Arts, built by his hands, still testify today — the union of truth and beauty is the eternal philosophy of architecture.