Remembering Muzharul Islam, Pioneer of Modern Bangladeshi Architecture

The history of modern architecture in Bangladesh is incomplete without the towering legacy of Muzharul Islam. He was not merely an internationally acclaimed architect; he was the primary visionary behind the country’s urban planning, architectural philosophy, and aesthetic design language. Through his pioneering efforts, the institutional foundation of modern architecture was firmly established in the region.

Serving as the inaugural president of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), Islam organised the profession into a structured discipline. He was also a progressive thinker, a cultural activist, and a deeply patriotic individual. Beyond his professional duties, he actively participated in the 1971 Liberation War and remained a vocal supporter of various democratic and cultural movements throughout his life.

Born on 25 July 1923 in Sundarpur village of Murshidabad district in undivided Bengal, Islam spent his early childhood at his maternal home. His father, Omdatul Islam, was a mathematics professor at Krishnagar College. Islam began his formal schooling at Krishnagar College School, studying there until the fifth form before his father’s transfer brought the family to Rajshahi. He completed his matriculation from Rajshahi Collegiate School and his intermediate studies at Rajshahi College, eventually earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from the same institution.

Driven by a keen interest in design and structures, he pursued engineering at Sibpur Engineering College (now the Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur), graduating in 1946. Following the partition of the subcontinent, Islam joined the government executory department of East Bengal as an assistant engineer in 1947. However, he soon realised that conventional engineering was too restrictive for his creative ambitions, choosing instead to dedicate his life to architecture.

In 1950, Islam travelled to the United States to study architecture at the University of Oregon. Upon his return, he spent six intensive months designing the Institute of Fine Arts (now the Faculty of Fine Arts) and the Central Library at the University of Dhaka. These structures seamlessly integrated modern architectural principles with the local climate, natural light, ventilation, and traditional Bengali culture. They remain exemplary models for architecture students today.

Islam’s quest for knowledge led him to bag a British Council scholarship in 1956 to study tropical architecture at the prestigious Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture in London. Later, in 1960, he completed his master’s degree at Yale University under the tutelage of the world-renowned architect Paul Rudolph.

He returned to his government post in late 1961, but the rigid bureaucratic environment stifled his independent thought and creativity. Consequently, he resigned from government service in 1964 and established “Vastukalabida”, a private architectural consultancy firm, alongside engineer Sheikh Muhammad Shahidullah. This practice opened new horizons for contemporary design across the country.

Islam also played a fundamental role in establishing the Faculty of Architecture at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), where he taught part-time to mentor the next generation of designers. His philosophy was clear: architecture is not merely a collection of brick and stone structures, but an artistic expression of a nation’s culture, history, values, and aspirations.

Perhaps his most visionary contribution to the global standing of Bangladeshi architecture was his role in inviting legendary American architect Louis I. Kahn to design the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban (National Parliament Building). This decision placed Bangladesh firmly on the international architectural map.

Muzharul Islam passed away on 14 July 2012. Though his long and illustrious career has ended, his creative genius, distinct philosophy, and landmark projects continue to serve as an enduring source of inspiration for the nation.