News Desk

Today is the 48th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, a legendary politician and dreamer of Bangladesh’s independence.

Different political parties and socio-cultural organisations in Dhaka, Tangail and elsewhere in the country will hold programmes to mark the day.

Bhashani’s relentless fight against imperialism and feudalism, along with his vision for a secular, democratic, and exploitation-free society, made him beloved by the people.

His unwavering dedication to defending the rights of the oppressed earned him the title “Majlum Jananeta,” meaning “leader of the oppressed.”

He played a crucial role in the mass movements for a democratic, secular, and just society in the region, significantly influencing left-wing politics.

Bhashani was also the founding president of the Awami Muslim League, now known as the Awami League, established in 1949.

During the historic Kagmari Conference in Tangail, called by the Awami League on February 7–8, 1957, Bhashani denounced and bade his famous ‘goodbye’ to Pakistani domination over East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.

On July 25, 1957, he formed the National Awami Party and was elected its president.

Born on December 12, 1880, to Haji Sharafat Ali and Mosammat Mojiron Bibi in Sirajganj of erstwhile East Bengal, Bhashani died on November 17, 1976 in Dhaka.

Bhashani was laid to rest at Santosh in Tangail where he spent the last few years of his life and established ‘Santosh Islamic University’ in 1974.

A central delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party will place wreaths at Bhashani’s mazar at Santosh, offer prayers and arrange a prayer session and discussion there today.

Bhashani Onusari Parishad, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani Parishad, Ganosamhati Andolan and Rastra Sanskar Andolan leaders will place wreaths at the leader’s grave at 10 am today.