Nawab Abdul Latif
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Abdul Latif (1828-1893) or Nawab Abdul Latif (Bengali: নবাব আবদুল লতীফ) was a nineteenth century educator and social worker in Bengal, later Bangladesh.
[edit] Early life
He came from a Muslim family of Faridpur. His father Fakir Mahmud anticipated the need of western education under British rule, and got his son admitted to Calcutta Madrasa for both English and Arabic studies. Abdul Latif started his career as a teacher in Dhaka Collegiate School. Later he was a magistrate.
[edit] Works
Abdul Latif was one of the first Muslims in nineteenth century India to embrace the idea of modernization. His title, Nawab was awarded by the British in 1880. He was a professor of English and Arabic at Calcutta Madrasah. Latif worked for the indigo commission of l860.
Was among the first to understand that young Bengali Muslims should receive modern education. He believed that educated Muslims would understand the intention, power and skill of the Government and thus develop a sense of loyalty to the colonial power. His achievements include working to turn Hindu College into Presidency College and thus open it for non-Hindus as well.
His next important step was the establishment of the Mahomedan Literary Society in Calcutta in 1863 in order to formulate public opinion in favour of modern education and modern scholarship, and to bring enlightened Muslims, Hindus, and Englishmen in close intercourse for mutual benefits. He also established numerous educational institutes, including Rajshahi Madrasah.
From a Madrasah teacher he rose to be a leader of his people and one of the prominent public men of the day.
