Today is the 40th death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani, a legendary politician and dreamer of independent Bangladesh.

Marking the day, political parties, including National Awami Party and socio-cultural organisations have taken elaborate programmes, doa and milad mahfils, food distribution, blood donation, painting competition, photography exhibition, spiritual songs and discussions on the life and works of the spirited leader.

Bhashani led the historic Farakka Long March in 1976. He was the founder of the Awami Muslim League, which later became Awami League. He formed the left-leaning political organisation called National Awami Party (NAP).

He also played a vital leading role in the 1969 mass upsurge.

Born in 1880 at Dhangara in Sirajganj, the brave and devoted leader of the common people worked relentlessly and spent almost his entire life for the oppressed masses, which earned him the title “Mazlum Jananeta”, meaning the leader of the downtrodden.

Throughout this life, Bhashani remained a rural-based and an honest politician revered for his selflessness and solidarity with the oppressed. His long political career spanned through the periods of British colonialism, Pakistan and  independent Bangladesh.

Marking the day, President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia issued separate messages paying rich tributes to the memory of the great leader.

Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Bhashani Foundation, Khoda-e-Khedmotgar and other organisations will place wreaths at his grave in Santosh of Tangail in the morning, reports our Tangail correspondent.

The eminent leader passed away on November 17, 1976.