Rajshahi's early newspaper publishing and printing history is drawing renewed attention ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's scheduled visit to the city's 19th-century Rajshahi Dharmasabha on Tuesday during Sharadiya Durga Puja.
The historic institution is associated with the city's first newspaper and printing press.
The Dharmasabha's history is inseparable from Hindu Ranjika, regarded as Rajshahi's first newspaper, and Tamoghna Yantralaya, recognized as the city's first printing press. Local historians say preserving the institution's history is essential to passing on Rajshahi's heritage to younger generations.
A milestone in newspaper publishing
Hindu Ranjika began publication in 1865, marking a significant chapter in Rajshahi's newspaper history. Its first editor was Srinath Singh Roy.
Initially published monthly, the newspaper became a weekly in 1868, 3 years after its launch. Its publication opened a new avenue for written news and public opinion in Rajshahi.
The establishment of the Rajshahi Dharmasabha was linked to the social and cultural conditions of the second half of the 19th century, particularly the 1860s. Promoting the philosophy, ideals and culture of Sanatan Dharma was one of its principal objectives.
People familiar with the institution say it also contributed to the spread of education, cultural activities and social awareness within Hindu society.
During this period, a new intellectual environment was emerging across Bengal, including Rajshahi, around education, social reform, religious debates and newspaper publishing. The spread of printing presses and periodicals created greater opportunities for public expression, the exchange of ideas and social communication.
Local historians believe a similar environment developed around the Rajshahi Dharmasabha. Beyond its role as a religious institution, it became a center of contemporary thought and cultural activity.
According to local elders, the institution was associated not only with religious and social activities but also with the political activities of the progressive society of the time.
The rise of Tamoghna Yantralaya
In 1872, Harnath Roy Chowdhury, the zamindar of Dublahati, received the title of Raja from the British government. He provided the Dharmasabha with a printing machine and premises.
The machine was the first printing press in Rajshahi and was installed primarily to facilitate the publication of Hindu Ranjika and other religious books.
Raja Harnath Roy Chowdhury of Dublahati played an important role in establishing Tamoghna Yantralaya, recognized as Rajshahi's first printing press. Local historians say the press was established with his financial assistance.
In the 19th century, establishing a printing press was more than a business venture. Such institutions provided infrastructure for the production and circulation of knowledge and information through newspapers, books and other printed materials.
Tamoghna Yantralaya therefore holds a significant place in Rajshahi's history of printing and publishing.
Memories of a historic institution
Ranjit Kumar Saha, a member of the Rajshahi Dharmasabha and principal of Varendra College, said the occupying forces caused extensive damage to the institution during the Liberation War.
He said its historical significance could not be fully understood if it were viewed merely as a religious structure, as it also preserves memories of Rajshahi's social and cultural development.
Saha said proper recognition and preservation were needed to bring this history to younger generations.
Kalpana Roy, who worked at the printing press in the 1980s and served as manager of Tamoghna Yantralaya, also has memories of an important period in the early history of Rajshahi's printing industry.
She said poor Hindu students from the region were able to stay at the Dharmasabha almost free of charge. A printing machine was donated to help cover the institution's expenses.
Roy described the machine as expensive but said its importance gradually declined with the arrival of offset printing.
Calls for preservation ahead of PM's visit
The history of the Rajshahi Dharmasabha has come into renewed focus ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's scheduled visit to inspect the historic institution in Rajshahi on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja.
Local residents believe the visit offers an opportunity to highlight the site's historical importance, particularly its role in the development of newspaper publishing, printing and cultural activities in the city.
They hope the visit will go beyond a formal inspection and lead to effective measures to preserve the Dharmasabha's history and architectural heritage.
In particular, they have called for the old temple at the site to be rebuilt according to its original design, citing its archaeological and historical significance.