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Philanthropy in Promoting Education in Bangladesh: A Perspective of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam
Associate Professor, Department of Business Administration, Leading University, Ragibnagar, South Surma, Sylhet-3112
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2024.803100S
Received: 02 May 2024; Revised: 18 May 2024; Accepted: 25 May 2024; Published: 25 June 2024
Philanthropy is a global concept and practiced over the world in the diverse sector. In Bangladesh, there have particular laws and provisions under which the different organizations and people are practicing the philanthropic works. Historically the philanthropists are playing significant role in promoting education in Bangladesh, Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is one of them. Scholars and authors identifies the overall philanthropic contribution of Danobir Dr. Ragib Ali but existing researches did not have special focus on the entire educational contribution of him. In this background, present study aims to identify the major philanthropists contributed in developing education in Bangladesh as well as the contribution of in Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in terms the numbers of educational institutes established, the numbers of graduate and employment generated by him and assess the perception of the society on the contribution of him in the education sector of Bangladesh. The study is descriptive, mixed methods has been deployed to achieve the objectives. The study found that, most of the renowned educational institutes of Bangladesh are established by the philanthropists, Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib has established 150 educational institutes all over the country. Among the total students completed the study from the institutes Dr. Ali, the graduates from the Leading University are highest in numbers and in number of employees, Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College and Hospital is in top position. The society perceived that Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is the key person in promoting education in Bangladesh and the country needs more philanthropist like him. Through the study, the society can have a clear picture of the contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in the education sector of Bangladesh, findings can be used to promote the personal branding, the institutions can get clue about their performance and can go for further research.
Key Words: Bangladesh, Development, Education, Employment, Philanthropy.
The word ‘Philanthropy’ originated from the Greek word ‘philanthrôpía’ (Lorenz, 1914; De Ruiter, 1932). Philanthropy includes behaviors and actions that are manifestations of a voluntary commitment to the well-being of others (Schuyt, 2010). The scholars (Ehie, 2016; Carroll 1991; Carroll & Shabanah, 2010; Arora & Puranik, 2004; Ahmad, 2006; Amaeshi et al, 2006) explained philanthropic activities in two ways, a voluntary donation in altruistic nature or an obligation and mandatory donations but philanthropy is more voluntary activities of the organizations and persons to execute their societal obligations (Jamali & Mirshak, 2007, Angyemang et al, 2016; Frynas, 2006; Malan, 2005). Philanthropic contributions to education have become more publicly visible in recent years over the world, the majority of the global billionaires industries like Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Amazon are contributing through philanthropy in managing the global challenges of enhancing education (Williamson 2018). Shaker and Borden, (2020) investigated the trends in U.S. higher education philanthropy across 30 years and found that the philanthropic giving increased by an inflation-adjusted average of 3.6% annually and 175% overall, from $9.1 billion to $25.1 billion.
The education system in Bangladesh is diverse in nature. Basically, Bangladesh practices the education system inherently obtained from the British, though after the independence, the governments formed different education committee to modernize the education sector. The education system of Bangladesh is practiced in four dimensions: General, Technical and Vocational, Madrasha and Qaumi Madrasha education which are administered by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and The Ministry of Education. From the centuries back, the philanthropists are playing very significant role in promoting education sector in Bangladesh. There have 79595 educational institutions in the country in different levels of which most of them are named after the philanthropist who have either established these institutions or donated money or land or both to spread the light of education (Banbeis, 2023).
Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is the name of an eminent and noteworthy personality in Bangladesh. Through establishing schools, colleges, mosques, madrasas, medical college, universities, religious institutions, streets and roads, bridge and culverts, contribution in the education, health-care, sports and publishing sector, through actively supporting the publishing of the literary works of writers-researchers, through patronizing the field of art and culture and through actively working for poverty alleviation-this great personality has completely dedicated himself in all aspects of human development (Ahmed, 2014; Nurunnahar, 2008). This publicity-averse person is widely known as “Magnanimous Ragib Ali” in both the national and international arena (Baqui, 2019).
The present study focuses on the role of philanthropy in promoting education in Bangladesh, especially explores the notable philanthropists of the country and their contribution in the education development, also find out the number educational institutes and contribution made in the country the Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali as well as measured the perception of the society on the contribution of him.
The contribution of philanthropy in education sector has been well researched in countries such as the U.S. (Scott & Jabbar, 2014; Tompkins-Stange, 2016), Europe, and elsewhere (Ball et al., 2017; Olmedo, 2014). In Scotland, funding from the state, from individual students, or from non-philanthropic commercial contracts remains far larger than any kind of charitable donation (Paterson, 2018). In Malaysia, the Waqf (an absolute charitable endowment under Islamic law) playing the significant role through the formation of formal organizations at state and federal level and rearrange the Malaysian educational budget and policy to support the better quality of Higher Education Institution (HEI) (Farra et al 2016). In both Germany and the United States, philanthropic foundations and their grantees play an increasingly prominent, powerful and visible role in education context (Czerwanski 2000; Carr 2012; Reckhow 2013). Some of them even aspire to change the whole public school system, or at least large and important parts of it. The Bertelsmann Foundation, for example, embarked on a broad campaign to fundamentally reform and reposition the German educational system (Bertelsmann, 2007). In the United States, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation want to “dramatically improve education so that all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential” (Gates Foundation 2011). In Germany, for instance, researchers have claimed that foundations succeeded in gaining major influence one educational policy, aiming at a neo-liberal transformation of the national educational system (Schöller 2006). The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has also gathered interest in educational philanthropy due to the large population and increasing governmental influence on improving higher education in general in the region, and creating partnerships with organizations to better match higher educational options and employment (Alphin et al., 2016). In India, the social sector funding continues to increase contributions; total social sector funds have grown at a rate of 11% over the past five years. While the government continues to be the largest contributor to social sector funding in India, hovering at about 6% of GDP, private philanthropy is expanding and has outpaced public funding growth (India Philanthropy Report, 2019). From the discussion, it is evident that, the philanthropy has a great impact on the education sector over the world in dynamic way by creating, developing and promoting the educational sector, its reform and sustainability.
