Our Story
A Few Words
Premise
Publisher Emeritus Mohiuddin Ahmed has left a legacy of inspiration and an indomitable spirit of optimism towards building a knowledge-based society in Bangladesh. He dedicated his life in an effort to build an institution through UPL, while he had the choice to pursue other gainful career options. His belief in building a reading society as a foundation for a better state and citizenship kept him going despite many hurdles with running his institution in a challenging cultural and political environment.
As his family members, and having experienced the spirit of his work, we proposed to set up a Trust in his name to further his mission beyond the purview of the publishing house.
Through his lifelong work, Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmed upheld the importance of sound and objective research, truthful and well-rounded representation of history, freedom of expression, and the need for healthy, respectful and constructive debates rooted in evidence-based knowledge. These are the driving forces for our effort in furthering his dream of creating a knowledge-based society. Through our collective effort, we wish to take up initiatives that reflect the values and principles that guided Mr. Ahmed’s life’s work, and realize them by engaging young people and accommodating their aspirations.
Why “Aarshi”?
What a person, community or a state requires most is the ability to honestly reflect on themselves, and strive towards being a better human being, a better society, and a better state. This is only possible when the reflections are grounded in true insight, wisdom and information. Therefore, “Aarshi” (“Mirror”, in Bangla), seemed like an appropriate name for an organization that wishes to work towards building a community and state where there is graceful acceptance of the past, a grounded sense of identity, a secured sense of dignity as citizens of Bangladesh, and respect for all members of the society and state irrespective of their religion, class, and other labels that society imposes on them. This can only be achieved when self-reflection is done with utmost sincerity and honesty.
Contact
Email: contact@aarshi.org
Phone: (+880) 1331 880 077
Mission
To enable and empower citizens of Bangladesh to make reading, research and exploration of knowledge a way of life and to understand the world better.
Vision
A knowledge-based society where every Bangladeshi citizen is intellectually and emotionally empowered.
Formation
Trust. Established by family and well-wishers to further Mr. Ahmed’s lifelong commitment to a reading society, sound research, freedom of expression, and respectful, evidence-based debate.
Our Approach
Knowledge for the public good:
Nurturing reading, research, translation, and open access to ideas.
Actionable research:
Studies and pilots that influence practice and policy.
Learning pathways:
Certificate courses and conversations for diverse learners.
Stewardship:
Archiving Bangladesh Studies and building reference resources.