An humble tribute to Justice Debesh Bhattacharya

Humanitarian service was the main object of his life. It is a very difficult task to count the deeds of a great noble man like Justice Debesh Chandra Bhattacharya whose life was so vast and magnificent. His integrity of character and spirit of self-sacrifice together with his sense of responsibility are well evidenced by the way he worked through his 89-year-long life. The name of Debesh Bhattacharya is itself epoch-making, which needs to explanation. He studied in Tangail Bindu Bashini High School, Science Faculty of Presidency College and University Law College in Calcutta, and Economics Department of Calcutta University. He joined Mymensing Bar in 1941 and later shifted his practice to Dhaka High Court in 1951 and Pakistan Supreme Court in 1956.

DC Bhattacharya took oath as a Judge of Bangladesh High Court in January 1972 and retired in December 1977 from the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. He was the Founder-President of the Enemy Property Law Resistance Committee. He was the president of governing bodies of a host of institutions including Ramkrishna Mission, Dhaka; Prabartak Sangha, Chittagong; Gandhi Ashram, Noakhali; Aleem-Al-Razee Law College, Dhaka; Pali Unnayan Sangstha, Tangail. He was also associated with Bangladesh Peace Council, Nagorik Committee, Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad. He was involved in extensive philanthropic activities in his native village in Tangail.

In his book "Enemy (Vested) Property Laws in Bangladesh -- Nature and Implications" he said, "A number of human problems are being constantly created leading to distress and difficulties to a section of the people because of the misapplication and abuse of the Enemy Property Law as is in force today, viz, Act XLV of 1974. It seems to be imperative and urgent that the said law should be immediately repealed and the properties which have been taken over as the enemy or vested properties should be restored to the persons from whom they were taken or their rightful successors with the utmost expedition".

He played an important role in creating a renaissance in various aspects of Sanatan Hindu culture, religion and society in order to give a noble ideal to the Bangalee (Bangladeshi) Hindus as a respectable community. His motto was --

'Walk together; speed in concord
Let your minds comprehend alike.
Let your efforts be united
Let your hearts be in agreement
Let your minds be united
That we all may be happy'

(Rig veda x 119)

Objectives of his renaissance were: to preserve and nurture tradition of the Sanatan Dharma; to reconstruct and rebuild the temples already damaged; to promote Sanskrit and uphold its dignity; to propagate the glory of Hinduism to non-Hindus; to uphold their heritage; to revive the defunct pilgrimages; to oppose activities against the ideals, the laws and interests of religious minorities; to forget the differences of caste and sect, and work unitedly in cooperation with others to uphold human dignity; to wipe out the great sin of untochability and do away with the heinousness of communalism and to purify the mind to be a citizen of the world; to justify the need to be devoted in one's own religion to become a real human being.

Justice Debesh Chandra Bhattacharya is a man of iron will, not to break down in any situation. His personality is embodied with noble qualities such as humanitarian services, sacrifice, universal love and brotherhood and dedication for the well being of all. Today we greatly miss this prominent reformer. His demise is no doubt an irreparable loss to the Bangladeshi (Bengali) people. Let us apply his ideals in the society for developing the humane culture in the society. Though his transitory body has perished he is still alive and will remain alive through his works. The people in general were charmed by his uncommon personality, intellect and wisdom, convincing speech and amiable disposition. He commanded great love, respect and praise, politicians, diplomats, religious leaders and leaders of different organisations alike. He is nationally regarded as one of the great humanists for the selfless service he rendered to the cause of humanity. In his absence as his followers we are to make good as much as possible this great loss by our untiring efforts so that his departed soul rest in peace.

Prem Ranjan Dev is President, Bangladesh National Hindu Council.