The concept of philanthropy in Bangladesh is rooted in custom, tradition and religion, it has transcended generations and spanned communities influenced by the fusion of cultures derived from Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam (Sidel, 2008). There are two distinct sets of laws in Bangladesh that pertain to philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, namely laws of formation and laws of regulations (Ahmed et al., 2006). The practice of philanthropy in Bangladesh has created various impact, especially in the education sector but there have very limited study in this regard (Hasan, 2023). Researches in non-profit sector in Bangladesh generally focuses on the corporate social responsibility aspects of the Banking and other corporate organizations (Kabir & Chowdhury, 2023; Afrin et al., 2020). Studies evident that non-profit organizations and companies form alliances in investing their resources in Cause Related Marketing (CMR) which generate a more favorable view of those (Shah, 2013). The Poverty alleviation has become a buzzword in Bangladesh over the last three decades and though the Bangladesh has so far implemented five Five-Year Plans and one Two-Year Plan and a Three-Year PRSP Rolling Plan to accelerate economic growth and poverty reduction, the Waqf can be one of the vital alternatives alongside Zakah because early history indicates free education, scholarship, orphanage, free treatment, and inns for nomads as provided by Waqf based institutions (Khan, 2013).
A good number of research and books has been published on the life, activities and dynamic leadership of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in home and abroad. His contribution has been recognized by the great personalities over the world by their notes and commentaries. In a research article, (Ahmed, 2014) mentioned as ‘an atypical celebrity of bequest in the history philanthropy, particularly in south Asia’ and his distinct dynamic and prolific nature of philanthropic works are termed as ‘creative philanthropy.’ In an unpublished thesis titled “Jono Kollane Danobir Ragib Ali” for the degree of Master of Philosophy under the Department of Islamic Studies of the University of Dhaka, Nurunnahar (2008) explained that, from the primary school to university level in diverse sector of education in Bangladesh, Ragib Ali notably contributed in the education sector of the country through his educational philanthropic investment. Similarly Rahman, (2012) recognized the contribution of Ragib Ali in the development of general education in Bangladesh and the contribution in medical education in Bangladesh. Akbar (2006) explained the educational institutions of Ragib Ali will definitely lead the future of education sector of Bangladesh by providing quality general and medical education in the country.
Problem Statement, Research Questions and Research Objectives: Though philanthropy in Bangladesh has transcended generations and spanned communities there have insignificant practices of it in the education sector of Bangladesh. Some research are evident focusing the CSR reporting or disclosure with little or no consideration for the charitable giving (donations) of banking companies (Umar and Musa, 2021), studies explains how board attributes influence the firm’s sector-wise corporate giving (Umar, 2022). Thus, the gap exists and it is important to find out the role of philanthropy in the education sector of Bangladesh. On the other side, Scholars and authors (Nurunnahar, 2008; Rahman, 2012) etc. identifies the overall philanthropic contribution of Dr. Ragib Ali, Ahmed, (2014), prepared lists of educational philanthropic organizations run by the Ragib Rabeya Foundation led by Danobir Dr. Ragib Ali but these researches did not have special focus on the entire educational contribution him, especially in terms the numbers of graduates, number and nature of employment generated in these institutes. So it is important to find out the contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in the education sector of Bangladesh. A good number of research and books has been published on the life, activities and dynamic leadership of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali (Ahmed, 2014, Nurunnahar, 2008; Rahman, 2012; Akbar, 2006) but few of these presents the perception of society on the contribution of him methodologically.
Thus, the present study identifies the research questions as (1) what is the contribution of philanthropy in the education sector of Bangladesh, (2) how many educational institutes are established by Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali, (3) what are the number of graduates are produced from these institutes (4) how many employments are created in these organizations and (5) what is the perception of society on the educational philanthropy of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali?
In line with research questions, the main objective of this project is to explore the contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in the education sector of Bangladesh. The specific objectives of the study are (1) to explore the role of philanthropy in promoting education in Bangladesh, (2) to identify the number of educational institutes established by Danobir Dr. Ragib Ali, (3) to find out the number of graduates of each institutes since their inception, (4) find out the number of employment in these institutes and (5) measure the perception of the society on the educational philanthropy of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali.
The methodology of the study are presented in this section.
Research Design and Study Area: The present study is a descriptive one, the mixed research methods has been used. The study confined within the geographic area of Bangladesh.
Data Source: Both primary and secondary sources are gathered for this study. The secondary data are gathered from different books, thesis, journals, periodicals, newspapers, different websites and others. The Primary data were collected through Google form and in-depth interviews.
Population, Sample Size and Sampling Technique: For obtaining the research objective 1, this study reviewed the secondary materials. The sample size for attaining research objectives 2, 3 and 4 is 26 institutions since these are directly managed by Ragib Rabeya Foundation (RRF) among the total educational organizations of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali. For research objective 5, the population is infinite and infinite population size, Krejcie and Morgan (1970) proposed that the sample size 384 would be sufficient, Israel (1992) and Cochran (1963) argued 385 are sufficient. The present study collected data from 673 respondents using a Google form which was posted on the personal Facebook profile of the researcher, this method is considered as a popular, realistic and dependable research tool (Jahan et al, 2020). For the qualitative data, approximately 6 interviews are well enough (Denzin & Lincoln, 1994; Morse, 2000) and 6 in-depth interviews were conducted for this study.
