History

Chittagong Seniors Club an icon of elegance and aristocracy, tradition and excellence has a special place in the history of clubs in this sub-continent.

THIS CLUB WAS FOUNDED AS A PROTEST OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION TOWARDS THE INDIANS BY THE BRITISH.

The Chittagong Seniors’ Club Limited was established in 1927 under the patronage of late Kiran Chandra Dey (K. C. Dey), the then Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong, in association with some of the local Elites. Initially the Club was registered as Chittagong Institute Limited in 1927 and later the Club was christened as Chittagong Seniors’ Club Limited in 2010.

The story behind the birth of this Club is very historical and interesting, it goes as follows :

Mr. Kiran Chandra Dey (K. C. Dey), was the administrative head of Chittagong Division under the British regime and he applied for the Membership of Chittagong Club which was set-up by the arrogant Englishmen in 1878. It may be noted here that, because of racial discrimination, admission of Indians and other non-whites into the Club was strictly restricted during the British rule. Virtually, entry of Bengalis in the Club was totally barred in the true sense of the term under the spirit of their discriminative and divided policy. The application of Mr. Kiran Chandra Dey       (K. C. Dey) seeking Membership of Chittagong Club was instantly turned down by the Club Management. Whereas, Mr. Kiran Chandra Dey (K. C. Dey) was one of the highest ranking official representative of his Majesty, the King of United Kingdom and of British India in Chittagong Division. Such an open disrespect to a royal representative created great resentment in the minds of all walks of life of the society. Even petty British Clerks had the right to use the Club as Members, whereas holding the highest ranking government post of a Divisional Commissioner,  Mr. Kiran Chandra Dey’s (K. C. Dey) application for Club Membership was rejected simply because he was a Bengali Indian and not an Englishman.

After his application for Membership in Chittagong Club was rejected, Mr. Kiran Chandra Dey      (K. C. Dey) organised a group of eminent erudites viz, Dr. Annada Charan Khastagir, Ray Bahadur B. B. Chowdhury, Barrister J.K. Ghoshal, Barrister Khastagir, Mr. A.K. Chanda, Principal, Chittagong Government College, Eminent Professors, High Govt. Officials, Business Magnates, reputed Landlords etc. and it was resolved to setup a Club where social discrimination would be totally absent, where a person be measured by his intrinsic values and not by the color of his skin. Dr. Annada Charan Khastagir donated a spacious plot of land adjacent to Dr. Khastagir Girls High School in Jamal Khan Road on which the club house of Chittagong Seniors’ Club was constructed in 1927.

The Club was open to all locals for Membership and there was no discrimination as far as eligibility for Membership was concerned which was determined by the qualities, social status, age and educational background of the applicants. Mr. Kiran Chandra Dey (K. C. Dey), the Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong and the Founder President of the Club promptly provided all logistic support from the Government for the proposed Club and he directed issuance of the Bar License reportedly on the first day of his decision to form the Club. This was in fact a retaliatory and         apt action in protest of the racial policy of the British and the newly formed Club was registered with the Government as Chittagong Institute Limited.

The 2^nd phase of the Club’s development & reforms began in 1992 by the then Honourary General Secretary, Mr. S.M. Kamaluddin & Mr. Abdullah-Al-Ahsan, President (1998 – 2001) who contributed to the construction of the three storied Guest House, Badminton Court & Health Complex.

It has been felt in the recent past that keeping pace with the growth of the population of the city the club should increase its accommodation for new members and in this context it was decided in several meetings of the Club that the old cottage type Club House be dismantled and a modern Club Complex be built.  Accordingly a Master Plan was drawn and a ten (10) storey building was planned in Gothic Architectural Style. This bold & firm step of demolishing the old structure & constructing & completing the new Club Building as it stands today, was initiated & completed by Mr. S. M. Abu Mohsin, President (2005 – 2010) & Advocate Rafiqul Anwar Chowdhury, Vice-President (2007-2010), & President (2010-2013). However, it is also extremely important to mention the names of Dr. Moinul Islam Mahmud, Convener, Development Sub-Committee, Engr. Ali Ahmed, Eng. Parimal Kanti Chowdhury, both Members, Development Sub-Committee & Mr. M.A. Malek, President (2003 – 2005), who contributed much to the development of the new structure.

