Staff Reporter :
The 38th death anniversary of veteran politician, Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, will be observed across the country in a befitting manner today (Monday).
Different organisations and political parties, including BNP, NAP Bhasani, Moulana Bhasani University of Science and Technology and Bhasani Foundation have chalked out elaborate programmes in observance of the day.
Popularly known as ‘Majlum Jananeta’, the leader of the downtrodden, Moulana Bhasani, was a great leader in his fight against imperialism and oppression of Pakistani rulers.
On May 7, 1976, he led the historic huge long-march from Rajshahi to Kansat against the Indian construction of the Farakka Dam to ensure Bangladesh’s just rights over the Ganges River waters. The death anniversary programmes include placing of wreaths at Bhasani’s mazar at Santosh of Tangail, discussion, art competition and poetry recitation session.
Moulana Bhasani was born in Dhangara village of Sirajganj on December 12, 1880 and died on November 17, 1976.
In 1929, he headed a great peasant gathering in Bhasan Char of Dhubri in Asam. There he was given the title ‘Bhasani’.
He became Muslim League’s Assam province president in 1944. He was elected an MLA in Assam Legislative Assembly from Dhubri (South) constituency in 1937 and served until 1946.
On July 23, 1949, he founded East Pakistan Awami Muslim League. On Jan 31, 1952, he formed the “All-party Language Movement Committee” at the Dhaka Bar Library. He was arrested by the Pakistan government for assisting the language movement.
In 1954, he founded Jukta Front (United Front) alongside A K Fazlul Huq and Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy.
He constituted NAP in 1957 through Kagmaree Conference after he had left East Pakistan Awami Muslim League due to some political reasons. In 1968, he was imprisoned for five years for movement against the military dictator of Pakistan Ayub Khan.
President Abdul Hamid and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages paying rich tributes to the memory of the great leader. In his message, the President termed Bhasani one of the forerunners of the country’s independence movement.
Mentioning that he had struggled against exploitation and deprivation throughout his life, Abdul Hamid said Bhasani always gave priority to national interests rising above personal interests.
The nation will ever remember his contributions to them with deep respects, he said, adding that Bhasani’s ideal will inspire the new generation to be imbued with patriotism.
In her message, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia said Bhasani is the source of inspiration of the nation for realising the justified rights of the destitute and protecting democracy, human rights, independence and sovereignty. “His (Bhasani’s) patriotism will inspire us for ages to protect the interests of the country and nation and to be vocal against the enemies of democracy and humanity,” she said.