Research Instrument and Data Collection Methods: For collecting the data, the study prepared a semi-structured questionnaire in Google form format and distributed it to the respondents through Facebook. Besides, the study conducted the in-depth interview with Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali himself; also conduct the in-depth interview with the secretary of RRF and other 4 key informants.
Data Analysis: In analyzing the data, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) has been used. Several statistical techniques like descriptive statistics with frequency distribution, percentage and graphs are used and in analyzing the quantitative data and data reduction, display and drawing & verifying conclusion (Griggs, 1987) process has been followed for qualitative data. Table-1 shows the research objectives and data analysis grid.
Table-1: Research objectives and data analysis grid
Research Objectives (RO) | Techniques | Methods deployed | Expected outcomes |
RO-1: To explore the role of philanthropy in promoting education in Bangladesh | i. Review secondary sources Review secondary sources | i. Descriptive research | i. Philanthropic contributions towards the development of education in Bangladesh |
RO-2: Identify the number of educational institutes established by Danobir Dr. Ragib Ali | i.Review secondary sources
ii. In-depth interview with the key informants |
i. Descriptive statistics | i. Numbers of total educational institutes, numbers of different types of educational institutes percentage of each types of institution among the total |
RO-3: Find out the number of graduates of each institutes since their inception | i. Semi structured questionnaire
ii. In-depth interview with the key informants |
i. Descriptive statistics | i. Numbers year-wise graduates from each educational institution, number of total graduates from each types of educational institutions. |
RO-4: Find out the number of employment in these institutes. | i. Semi structured questionnaire
ii. In-depth interview with the key informants |
i. Descriptive statistics | i. Number of total employment in the educational institutes, number of total employment in each types of educational institutes, number of employment based on the education level of the employees |
RO-5: Measure the perception of the society on the educational philanthropy of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali. | i. Structured questionnaire
ii. Content review and analysis |
i. Descriptive statistics
ii. Qualitative review |
i. Gender, educational background, profession of the respondents, opinion on the philanthropic activity of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali.
ii. Perceptual map on the philanthropic activity of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali. |
Source: Researcher
Findings of the study are presented in the following section.
Findings related to research objective-1: Explore the role of philanthropy in promoting education in Bangladesh: In table-2, the renowned philanthropists and their contribution to the development of education in Bangladesh are presented.
Table-2: Renowned philanthropists and their contribution to the development of education in Bangladesh
Name of the Philanthropist | Contribution |
Raja Girish Chandra Roy (1845-1908) | Established Murari Chand High School in 1886 in Sylhet to spread the light of education and upgrade the high school into college and thus the voyage of historic MC College started on 27 June in 1892 under Calcutta University and this college became one of the prestigious educational institution in the country. |
Roy Bahadur Ananda Chandra (1844-1935) | Established Roy’s Entrance School In 1866 which was renamed to Victoria School in 1877 after Queen Victoria, Empress of India. Later on he established Comilla Victoria College on 24 September 1899. In the expansion of education, Comilla Victoria College is a legend of this age. |
Ashwini Kumar Dutta (1856-1923) | Ashwini Kumar Dutta is known for his philanthropy and his part in nationalist politics, keenly committed to community welfare and development, he founded the ‘Brajamohan Vidyalaya’ (school) in 1884 and the Brajamohan College in 1889 on a large campus donated by him in the periphery of the Barisal town. |
Ananda Mohan Bose (1847-1906) | Established Mymensingh Institution and in April 1880 the institution named as ‘Mymensingh City Collegiate School’ and on 18 July 1901, Bose converted this school as ‘Mymensingh City College’, later the college named as ‘Mymensingh College’ in 1906 and finally in 1908, the college named as ‘Ananda Mohan College’. This college is now a popular institution in the country. |
Gopal Chanddra Lahiri (1858-1936) | Founded the Pabna Institution, English curriculum school, in Pabna in March 1884. He founded Pabna Institution (college) in July 1898 and affiliated with the University of Kolkata. It was renamed to Pabna College in 1906 and later renamed to Edward College in 1911, after King Edward VII, emperor of India. Nowadays this college plays a vital role in education sector in Bangladesh. |
Hazi Mohammad Mohsin (1732-1812) | To spread the light of education, Hazi Mohammad Mohsin founded the Mohsin Fund in 1806. The Mohsin Fund established the Hughli College in 1836, Hughli Madrasa in 1817. The Mohsin Fund is well known for the crucial role it played in promoting education among the poor Muslim masses of Bengal. He is the namesake of Government Hazi Mohammad Mohshin College, Chittagong, Bangladesh, Mohsinia Madrasa, Dhaka (Kabi Nazrul Government College) and the Haji Muhammad Mohsin Hall, University of Dhaka. Mohsin is also the namesake of a Bangladesh Navy base BNS Haji Mohsin located in Dhaka. |
Ranada Prasad Shaha (1896-1971) | R P Shaha founded Kumudini Welfare Trust in June 1947. Between 1938 and 1944 R P Shaha had set up a free dispensary, a 750-bed free hospital named Kumudini Hospital. He established Bharateswari Homes, Kumudini Girls’ College and Debendra College. Along with the hospital, the Trust now runs a Women’s Medical College, a Nursing School and a Nursing College. |
Choudhurani, Nawab Faizunnesa (1834-1903) | In 1873, Faizunnesa Choudhurani established a girls’ high school in Comilla which is said to be one of the earliest female schools privately established in Bengal. She also founded a Madrasah at Pashchimgaon that was later upgraded to a college named Nawab Faizunnesa College. Before her death, she gave away a large portion of her landed property to provide scholarships for needy students. This waqf fund still continues to provide financial aid to students. In appreciation of her social work, government awarded Faizunnesa the title of ‘Nawab’ in 1889, she was awarded the posthumous Ekushey Padak (posthumously) for 2004. |
Begum Rokeya (1880-1932) | Begum Rokeya established ‘Sakhawat Memorial Girls School’ in Bhagalpur in 1909 with only 8 female students. It was not an easy task to establish a school for girls where there was no opportunity for girls’ education. She also campaigned strongly for women’s education to deliver the message of women’s freedom from door to door. In 1916, she established a women’s organization called ‘Anjumane Khawatine Islam’ to create an organizational basis for achieving various demands and leadership qualities of Muslim women of Bengal. |
Nawab Sir Salimullah, Khwaja (1871-1915) | Nawab Sir Salimullah was the Nawab of Dhaka, Muslim nationalist, an architect of the Muslim League, patron of education. He contributed one lakh twelve thousand rupees in 1902 that had been promised by his father for the establishment of Dhaka Engineering School (now Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology). On 19 August 1911, he demanded that a university and a high court be established at Dhaka in a function at the Curzon Hall. In 1908 Nawab Salimullah had been nominated member of Women’s Education Committee of East Bengal and Assam. He was also a member in the committee formed by the Government in 1909 to reform education. On the basis of the Committee’s recommendations, and also due to Salimullah’s sincere efforts, the Government introduced in 1915 the plan for modern Madrasa education. |
Source: Secondary materials
Table-2 represents that, historically in Bangladesh, the most renowned educational institutes over the country are being established by the philanthropists. These philanthropists were either the Zaminder, Nawab or promoter of education movements.