Considering that the club has increased its accommodation and facilities, it was decided that the number of Members could be increased to 500. It was also revised in 2014 that the Members’ Children, with proper eligibility, may be considered for inclusion as Members of the Club (Associate Member). However, it was also decided that they would be enrolled as Permanent Members of the Club after they attain the age of 35/26 for Members Sons / Daughters respectively. There was induction of new Members which includes Professionals, Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Businessmen, Industrialists, Bankers and Social Elites, all of whom contributed significantly for the development of this Club.

During the dynamic tenure of Advocate Rafiqul Anwar Chowdhury, (President 2010 – 2013) major development & beautification projects were undertaken. The game of Housie was introduced for the 1^st time in the History of the Club thus encouraging Members spouses and children above 12 years of age to participate. This was a great step towards the goal of converting the Club into a Family Club.

An Electric Sub-Station, 150 KVA Generator, Computerization of Work Stations for Online billing, An IT & Business Centre & Wi-Fi Internet System, Employees Finger Print ID Machine, Photocopier, An Exquisite Auditorium, An up to date Gymnasium, Salon, Ladies Beauty Parlour, Modern Laundry. A family Dining Hall & a Mini Dining Hall, Cocktail Lounge, A New Kitchen, A Visitors’ Lounge, 6 Luxurious 5 Star Standard Suites (which are undoubtedly the best rooms available in town) —- Club Secretariat, S.S. Railings & Granite in the stairways of 1^st Floor & Verandah of the Guest House and in the New Club Building and granite installed in the Corridor of the New Guest Rooms & Bath Rooms. A Shisha Room, Pool Section & Roof Top Barbecue Restaurant. Attractive fully air-conditioned & sound-proof Auditorium, Reception & Lobby, Dining Areas, Cocktail Lounge & Canteen were completed during the tenure of Advocate Rafiqul Anwar Chowdhury.

The Club was developed even further by Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Hossain (President 2013 – 2014) by the improvement of the President’s Chamber, the New Card Room, renovation of the Car Park, addition of the Club Secretariat and a New Exit Gate.

After a 12 months term Dr. Mohd. Iqbal Hossain was replaced, once again by Mr. S.M. Abu Mohsin (President 2014 – 2016) and the Club reverberated with many Entertainment Programmes during the period. The main development works done was setting-up of a New Club Library, covered Badminton Court and covered Roof Top as well as construction of a big Store Room.

Consequent to 2 years tenure of Mr. S.M. Abu Mohsin, the helms of affairs was again entrusted to Advocate Rafiqul Anwar Chowdhury (President 2016 – 2017). During his second tenure, Advocate Rafiqul Anwar Chowdhury & his colleagues attempted at consistently sustaining the reforms, development & beautification of the Club and renovation of the main Lobby & Reception area to transform it to a fine modern hall with a beautiful interior decor. To further enhance facilities for Members families & encourage & attract ladies & children to regularly come to the Club, 03 (three) major projects where taken in hand, namely, a Coffee Shop setup adjacent to the Library & a Ladies Gym which were also set-up much to the demand of the Honourable Members.

Above all, during the period, as part of the Club’s Corporate Social Responsibility, under the personal supervision and control of Advocate Rafiqul Anwar Chowdhury & his team  a huge quantity of essential Relief Materials where personally handed over by the Club Authority to the destitute Rohingya Refugees at the Balukhali Camp 1 & 2 and Kutupalong Camp in Teknaf on    21-09-2017, at the magnanimous generosity of all distinguished Club Members. In addition to this emergency relief project, every year Blankets are also distributed to the destitute and homeless in winter.

Subsequent to the tenure of Advocate Rafiqul Anwar Chowdhury & his team the Apex position of the Club was entrusted to Dr. Salim Akhter Chowdhury ( President 2017 – 2018 ). During the period Dr. Salim Akhter Chowdhury & his colleagues maintained the reforms, development and beautification of the Club as it is mentioned in the Development & Renovation 2017-2018 (Annexure-B) of the Annual Report.

