Murari Chand College: A Legacy of Education in Sylhet

Murari Chand College (MC College), a name synonymous with quality education in the Sylhet Division of Bangladesh, boasts a rich history stretching back to the late 19th century. Commonly referred to as MC College, this institution holds the distinction of being the first college established in the Sylhet Division. Its establishment in 1892 marks it as the seventh oldest college in Bangladesh, cementing its place as a pivotal center of learning in the region.

Foundation and Early Years

On June 27, 1892, Raja Girish Chandra Roy, a philanthropist from Roynagar, Sylhet, established Murari Chand College. With a modest beginning of four teachers and 18 students, the college was named in honor of Raja Girish Chandra Roy’s maternal great-grandfather, Murari Chand Roy. Initially, the college was situated near the present Raja GC School in Bandar Bazar.

The college began as a proprietary institution, entirely funded by Raja Girish Chandra Roy himself. From its inception in 1892 until 1908, the college operated under his patronage. However, the devastating Assam earthquake of 1897 brought unforeseen challenges. The original college building was destroyed, and Raja Girish Chandra Roy, though he survived, faced severe financial constraints.

Transition to Government Oversight

The financial strain caused by the earthquake made it impossible for Raja Girish Chandra Roy to continue funding the college independently. Recognizing the importance of the institution, he appealed to the government to take over its administration, ensuring its continued existence as an educational center. Following Raja Girish Chandra Roy’s death, the government assumed control of the college in 1908, transforming it into an aided institution.

Evolution and Expansion

A significant milestone in the college's history was the relocation to its current campus in 1925. Situated on the picturesque Thackarey Hills, now known as Tilagarh, the campus spans across 112 acres, providing a serene and conducive environment for learning.

The college's golden jubilee was celebrated in 1942 with the publication of the Murari Chand College Golden Jubilee Volume, marking a half-century of educational service.

Post-Partition Affiliations

Following the Partition of India in 1947, Murari Chand College became affiliated with the University of Dhaka. Later, in 1968, it transitioned to an affiliation with the University of Chittagong, reflecting the evolving educational landscape of the region.

Present-Day Infrastructure and Academics

As of 2001, Murari Chand College had grown to accommodate 130 teachers and 6,000 students. The college provides residential facilities with seven hostels for students, considered among the best at the college level in Bangladesh.

Currently, the college has nine academic buildings consisting of classrooms, a library, and department offices, primarily used for conducting classes. The central library is one of the oldest in the country, housing a vast collection of volumes, including rare ones, making it a valuable resource for researchers. The Botany Department runs the botanical garden, unique in the Sylhet Division.

Student Life and Organizations

Murari Chand College has a vibrant student life, supported by various organizations. The college has separate hostels for male and female students. The male hostel consists of six blocks: five blocks for Muslim students and one for Hindu students.

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The Mohona Cultural Organisation is one of the oldest organizations at MC College. The college has three rover units and one girl in-rover unit run by the Bangladesh Scouts. The Mainamati Battalion of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps also has a platoon here. The Murari Chand Debate Society (MCDS), established on November 14, 2017, won first place in the Sylhet Division in Democracy International's Debate Championship 2018.

Notable Figures

Throughout its history, Murari Chand College has been associated with several notable figures. Abdul Khaliq Choudhury of Bijli (1886-1948) was the first Muslim student of the college.

Recent leadership changes include the appointment of Professor Golam Ahmed Khan as the new principal of MC College. Before this role, he served as the principal of Fenchuganj Degree College and headed the Botany Department at MC College.

Raja Girish Chandra Roy: The Founder

Born as Bajragovinda Nandi Chaudhury on March 27, 1844, Raja Girish Chandra Roy was an aristocrat and philanthropist. He dedicated his wealth to education and social welfare, founding the Girish Bengal School (Raja Girish Chandra High School) in 1876. After the death of Radha Nath Chaudhuri in 1881, Roy established Murari Chand College in honor of his adoptive grandfather. He also founded Murari Chand Entrance School and Sanskrit Chatuspathi. Roy supported women's education and was the first Bengali in Assam Province to establish tea gardens. In 1905, he received the title of Raja. He died on April 15, 1907, and his death was marked by the closure of government offices and schools in Sylhet.