Findings related to research objective-2. Identify the number of educational institutes established by Danobir Dr. Ragib Ali: The contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in the education sector of Bangladesh is multifarious. In this section the contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali has been explain in terms of total number of educational institutes, number of institutes in each type etc.
Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is involved with 150 educational institutions in different capacity like the founder, co-founder, donor, donor member, member of the governing body, life-time member etc. There have variations among these institutions. Figure 1 shows the types and numbers of these intuitions:
Figure 1: Types and numbers of educational institutes of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Source: Appendix-1
Figure 1 shows that, among the total 150 educational institutions of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali, 3 are university, 3 are medical colleges and institutions, 12 colleges, 9 high schools, 8 primary schools, 84 madrasahs, 5 technical and Vocational institution and 23 educational trusts. Among these, Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali established North South University, Leading University, and University of Asia Pacific, Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical Colleges and Hospital, Ragib-Rabeya Degree College, Ragibnagar, Bishwanath, Sylhet, Ragib-Rabeya High School and College, Paniumada, Nabiganj, Habiganj, Barkal Ragib-Rabeya College, Barkal, Rangamati, Ragib Rabeya High School and College, Lamakazi, Sylhet etc. are notable. Figure-2 shows the capacity of involvement and number of institutions of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali.
Figure-2: Capacity of involvement and number of institutions of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Source: Appendix-1
Figure-2 represents that among the total institutions, with 33 institutions Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is involved as the founder, 111 as the donor member, 4 as Chairman and 2 as others capacity. These institutions were not established in a day. Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali cherished a strong desire to promote the education over the country for long period of time.
Figure-3: Year of establishments and number of institutions of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali.
Source: Appendix-1
Figure-3 shows that among the 150 institutions, 1was established during 1960s, 12 were in 1970s, 12 were in 1980s, 48 were during 1990s, 30 were in 2000s and 46 were established during 2010s. Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali did not established these institutions only in his home district Sylhet but throughout the country. Figure-4 indicates the location and number of these institutions:
Figure-4: Location and number of institutions established by Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Source: Appendix-1
Figure-4 shows that Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali established 35 institutions in Dhaka Division, 68 in Sylhet division 23 in Chittagong division and rest were in the other parts of the country.
Findings related to research objective-3: Find out the number of graduates of each institutes since their inception: Since the inception, the institutions established by Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali are ensuring the quality education throughout the country. The researcher tries to collect data from all the institutions but some of the institutes’ data were not found due to some unavoidable reasons. However, figure-5 shows the numbers of institutions provided the information which are used to accomplish the objectives of this project.
Figure-5: Number of institutions provided information for this project
Source: Author
Figure-5 indicates that among the 150 institutions, only 26 provided the relevant information of which I university, 3 medical colleges and institution, 4 colleges, 6 high schools, 4 primary schools, 5 technical and vocational institutes, and 3 madrasah. In the following sections, the numbers of students completed their study in each level from the institutions of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali are presented.
Figure-6: Total numbers of graduates from the different types of institutions established by Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Source: Primary Data
Figure-6 shows that from the available data of 26 institutions, total 26596 students completed their study from these institutions. Among these highest 34% are from leading university (8912), 21% from the high schools (5481), 17% from the colleges and 8% from the medical colleges (2231). The data indicates that though Dr. Ali established different types of institutions from the primary school to university, his contributions in the tertiary level in the highest.
Findings related to research objective-4: Find out the contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in creating employment through education sector: Education is one of the major source of employment generation in Bangladesh. As per the Labor Force Survey-2016-17, a total of 853596 persons are deployed in the education services in Bangladesh which is 3.6% of total contribution of the service sector to the economy of the country. Danobir Dr. stated establishing educational institutes since 1971 (as per figure-3), a good number of persons already got retirement from these institutions. The employment situation at the primary schools are presented in figure-8.
Figure-6 shows that among the total 150 institutions established by Danobir Dr. Syed Rabib Ali, only 26 provided the information. Based on the available information, figure-8 represents the total number of employment at the institutions of Dr. Ali.
Figure- 7: Total number of employment at the institutions of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Source: Primary Data
Figure-7 represents that the total number of employment at the institutes established by Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali are 2069 among which in the primary schools are 25, in high schools and colleges 209, at the Leading University 236, at Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College and Hospital 1482, at Rabeya Khatun Chowdhury Nursing College 28, at the technical and vocational institutes 63 and at the Madrasah 16. The highest number of employee are at Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College and Hospital and the least numbers of employees are at the Madrasahs.