** In order to improve financial transparency, the monthly salary is being paid by A/c Payee Cheque through City Bank Limited to all CSCL Employees. 

** A Day-long Pitha Festival was held on 09-02-2018 for the 1^st time in CSCL. Mr. Anindya Banerjee, Assistant High Commissioner, Assistant High Commission of India, was present as the Chief Guest along with his gracious spouse Mrs. Runa Banerjee, which was well attended by Honourable Members, their families & Guests.

** President’s Cup Pool Tournament – 2018 Inaugurated on 15-01-2018 and Closed on 20-01-2018 with Musical Function & Dinner.

** Ritzy Group Badminton Tournament 2018 Inaugurated on 22-04-2018 & Closed on 26-04-2018. 

** During the Eid Re-union Function held on 05-07-2018, 25 ( twenty five ) Freedom Fighters of our beloved country was duly Honoured at the Honour Ceremony in a befitting manner. 

** After a period of 91 years our Managing Committee succeeded in obtaining a photograph of Late Kiran Chandra Dey ( K.C. Dey), Founder & 1^st President of the Club, through the kind courtesy of Mr. Pradip Kumar Dutta, Code # D01. 

** Chittagong Seniors’ Club Limited Inter Club Pool Tournament Inaugurated on 19-07-2018 & Closed on 21-07-2018 for the 1^st time in CSCL, amongst 17 (seventeen) participants from 4 (four) Clubs. 

** CSCL Cricket Team participated for the 1^st time in the Six – A – Side Cricket Tournament at Dhaka Club on 09 & 10-11-2018. 

This year, as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Managing Committee resolved and offered Academic Scholarship to 2 (two) meritorious & needy students from Khastagir Government Girls High School & also to 2 (two) CSCL Staff Children.

During the 2^nd term of Dr. Salim Akhter Chowdhury, President  2018 – 2019, on 14^th March 2019, an EGM was held seeking some amendments and guidance from the Permanent & Life Members, pertaining to the Club Articles, it was very encouraging to see that, members in large numbers participated and spontaneously put forward many useful and significant suggestions which were duly noted and presently being implemented.

In the EGM, certain vital amendments were made which needed to be recorded in the printed form and also a suggestion was made to form a Sub Committee to rephrase and remove certain minor ambiguities in our present version of the MEMORANDUM & ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATIONS. Accordingly, with the decision at the EGM, a Sub Committee with Mr. Badrur Rahim Chowdhury, a very respected Senior Member as Convenor and Mr. M.R. Dey, FCA & Mr. Pradip Paul FCMA & FCA as members were given the responsibilities who, in the meantime, relentlessly worked and incorporated the amendments which are now published in this printed version of the MEMORANDUM & ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION. The Club BYE LAWS were also newly printed.

On the 14^th April 2019, as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the Managing Committee resolved and offered Academic Scholarship to 2 (two) meritorious and needy students from Dr. Khastagir Government Girls’ High School & also to 2 (two) CSCL Staff Children.

May it be mentioned here that, the Club Building has a 10 storey foundation. In 2008 the then Managing Committee constructed 5 storey.

By the grace of the Almighty, during this term (2018-2019), the Managing Committee had embarked on the 2^nd Phase Development Projects as follows, in the month of February 2019.

** New Steel Main Gates with concrete design arch & Boundary Wall with Colorful Historic Murals installed.

**  5^th – Floor   : Guest House – 7 Premier Deluxe & 2 Super Deluxe Luxurious Rooms.

**  6^th – Floor   : Card Room, Billiard & Snooker, Ladies & Gents. Indoor Games, Billiards, Pool, Snooker & Table Tennis.

**  7^th – Floor   : Health Club, Ladies & Gents, Club Secretariat Office & Managing Committee Room.

**  8^th – Floor   : Conference / Convention Hall (Vacant).

** Ground Floor : Extension of New Car Parking for extra 20 Cars.

**  A Hygienic, Healthy & Magnificent Kitchen with latest appliances, amenities and furniture for the CSCL Restaurant, Renovated Dining & Mini Dining Halls & Corridor. An experienced Chef has been employed for preparing Indian, Chinese & Bangla culinary items.

