Kamat Angaria, where Bhasani’s memories are still fresh
Memories of the legendary political leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, who died on this day in 1976, still remain fresh in Kamat Angaria, a remote village in Bhurungamari, Kurigram, located just four kilometres away from the Assam border.
Now known as Bhasanipara, Bhasani built a house in the village in November 1948 to keep in touch with his followers from India's Assam and adjacent areas.
With the help of his beloved follower, Musa Fakir, Bhasani bought 35 bighas of land in this village.
A durbar hall, a place of gathering for villagers, was built in his homestead of about 12 bighas of land.
Bhasani dug a pond next to the durbar hall with the help of his followers as there was a shortage of pure drinking water in the village in those days.
Owing to the erosion of the Brahmaputra River, many families came from Assam and settled at Bhasanipara.
Bhasani's second wife, Hamida Khanam Bhasani, along with her three children Abu Bakkar Khan Bhasani, Anwara Khanam Bhasani, and Manowara Khanam Bhasani started living in this house in 1949.
Bhasani used to visit his Bhurungamari house quite often. The bed and chair he used are kept in their place to this day.
However, much of the place is in ruins, due to the lack of preservation efforts. His durbar hall also remains neglected.
Bhasani's grandson Maniruzzaman Khan Bhasani (46) now lives in this house with his family.
Every day visitors from around the country come to see this house. But with no complex and library around the premises, they cannot learn about Bhasani's philosophy and movement.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Maniruzzaman said he tried his best to preserve his grandfather's beloved residence but it was difficult for him, earning a small income as a farmer.
"I am unable to properly preserve the articles used by my grandfather or to maintain the durbar hall as I cannot afford it," he said.
"Grandfather's devotees and visitors come to the residence every day," he said.
Moksed Ali (72), a local devotee of Bhasani, told The Daily Star that Bhasani had many memories associated with this village. "On the days when Bhasani used to come to this house, thousands of people would gather here from different areas."
Bhasani's family members, devotees, visitors, and locals demanded proper preservation of his durbar hall, pond, and belongings.
They also demanded a complex in the name of Bhasani and a library containing knowledge of his great endeavours.
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