Findings related to research objective-5: Measure the perception of the Society on the educational contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali: Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali has been praised by the society in numerous ways. The scholars, scientists, politicians, the members of civil society from home and abroad expressed their gratitude to him by writing letters, books and through their comments. The perception of the society on the educational contribution of Danobir Ragib Ali is being assessed in two phases, at first, the contents of different books (Rahman, M.M., 2012; Baque, G.A., 2019) has been analyzed , the content analysis retrieved 29 key words that represents Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali on his contribution in the education sector of the country, which are: Education (11), Leading University (15), North South University (6), University of Asia Pacific (5), Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College and Hospital (13), Social Service (8), Health (7), generosity (7), Philanthropist (14), Schools (12), Colleges (12), Madrasah (11), Mosques (10), Religious institutions (9), Public roads and bridges (8), Entrepreneur (10), Tea gardens (9), Banks (5), Insurance companies (3), Real estates (3), Industrialist (8), Charity (9), Ragib-Rabeya Foundation (11), Financial helps (9), Danobir (14), Foresight (9), Labor (8), Businessman (6) and Malinichara (7). (Numbers in the parenthesis are their frequency of appearances).
In the second phase, an online survey has been conducted and among the respondent, 673 responses are found usable. The profile of the respondents are presented in table-3
Table-3: Profile of the Respondents
Profession | |||||||||||||
Students | Teachers | Doctor | Banker | Lawyer | Army Personnel | Government officials | Engineers | Businessman | Retired persons | Total | |||
Number | 282 | 161 | 21 | 66 | 37 | 4 | 17 | 13 | 66 | 7 | 673 | ||
Educational Qualifications | |||||||||||||
Below SSC | SSC | HSC | Bachelor | Master | M Phil/
PhD |
Others | Total | ||||||
Number | 0 | 13 | 125 | 187 | 319 | 21 | 8 | 673 | |||||
Age Group | |||||||||||||
Below 20 | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70 & above | Total | ||||||
Number | 0 | 282 | 115 | 146 | 79 | 32 | 19 | 673 | |||||
Gender | |||||||||||||
Male | Female | Total | |||||||||||
Number | 555 | 118 | 673 |
Source: Online Survey
Table-3 shows that among the respondents, 555 are male and 118 female. The respondents has different educational and professional background and highest number of the respondents has the Master Degree (319), in profession, students responses are in top (282) and teachers are second highest (161). There have different age group of them of which age range 20-29 are the highest (282) and 40-49 are in second position (146).
The respondents were asked to share their opinion on the contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in the education sector and overall development of Sylhet and Bangladesh. The results of the survey presented in figure-8.
Figure-8: Respondents opinion on the contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Source: Survey Data
The above figure shows that 95% of the respondent opined that apart from the government, Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is the key person in developing education sector in Sylhet, 89% opined that he is one of the key persons in developing education sector of Bangladesh, 87% believed that Dr. Ali has significant contribution in the development of Bangladesh and 95% opined that Bangladesh needs more philanthropists like Dr. Ali for the sustainable development of the country.
Based on the key words retrieved from Rahman, M.M. (2012) and Baque, G.A. (2019) and from the survey results, the following perceptual map of the society on Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is prepared.
Figure-9: Perceptual map of the society on Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Source: Rahman, M.M. (2012) and Baque, G.A. (2019).
The figure shows that the society views that the words Leading University, Philanthropist, Danobir, Education, Charity etc. represents Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali. This map also shows that the word ‘Leading University’ is almost synonymous to him, since he established this university and people believes Leading University means Ragib Ali. Similarly, when the ‘Philanthropy’ Danobir’ appears in the mind of the people, they visualizes Ragib Ali and when comes Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College and Hospital, Education etc., people also perceives Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib are strongly associated with these words.
Managerial Implications of the Study
The present study has multifarious implications which are stated below:
Philanthropy is a global concept and it is practices all over the world in the diverse sector. The concept of philanthropy in Bangladesh is rooted in custom, tradition and religion. Philanthropic contributions to education have become more publicly visible in recent years over the world. In Bangladesh to practice the philanthropic activities and there have particular laws and provisions under which the different organizations and people are practicing the philanthropic works, Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is one of them. Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib has contribution in each sector to education in Bangladesh, he has established 150 educational institutes all over the country. Among the total students completed the study from the institutes of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali, the graduates from the Leading University are highest in numbers and in number of employees, Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College and Hospital is in top position. The society perceived that Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali is the key person in promoting education in Bangladesh and the country needs more philanthropist like him. The study has some managerial implications like the society can have a clear picture of the contribution of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali in the education sector of Bangladesh, findings can be used to promote the personal branding of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali, the institutions can get clue about their performance and can go for further research.
This article is the abridged form of the research project titled ‘Philanthropy in Promoting Education in Bangladesh: A Perspective of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali’, funded by the Center for Research, Innovative Studies and Planning (CRISP), Leading University, Ragibnagar, South Surma, Sylhet-3112.
