Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain on Wednesday said the Madrasa-e-Alia is not only educational institutions but also a shining chapter in the history of education, culture, social reform and national awakening of the subcontinent’s Muslim society.

“The historic Madrasa-e-Alia stands as a monument of heritage. It is not just an educational institution, but a shining chapter in the history of education, culture, social reform, and national awakening of the Muslim society of this subcontinent,” he said.

The adviser was addressing a discussion on the premises of Dhaka Madrasa-e-Alia premises, marking the 246th founding anniversary of the historic institution here in the capital.

He said the Madrasa-e-Alia has a glorious legacy spanning over two and a half centuries.

Khalid Hossain said thousands of its graduates have contributed in the civil administration, armed forces, law enforcement agencies and other sectors of the country. “The contribution of this madrasas is unforgettable. Many qualified people have been produced from here,” he said.

Noting that Dhaka Alia Madrasa has played a crucial role in shaping the society and the state over the ages, Dr Khalid expressed optimism that the institution will continue to serve the welfare of the country and the nation in the coming days.

Calling for unity, he urged all to forget small differences and spread the message of harmony from Madrasa-e-Alia.

Recalling the early history of Alia madrasa education in the subcontinent, the adviser said the journey of the Alia system started through many struggles and sacrifices.

“The British rulers never welcomed this system, they controlled its curriculum. Despite that, the Islamic scholars of that time carried out religious education and made immense contributions, which we recall today with deep respect,” he said.

Sharing his personal attachment, Dr Khalid said, “I myself was a madrasa student. My first lessons began with Alif, Ba, Ta, Tha. I went on to achieve a PhD degree, but madrasa was my foundation. It was my greatest achievement, and later my general education added another dimension.”

He cautioned against sidelining traditional subjects like Quran, Hadith and Fiqh under the weight of modern disciplines. “Of course we must embrace modern education, but madrasa education is specialised. A madrasa is a factory for producing Islamic scholars. Arabic education in particular must be given due importance,” said the adviser.

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Education Adviser Prof Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar (CR Abrar) attended the event as the chief guest, while Secretary of the Technical and Madrasa Education Division Muhammad Rafiqul Islam and Principal of Dhaka Alia Madrasa Mohammad Obaidul Haque spoke on the occasion.