British culture still prevalent in Chittagong Club, offending many

August is the month of mourning in the country as the great hero of independence Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman and almost all his family members were killed during this month.

The National Mourning Day is observed on August 15 but the people of the country mourn for the whole month.

Usually, no one hosts grandiose events during the month except Chittagong Club Limited, a club of elite class, hurting the nationalistic sentiment of the people of the country

In the month of mourning and economic recession, grand concerts were planned by bringing foreign artists on August 11.

However, in the face of criticism from civil society and different corners in the port city, the club authorities were forced to cancel the event.

Everyone was surprised and shocked by the arrogant decision of the organizers to hold such an event during the month of mourning.

Located in the port city, the Chittagong Club still runs in British style and culture. Wearing punjabi, the traditional Bengali dress, is prohibited at the club. Many prominent personalities and businessmen of Chittagong were not allowed to enter the club because they were wearing punjabi.

They never went to the club again because they felt humiliated and dishonored. Many of them humiliated by the club authorities are now dead.

Many others are embarrassed by such behavior of the club authorities. The question naturally arose in the minds of the conscious circles of the town how this condescending imperial attitude of British people is still in place in an independent country.

It is alleged that the chairman of a well-known industrial group of the country was a guest at a function of Prime Bank a few years ago and he was not allowed to enter the club premises as he was wearing a punjabi, which was heavily criticized and protested by various quarters.

In 2021, another event was organized by Trust Bank Ltd with the top business and corporate personalities of the port city. A businessman wearing punjabi was now allowed into the club much to the embarrassment of the organizers.

“We were not told about the dress code while renting the venue,” said Mizanur Rahman, Head of Chittagong Region of Trust Bank. British slavery should not be in place in free countries.

Even a late famous editor of Chittagong once could not enter the Chittagong Club for wearing punjabi. This editor’s son said his father later avoided this club.

The members of the club and those concerned say that it is necessary to cancel the decades-old rules and customs of the Chittagong Club that is in conflict with Bengali culture.

The role of the Chittagong Club authorities towards the guests has angered many dignitaries of Chittagong. One of them, the former VC of Chittagong University, said, “It is now a hangout for mafias. I am avoiding this club.”

Club sources said members and guests have to wear a prescribed dress code to come to the club. T-shirt and shirt should be worn with club-indicated formal shoes but punjabi, the traditional Bengali dress, is not allowed. Action is also taken against them if they do not follow the dress code.

Chittagong Club was established by the European elite in 1878 as a social organization during British rule. Only Europeans could be members of that club. Almost the same culture still prevails.

When the British rulers were driven out in 1947 the Pakistanis took control of the club. They too continued the tradition prohibiting Bengalis from entering the club premises as they considered punjabi a dress of the Hindu community and Kabuli a Muslim dress. The same racial conflict still continues in a different form in an independent country.

Bangladesh became independent by defeating the Pakistani invaders in the liberation war after the expulsion of the British. Even after 50 years of independence, the oldest elite club in South Asia could not get rid of the black rules of racial supremacy.

Club members and guests have to follow the rules made by the British lords, ignoring the local culture and lifestyle, which is also in conflict with the Bengali culture.

Meanwhile, there are allegations of supplying liquor to various places from Chittagong Club Limited Liquor Bar. At the same time, there are allegations of non-payment of VAT on the consumption of alcohol.

Replying to a query of journalist Nader Khan, Chairman of the Chittagong Club said he didn’t think there was anything wrong with the dress code of the club.

The British established the club 144 years ago and their rules are still in place, he said, “If you want to come to the club after 7 pm, you have to follow the dress code. If someone tells us about any problem, we will try to solve it.”