** New Furniture for the Main Bar.

** New 12 seat Microbus.

** Work on Master Plan for the Extension of the Seniors’ Club to facilitate services for Health Club, Cineplex, Guest House, Car Parking, Swimming Pool, Yoga Center, Ladies Corner, Coffee Shop, etc. is in process.

** During the term 2020 – 2021, the Covid-19 Pandemic brought most Programes to a Standstill. However, few Events were held বিজয় দিবস উপলক্ষে বীর শহীদদের প্রতি বিনম্রশ্রদ্ধা নিবেদন শহীদ মিনারে, তারিখ -১৬-১২-২০২০, Christmas Programme on 24-12-2020, New Year’s Function on 21-01-2021, Pitha Festival 2021 on 12-02-2021, ২১শে ফেব্রæয়ারী (অমর একুশে ভাষা শহীদদের প্রতি বিনম্রশ্রদ্ধা নিবেদন শহীদ মিনারে) তারিখ ২১-০২-২০২১, Grand Annual Family Picnic – 2021 to Cox’s Bazar on 04-03-2021.

** Doa Mahfil on “National Mourning Day” 15^th August (Death of the Father of the Nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) on 15-08-2021, 

** Doa Mahfil for Souls of Deceased Club Members & Seminar (Followed by Mezban) on 16-09-09-2021.

** Inauguration Ceremony of Sports Zone comprising of Billiards & Snooker, Pool, Table Tennis & also a Ladies Corner on the 7^th Floor was held on Thursday, the 16^th September 2021.

**  Musical Programme 23-10-2021.

** President’s Cup Pool Tournament – 2021 Inaugural Ceremony 06-11-2021.

** Gazal Night & Prize Distribution Ceremony of President’s Cup Pool Tournament 2021 followed by Annual Function & Dinner at UCB Auditorium 18-11-2021.

** During the term 2021 – 2022, the following Events were held viz., 94^th Annual General Meeting, Lunch, Dinner & followed by Election of the President, Vice-President & Managing Committee Members on 11-12-2021, বিজয় দিবস উপলক্ষে বীর শহীদদের প্রতি বিনম্রশ্রদ্ধা নিবেদন শহীদ মিনারে, ১৬-১২-২০২১, Christmas Programme on 25-12-2021, New Year’s Function on  01-01-2022, Honour Ceremony to Mr. M. A. Malek, Former President/CSCL for being awarded Ekushey Padak by the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina followed by Musical Function & Dinner on 26-02-2022, Pitha Festival 2022 on 25-03-2022, Iftar Party-2022 on 14-04-2022, Grand Annual Family Picnic – 2022 to Cox’s Bazar on 26-05-2022, Opening Ceremony of the 4^th President’s Cup Pool Tournament 2022 at the Pool Room on 20-06-2022, Final Match of 4^th President’s Cup Pool Tournament – 2022 between Mr. Chowdhury Mohammed Mahtab Uddin (U-20) & Mr. Waliul Abedin Shakil (S-37) at the Pool Room on 23-06-2022, Eid Reunion – 2022 on 21-07-2022, “National Mourning Day” 15^th August (Death of the Father of the Nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) on 15-08-2022, Inaugural Ceremony of the New Health Club Followed by A Musical Function & Complimentary Dinner on 29-09-2022, Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM-2022) on 20-10-2022, Sundarbans Trip on 10-11-2022, CSCL participated in the Gulshan Club Olympiad 2022 in the disciplines of Pool, Snooker, Cricket & Lawn Tennis.

** A New Club Secretariat was Inaugurated on 1^st December 2022 on the 7^th Floor.

** During the term 2022 – 2023, the following Events were held viz.,

** 95^th Annual General Meeting, Lunch, Dinner & followed by Election of the President, Vice-President & Managing Committee Members on 29-12-2022.