Appendix-1: List of educational institutes of Danobir Dr. Syed Ragib Ali
Types of Institution | Serial No | Name of the Institutions | Capacity of Involvement | Year |
University | 1. | Leading University, Sylhet | Founder Chairman | 2001 |
2. | University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka | Vice Chairman | 1992 | |
3. | North South University, Dhaka | Founder Vice Chairman | 1996 | |
Medical College and Institutions | 4. | Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College & Hospital, Sylhet | Founder | 1995 |
5. | Begum Rabeya Khatun Chowdhury Nursing College-Sylhet | Founder | 2008 | |
6. | Ragib Rabeya Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Ragibnagar, Sylhet (Proposed) | Founder | 2014 | |
Colleges | 7. | Ragib-Rabeya Degree College, Ragibnagar, Bishwanath, Sylhet | Founding Chairman | 1994 |
8. | Ragib-Rabeya High School and College, Paniumada, Nabiganj, Habiganj | Founder Chairman | 1991 | |
9. | Barkal Ragib-Rabeya College, Barkal, Rangamati. | Founder | 2013 | |
10. | Ragib Rabeya High School and College, Lamakazi, Sylhet. | Founder | 1994 | |
11. | Ragib Ali Bhavan, Nabiganj College, Nabiganj, Habiganj | Founder | 2004 | |
12. | Ragib Ali Hall, Madan Mohan College, Sylhet | Founder | 2002 | |
13. | Madan Mohan College, Pathantula, Sylhet -. | Donor Member | 2002 | |
14. | Jalalabad Cantonment Public School and College, Jalalabad | Donor Member | 2005 | |
15. | Sheikh Borhan Uddin Post Graduate College, Dhaka | Donor Member | 1993 | |
16. | Padma College, Dohar, Dhaka – | Donor member | 1974 | |
17. | Ideal College, Dhanmondi, Dhaka – | Donor Member | 1982 | |
18. | Moin Uddin Adarsh Mahila College, Sylhet | Donor Member | 1999 | |
Technical Institutes | 19. | Ragib-Hasan College, Technical and Business Management College, Kumarkhali, Kushtia. | Founder | 1998 |
20. | Ragib Rabeya Kachalong Vocational Training Center | 2012 | ||
21. | Ragib Rabeya Nagri Institute, Modhuban, Sylhet | Founder | 2015 | |
22. | Shahjalal Ragib Rabeya Disability Institute, Shahi Eidgah, Sylhet | Founder | 2014 | |
23. | Ragib Rabeya Bangladesh Sports Academy | Founder | 2014 | |
High Schools | 24. | Haji Rashid Ali High School, Kamalbazar, Kotwali Thana, Sylhet | Founder Chairman | 1971 |
25. | Ragib-Rabeya High School, Baliurabazar, Doarabazar Sunamganj | Founder | 2012 | |
26. | Ragib-Majnu High School, Gulamkapan, Osmaninagar, | Founder | 2004 | |
27. | Ragib-Mojib High School, Purbadhala, Netrokona | Founder | 1995 | |
28. | Cadet College High School, Sylhet | Founder Member | 2001 | |
29. | Ragib Ali Bhavan, Rajnagar Ideal School, Rajnagar, Moulvibazar | Founder | 1999 | |
30. | Raja GC High School, Sylhet | Donor Member | 1986 | |
31. | BDR High School, Akhalia, Sylhet Sadar | Donor Member | 2002 | |
32. | Haji Mofiz Ali Girls High School, Bishwanath, Sylhet | Donor Member | 2003 | |
Primary Schools | 33. | Ragib Ali Gov. Primary School, Bishwanath, Sylhet. | Founder | 1981 |
34. | Ragib-RabeyaVidya Niketan, Haldarpara, Sylhet | Founder | 1999 | |
35. | Ragib Rabeya Fulkuri Primary school, Rangamati Sadar, Rangamati | Founder | 2013 | |
36. | Ragib Rabeya Primary School, Dandhopanipur, Biswanath, Sylhet | Founder | 2012 | |
37. | Ragib-Rabeya Primary School, Sunamganj Municipality, Sunamganj | Founder | 1999 | |
38. | Cadet College Primary School, Sylhet | Donor Member | 2001 | |
39. | Ragib-Rabeya Primary School, Malnichhara Tea Garden, Sylhet | Founder | 1991 | |
40. | Ragib-Rabeya Primary School, Hiluachhara, Sylhet. | Founder | 1992 | |
Madrasah | 41. | Jameya Islamia Ragibia, Pathantula, Sylhet | Founder | 1976 |
42. | Ragib Rabeya JamiaIslamia, Sidirgul, Shahebbazar, Sylhet | Founder | 2010 | |
43. | Ragib-Rabeya Qawmi Madrasa, Bagerhat. | Founder | 2004 | |
44. | Al Jamaatul Islamia Ragibia Madrasa-Guabari, Sylhet. | Founder | 1995 | |
45. | Krishnapur Tarakandi Hafizia Madrasa, Purbadhala, Netrokona. | Founder | 2001 | |
46. | Sir Salimullah Muslim Orphanage, 46 Azimpur, Dhaka | Lifetime Member | 1999 | |
47. | Jamia Islamia Darul Uloom Madrasa and Mosque, Jatrabari, Dhaka | Member | 1986 | |
48. | JamiaIslamia Madrasa, Ghasitula, Sylhet | Donor | 2002 | |
49. | Jamia Noorania Islamia Madrasa, Varthakhla, Sylhet | Donor | 2003 | |
50. | Jamia Islamia Hussainiya Gaharpur Madrasa, Balaganj, Sylhet | Donor member | 1981 | |
51. | Jamia Madinatul Uloom Darussalam Madrasa, Khasdabir, Sylhet | Donor Member. | 1999 | |
52. | Islamia Darul Uloom, Tajpur, Sylhet | Donor Member. | 2013 | |
53. | AzimiaI slamia Madrasa, Deogaon, Kashimnagar, Habiganj | Donor member. | 2012 | |
