Bhasani’s 43rd death anniversary observed

The 43rd death anniversary of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, a  renowned politician of the subcontinent and a dreamer of Bangladesh’s independence, was observed yesterday with due respect.

Thousands of people, including admires from home and abroad, gathered at his grave at Santosh in Tangail to pay homage to the leader of the oppressed.

Prof Mohammad Alauddin, vice-chancellor of Maulana Bhasani Science and Technology University, along with teachers and students of the institution placed wreaths at Bhasani’s grave at 8:30am.

Later, Bhasani’s family members, leaders and activists of political parties -- including Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, National Awami Party and Krishak Shramik Janata League, different socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions placed wreaths at his grave.

Other programmes on the occasion included doa mahfil, food distribution, painting competition, blood donation, and spiritual songs.

On Saturday, Maulana Bhasani Science and Technology  University organised a seminar on “Role of Maulana Bhasani in Rise of Independent Bangladesh” at the auditorium of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering department.

Born in Dhangara village of Sirajganj in1880, Maulana Bhasani fought against British imperialism and oppression of Pakistani rulers. He led the historic Farakka Long March in 1976. He was the founder of Pakistan Awami Muslim League. He also formed a progressive political organisation called National Awami Party (NAP). Bhasani played a significant role in the 1969 mass upsurge.

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 Jana Neta” (leader of the oppressed).