Bhasani`s death anniversary today

Staff Correspondent, DHAKA, Nov 17: The 37th anniversary of death of veteran politician Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani is being observed today (Sunday).

Popularly known as "Majlum Jananeta", the leader of the downtrodden, Moulana Bhasani, passed away on November 17 in 1976.

Bhasani was a popular leader in his fight against imperialism and oppression of Pakistani rulers. He led the historic Farakka March in 1976 to ensure Bangladesh`s just rights over the share of the Ganges River waters.

Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, born in 1880 in Dhangara in Sirajganj, was the son of Haji Sharafat Ali Khan. He gained immense popularity among peasants. He is regarded as the proponent of secular and left-leaning politics in current days Bangladesh.

He was the founder and president of the Pakistan Awami Muslim League which later became Awami League (AL). He also formed a progressive political organization called National Awami Party (NAP).

After Pakistan`s 1965 war with India, Bhasani extended his support to Field Marshal Ayub Khan`s regime for its China-leaning foreign policy; but later he gave the leadership to mass uprising against the regime in 1968-69.

Bhasani played a very significant role in the 1969 movement which eventually led to the collapse of the Ayub regime and the release of Bangabandhu and other co-accused in the so-called Agartala conspiracy case against Pakistan.

To mark the day, different organisations including Bangladesh National Awami Party (NAP Bhasani), Moulana Bhasani University of Science and Technology, Bhasani Foundation and other organisations have chalked out various programmes at Santosh in Tangail.

The programmes included placing of wreaths at Bhasani`s mazar, discussion meeting, art competition and poetry reading session.

President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Begum Khaleda Zia gave separate messages to mark the day paying rich tributes to Moulana Bhasani.

In his message, the President recalled Moulana Bhasani`s life long struggle against the oppression and deprivation and his pioneering role in the country`s independence movement with gratitude.

President believed that the ideals of Moulana Bhasani will inspire the new generation with patriotism. He prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul of the popular politician.

The Prime Minister in her message said Maulana Bhasani had struggled throughout his life for establishing rights of the working class.

risingbd/ASB