54. | Darul Uloom Ahsania Senior Madrasa, 89, Shah Saheb Lane, Narinda, Dhaka | Donor Member. | 1999 | |
55. | Badda Madrasa, Dhaka | Donor Member. | 2001 | |
56. | Baridhara Madrasa, Dhaka | Donor member. | 1991 | |
57. | Kalachandpur Madrasa, Dhaka | Donor Member. | 1992 | |
58. | Islamia Qasimul Uloom Madrasa, Rampura, Comilla | Donor Member. | 1976 | |
59. | Jamia Hossainiya Madrasa Dubaura, Chandernagar, Mymensingh | Donor Member. | 2010 | |
60. | Imdadul Uloom Madrasa, Kachari Bazar, Mymensingh | Donor Member. | 1992 | |
61. | Jamia Arabia Ashraful Ulum, Balia, Phulpur, Mymensingh | Donor Member | 2012 | |
62. | ImdadulUloom, Kazigram, Trishal, Mymensingh | Donor Member. | 2014 | |
63. | Madrasa AshrafulUloom, Bhaluka, Mymensingh | Donor member. | 1978 | |
64. | AinulUloom Madrasa, Kulsindur, Dhubaura, Mymensingh | Donor Member | 1990 | |
65. | Madinatul Uloom, Durgachhia, Gafargaon, Mymensingh | Donor Member | 2012 | |
66. | Jamelia Baitul Uloom, Abdullahpur, Mirkadim, Munshiganj | Donor member. | 2002 | |
67. | Madrasa Darul Quran, QutubKhana, Munshiganj | Donor member. | 2002 | |
68. | BAU Madrasa, Tangail | Donor Member | 2002 | |
69. | Charmonai Hasnabad RashidiaQawmia Alia Madrasa and Lillah Boarding, Barisal | Donor Member. | 2002 | |
70. | Jamia Mohammadia Madrasa, Barisal | Donor Member. | 2012 | |
71. | MadinatulUloomPanbaria Madrasa, Barisal | Donor Member. | 1988 | |
72. | Kasimul Uloom Madrasa, Nabinagar, Lalmohan, Bhola | Donor member. | 2003 | |
73. | Alinagar Islamia Madrasa, Alinagar, Bhola | Donor member. | 1994 | |
74. | ShamsulUloom Madrasa, Lalmohan, Bhola | Donor Member. | 1993 | |
75. | Rahmatnagar-Kalaiya Madrasa and Orphanage, Baufal, Patuakhali | Donor Member. | 1986 | |
76. | Nur-ul-Uloom Gauchia Muniria Dakhil Madrasa, Sannyasirhata, Fatikchhari, Chittagong | Donor Member. | 2013 | |
77. | Jamia Korania Talim Uddin Hefz and Orphanage, Fatikchhari, Bibirhat, Chittagong | Donor Member. | 2013 | |
78. | Alimuddin Madrasa and Orphanage, Fatikchhari, Chittagong | Donor member | 2013 | |
79. | Dalaitali Darul Uloom Hafizia Madrasa, Dalaitali, Rajargaon Bazar, Matlab, Chandpur | Donor Member. | 2013 | |
80. | QasimulUloom at Al Jamia Arabia Madrasa,Dalaitali, Matlab Chandpur | Donor member. | 2013 | |
81. | JamiaQuraniaIbrahimiya MoneyGram Madrasa, Pubali, Matlab, Chandpur | Donor Member. | 2012 | |
82. | Madrasa DarulUloom, Daudkandi, Comilla | Donor member | 1994 | |
83. | JamiaIslamia Madrasa, Mirzapur, Tangail | Donor Member. | 1994 | |
84. | JamiaAsbakia Madrasa, Shibpur, Narsingdi | Donor Member. | 1995 | |
85. | FauziaMadinatulUloomQaumi Madrasa, Birganj, Dinajpur | Donor Member. | 1998 | |
86. | MadinatulUloomIslamia Madrasa, Baratpur, Pabna | Donor Member. | 2013 | |
87. | Madrasa Nuria Bagh-Jannat, Charsholakia, Kishoreganj | Donor Member | 2014 | |
88. | Madrasa AshrafiaKhagdohar Madrasa, Mymensingh | Donor Member. | 2011 | |
89. | Madrasa Islamia Banshgaria, Madaripur | Donor Member. | 2007 | |
90. | Darusunnat Alimkhana, Dharabati, Kaliganj, Dhaka | Donor member. | 2007 | |
91. | Chowkidekhi Mahila Madrasa, Sylhet | Donor Member. | 2007 | |
92. | Konachar Mollabari JamiaIslamiaBalika Madrasa | Donor Member | 1969 | |
93. | JamiaAbihuraira (Rah.) Mahaldik, Sylhet Sadar | Donor Member. | 1974 | |
94. | Madrasatul Banat Al Islamia, Shahjalal Suburb, TerRatan, Sylhet | Donor Member. | 1975 | |
95. | BaratalaMazhariyaDakhil Madrasa | Donor Member | 1975 | |
96. | Panaullah Bazar Hafizia Madrasa, Panaullah Bazar, Bishwanath, Sylhet | Donor Member | 1976 | |
97. | West BanshkhaliDarulIslamia Madrasa, Banshkhali, Chittagong | Donor Member. | 1977 | |
98. | MadayalundiIslamia Madrasa, Rajoir, Madaripur | Donor Member. | 1977 | |
99. | KaziratImdadul Islamia Madrasa, Bhujpur, Fatikchhari, Chittagong | Donor Member | 1977 | |
100. | Rajrampur Darul Islam (former Qaumi) Madrasa, Rajrampur, Phulbari, Dinajpur – | Donor member | 1996 | |
101. | Jamia Emdadia Madrasa, Alakdia, Feni | Donor Member | 1996 | |
102. | Darul HikmaIslamia Madrasa, Badda, Dhaka | Donor Member | 2018 | |
103. | TahiratunnesaIslamia Arabia Women’s Madrasa, Badda, Dhaka | Donor Member | 1998 | |
104. | ImdadulUloom Madrasa, Gulshan, Dhaka | Donor Member | 1999 | |
105. | KalachandpurDakhil Madrasa, Gulshan, Dhaka | Donor Member | 1998 | |
106. | Uttara Basnanagar Noorani Madrasa, Laxmipur | Donor Member | 2012 | |
107. | Uttara-DharmapurNooraniHafizia Madrasa, Chauddagram, Comilla | Donor Member | 1986 | |