**  New Year’s Function – 2023 on 14-01-2023.

**  Valentine’s Day on 14-02-2023.

**  Pitha Festival 2023 on 17-02-2023.

** ২১শে ফেব্রæয়ারী, অমর একুশে ভাষা শহীদদের প্রতি বিনম্রশ্রদ্ধা নিবেদন ডাঃ খাস্তগীর সরকারী উচ্চ বালিকা বিদ্যালয় শহীদ মিনারে ২১-০২-২০২৩ইং তারিখে।

** Grand Annual Family Picnic – 2023 to Cox’s Bazar on 23^rd, 24^th & 25^th February 2023.

** Bar Night, Musical Evening & Dinner on 11-03-2023.

** Iftar Party on 31-03-2023.

**  Eid Reunion – 2023 (Eid-Ul-Ftr.) on 25-05-2023.

**  Eid Reunion – 2023 (Eid-ul-Azha) on 15-07-2023.

**  Musical Function & Dinner on 07-09-2023.

**  Opening Ceremony of the 5^th President’s Cup Pool & Snooker Tournament 2023 at the Pool Room on 21-09-2023.

**  Annual Function & Dinner on 23-11-2023.

**  Catering Night & Prize Distribution Ceremony of 5^th President’s Cup Snooker & Pool Tournament-2023 on 09-12-2023.

**  President’s Dinner, Christmas Tree, Musical Function & Dinner on 25-12-2023.

**  Annual General Meeting & Election on 28-12-2023.

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Consequent to the 6 (six) years successful tenure of Dr. Salim Akhter Chowdhury, the helms of of affairs of the Club was taken over by Mr. Mohammad Manik Bablu as the New President of Chittagong Seniors’ Club Limited after the Annual Election held on 28^th December 2023.

He assured the members present that, he and his New Managing Committee will execute their utmost efforts in order to justify the faith and trust that has been bestowed upon them by the Honourable Members for the development of Chittagong Seniors’ Club Limited in all respects. He also sought help and co-operation from all concerned to achieve this goal.

At the inception of the Term, the New Managing Committee constituted the following Sub-Committees for the smooth Management of Club Affairs :

Finance, Accounts and Administration, Affiliations and Inter Club Relations, Legal Affairs, Disciplinary, Appeal, Food and Catering, Bar & Lounge, Guest House, Gym, Sports and Tournament, Cultural & Publication, Bingo, Local Picnic and Overseas Tour, Card Room, ­ Entertainment, Women & Children and Health & Safety.

Strict measures are underway for a fully transparent Financial System of the Club in all sections.

We have, so far, successfully established Reciprocal Affiliation with the following Clubs, the Display Board of which is at the Club Lobby :

The Banani Club, Dhaka, The Sylhet Station Club, The Capital Club, Dubai, St. James’s Hotel & Club, London, The Royal Selangor Club, Malaysia, The British Club Bangkok, Thailand, Space Circle Club, The Spring Club & The Circle Club, Kolkata, India, Bombay Gymkhana Limited, India & The Dhaka Boat Club Limited.

We also managed to procure seasonal fruits Lychee & Mango for Club Members & their families from Rajshahi at nominal rates, which were highly appreciated by all Members.

During the term 2023 – 2024, the following Development & Renovation Works were done.

**  Complete renovation of the BAR LOUNGE on the 3^rd Floor, along with NEW IMPORTED FURNITURE form ABROAD, which has a beautiful Eye-Catching Design.

**  At the requests of many Senior Club Members, we completed renovation of the Party Hall-1 & Party Hall-2 at the eastern end of the Club Ground Floor & 1^st Floor, for its proper utilization.

**  New LED design Club Name with Logo (Main Gate), Electric Lights were installed in the Main Gate & Compound Area, Old Guest House Rooms, Catering & Main Building Rooftop.

** 16 New Pedestal Fans were purchased for New Guest House Rooms.

**  Complete repair of Staff Wash Room.

**  Construction of a New Security Room for the Security In-charge.

**  Dismantling of water fountain & extension of Parking Area at the Club entrance.

**  6 Old Guest House Rooms fully painted.

** Purchase of Laptop, Photocopier, Smart Phone, Cell Phones for Club Hot Line Numbers, CCTV Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard, Total 16 CCTV Cameras for Club Secretariat, Store & all vulnerable places in the Club area, New Digital Display TV, New Design Members ID Card, New Vehicles Sticker.