108. | Member of JamiaIslamiaTelikona Madrasa, Islamabad, Sylhet. | Donor Member | 2014 | |
109. | AlgidargaNooraniFurkania Madrasa, Ramgati, Laxmipur | Donor Member | 2006 | |
110. | Madrasatul Habrar, MatuailDakshinpara, Demra, Dhaka | Donor Member. | 2014 | |
111. | Madrasa Hifzul Quran, Narinda, Dhaka | Donor member. | 2013 | |
112. | MadrasatujSalehin, Nomapur, Sonargaon, Dhaka | Donor member. | 1991 | |
113. | DarulUloomMotijheel, Dhaka | Donor Member. | 1992 | |
114. | JamiaAnwaria, Burmese, Sreepur, Dhaka Madrasa. | Donor Member | 14993 | |
115. | DarulUloomSirajnagar, Dhaka | Donor member | 1994 | |
116. | Madrasa Islamia, Nimtali, Dhaka | Donor member. | 1995 | |
117. | OjjatulUloom in Madrasa, Dhaka | Donor member | 1996 | |
118. | KeraniganjIslamia Madrasa, Asullapur, Dhaka | Donor member. | 1987 | |
119. | Jamia Arabia DarulUloom Madrasa, Deobhog, Narayanganj | Donor Member. | 1992 | |
120. | IslamiaHossainiya Madrasa, Kurarchar, Mymensingh | Donor Member. | 1999 | |
121. | Madrasa IslamiaDarulUloom, Raniganj, Trishal, Mymensingh | Donor member. | 1997 | |
122. | Pubail Madrasa, Gazipur | Donor Member. | 2000 | |
123. | Jamia Ashrafia, Mymensing | Donor Member | 1986 | |
124. | Orphanage and Al JamiatulIslamiaDarulUloom Madrasa, Gafargaon, Mymensingh | Donor member. | 1989 | |
125. | Darul Kerat Majidia Fultali Trust, Kerat Training Center, Panaullah Bazar Branch, Bishwanath, Sylhet | Donor Member | 1991 | |
126. | Jamia Islamia Abbasia Kauria Madrasa, Islamabad, Bishwanath,Sylhet | Donor member. | 1992 | |
127. | Tangail Jamia Islamia Ashraful Uloom and Orphanage, Tangail | Donor members. | 1993 | |
128. | Chaifaganj SD Madrasa, Bishwanath, Sylhet | Donor Member. | 1994 | |
Education Related Trusts | 129. | Ragib Ali Kollyan Trust, Modhubn, Bondar Bazar, Sylhet | Founder | 1988 |
130. | Rabeya BanuKollyan Trust, Ragib Rabeya Degree College, Ragibnagar, Sylhet. | Founder | 1992 | |
131. | Rabeya Khatun Chowdhury Kollyan Trust, Haji Rashid Ali High School, Kamal Bazar, DokshinSurma, Sylhet | Founder | 1992 | |
132. | Ragib Rabeya Uchho Biddaloy Trust, Ragib Rabeya School & College, Lamakazi, Sylhet. | Founder | 2000 | |
133. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Ragib Rabeya High School & College, Paniumdha, Nobigonj, Hobigonj | Founder | 2000 | |
134. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Sohifagonj S.D Madrasha, Sylhet | Founder | 2002 | |
135. | Rabeya BanuKollyan Trust, Ragib Ali Govt Primary School, Rogupur, Bishwanath, Sylhet. | Founder | 2012 | |
136. | Ragib Rabeya SikkaKollyan Trust, Ragib Rabeya High School & College, Paniumdha, Nobigonj, Hobigonj | Founder | 2000 | |
137. | RagibiaMadrasha Trust, JameyaIslamiaRagibia, Pathantula, Sylhet | Founder | 2010 | |
138. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Ragib Mojib High School, Narayondohor, Purbodhola, Netrakuna | Founder | 2010 | |
139. | Ragib Rabeya JameyaIslamia Trust, Ragib Rabeya JameyaIslamia, Shidairgul, Shahebbazar, Sylhet | Founder | 2012 | |
140. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Rajnagar Ideal High School, Rajnagar, Moulvi Bazar. | Founder | 2012 | |
141. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Ragib Rabeya High School, Baliura Bazar, Duara Bazar, Sunamgonj. | Founder | 2012 | |
142. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, BoroikandiIslamiaAlimMadrasha, DokshinSurma, Sylhet | Founder | 2012 | |
143. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, JameyaIslamiaGaziBurhan Uddin (rh.) Madrasha, Burhanabad, Kushighat, Tultikor,Sylhet. | Founder | 2012 | |
144. | Ragib Rabeya Biddanikaton Trust, Ragib Rabeya Biddanikaton, Haoldarpara, Sylhet | Founder | 2012 | |
145. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Borkol Ragib Rabeya College, Borkol, Rangamati | Founder | 2012 | |
146. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Ragib Hasan Technical & Business Management College, Kumarkhali, Kustia. | Founder | 2012 | |
147. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Ragib Rabeya Fulkuri Primary School,Sylhetipara, RangamatiSadar, Rangamati. | Founder | 2015 | |
148. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Ragib Rabeya Kachalong Technical Training Center, Longudu, ,Rangamati. | Founder | 2012 | |
149. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Ragib Mojnu High School, Gulmukapon, Osmaninagar, Sylhet. | Founder | 2012 | |
150. | Ragib Rabeya Kollyan Trust, Ragib Rabeya Primary School, Dondopanipur, Bishwanath, Sylhet. | Founder | 2012 |
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